Budgeting

summerbride20 Posted: Oct 14, 2009 04:01 PM

Budgeting

Anyone else having a hard time budgeting?

I have a very low budget.... and my eye on a very expensive catering hall.

I don't know where else I can cut back to afford it. This is what I have done so far:

-only inviting 60 people or under
-will not be having limos
-not making hotel gift bags
-will not be having a videographer
-not getting personalized items, like napkins or ribbons
-not having a live band
-not having a wedding planner
-not having a rehearsal dinner
-DIY invitations, save-the-dates
-DIY decorations
-Getting cheaper favors
-smaller floral centerpieces, maybe adding candles instead
-not making menus or programs or flip-flop baskets

After all of that, I am still way OVER my budget....
Any other advice on ways to cut back?

halfbaked Posted: Oct 14, 2009 04:21 PM

Re: Budgeting

Maybe forgo favors entirely? Would you consider buying a pre-owned dress? Maybe DIY the flowers, too? Have an I-Pod reception or use a DJ that doesn't typically do weddings or does DJing as a side job? Just be careful with that though because they will need to have the proper insurance to work with your hall. Good luck! I'll try and think of anything else!

Yankees2323 Posted: Oct 14, 2009 05:57 PM

Re: Budgeting

Did my budget so long ago and im wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy over lol so im totally no help lol

some things i did stick to... i had $5,000 for photo video and came out at $4,600 lol

my dress i had $3,000 for and i only spent $1,400

elp6421 Posted: Oct 14, 2009 06:59 PM

Re: Budgeting

Are you flexible with the time of the year you are getting married? Or time or the day ex. afternoon vs. evening. If you already have not check out thenot.com - they have a entire section on budget weddings - and those weddings still look gorgeous!