We're trying so hard to stay within budget so I figured maybe we can help each other by listing how you're 'cutting corners' and staying within your budget.
Here's ours:
-Thinking of doing a bunch of DIY (placecards, tablenumbers etc) -Chose a Friday instead of Saturday because the difference was a lot -We're getting married at the venue so we're thinking maybe not getting limos, we'll see. -Will be using the RH's centerpieces (trees with crystals which will be great with my winter theme) so no cost for florist centerpieces -Been shopping around a lot for photographers/videographers. That's one vendor we both really want to make sure we love!
Happy Planning
dawnbon26
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Re: Cutting corners
My Fh's office Christmas party is always at the sandcastle and I have said to him every year that I love those centerpieces.
Sweetpea1
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Re: Cutting corners
I'm cutting my guest list
pjt212301
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Re: Cutting corners
Our biggest cost cut was in deciding to have a heavy cocktail hour and dessert reception on a Sunday afternoon.
Pretty_In_Pink
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Re: Cutting corners
I choose a not so popular videographer compared to AJ who charges 1k in video. I'm trying really hard to stay within budget. We shall see!
Bride2Be78
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Re: Cutting corners
Posted by Pretty_In_Pink
I choose a not so popular videographer compared to AJ who charges 1k in video. I'm trying really hard to stay within budget. We shall see!
Who are you using? Are they the same style as AJ? This is what we cut out of our budget. We are also cutting back on expensive invitations.
Karrie D
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Re: Cutting corners
I am making my own centerpieces, I went with the house vendors thru my venue. I am getting my cake thru the venue as well. I am buying the crystals for the bouquets and bringing them to the florist.
Skinewyork
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Re: Cutting corners
We are recruiting the help of our friends and family. They are designing our printed materials, providing ceremony music, being our DJ, performing the ceremony, coordinating and throwing the RD, providing the stationary for the printed materials, and possibly even being the videographers. We also got the photographer package where we only receive digital prints, no albums. That saved us a ton of money, and I love making my own albums with high-end websites! We also went with submerged orchids as our centerpieces for budgetary reasons. And lastly, we are doing some minor DIY items like the table number frames (if they come out even remotely like they are in my head!)
linda_art
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Re: Cutting corners
Posted by SweetEmotion
We're trying so hard to stay within budget so I figured maybe we can help each other by listing how you're 'cutting corners' and staying within your budget.
Here's ours:
-Thinking of doing a bunch of DIY (placecards, tablenumbers etc) -Chose a Friday instead of Saturday because the difference was a lot -We're getting married at the venue so we're thinking maybe not getting limos, we'll see. -Will be using the RH's centerpieces (trees with crystals which will be great with my winter theme) so no cost for florist centerpieces -Been shopping around a lot for photographers/videographers. That's one vendor we both really want to make sure we love!
Happy Planning
So I figured I'd quote this and tell you where Im at this stage in the game... DIY place cards and other stationary is def costing money. Im not sure how much we are really saving but I didn't think it would cost as much as it has for DIY stuff. Table numbers- someone gave me the idea to buy the frames and return them right after the wedding. Frames are pricey. Some RH's have something you can put them in but then you're paying money for heavier paper so that they stand up.
Limos we are not getting any so that does save. Tipping adds up before you know it!
crystallite444
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Re: Cutting corners
I've just been comparison shopping like crazy, esp for vendors! For diy I have been collecting Michael's 40% off coupons, and visiting many dollar trees! I also just ordered a ton of cheap stuff from Oriental trading. Keep checking ebay, they have amazing deals on candles. I have scoured sales for my shoes, veil, headpiece, and jewelery. Also check out what people sell on here! For invites we went to minuteman press and spent only $3 an invite for pocket folds.
DIY- cardbox, menus, programs, place cards, ribbon wands, unity candle, hotel accomodations card, table numbers, jewels and stickers and calligraphy on the invitations.
btw loooove Sand castle and those tree centerpieces!
There are photos in my diy album!
Gin-Char 104
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Re: Cutting corners
Posted by crystallite444
I've just been comparison shopping like crazy, esp for vendors! For diy I have been collecting Michael's 40% off coupons, and visiting many dollar trees! I also just ordered a ton of cheap stuff from Oriental trading. Keep checking ebay, they have amazing deals on candles. I have scoured sales for my shoes, veil, headpiece, and jewelery. Also check out what people sell on here! For invites we went to minuteman press and spent only $3 an invite for pocket folds.
DIY- cardbox, menus, programs, place cards, ribbon wands, unity candle, hotel accomodations card, table numbers, jewels and stickers and calligraphy on the invitations.
btw loooove Sand castle and those tree centerpieces!
There are photos in my diy album!
Love your DIY stuff. Where did you get all your material for the ribbon wands?
crystallite444
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Re: Cutting corners
I bought these bags of wooden dowels, 10 in a bag at Michael's for like $3. Then spools of ribbon at michael's. I laid them out on the table, measured them all cut them and tied them in knots on the dowels. Then I put a drop of glue under each knot. I get back on line at michael's a million times to use a coupon on everything unless i get a good cashier!
connied
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Re: Cutting corners
Went to a Sandcastle wedding in Decdember and took home their CP - it consisted of red carnations, pine branches and red candles. It stayed fresh through Christmas!
bowlergyal
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Re: Cutting corners
I shopped around for most vendors. Caught many sales for my shoes, DOJ, BM DOJ.
DIY: Cardbox, Wedding wands, CP's (which are hanging crystal trees & Floating Cylinder candle holders), Personalized hangers, Ceremony decorations, Jumping Broom, Programs, Place cards (photobooth frames), Table numbers, I have a few more to tackle!
mrs2012
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Re: Cutting corners
booked for a friday night, instead of a sat and sticking with a more basic menu having a family member who is a professional wedding photographer do our photos (www.alternateangles.com for anyone interested :) ) buying my dress at a tent sale; spent $300 on it! so proud of this! buying less fancy printed invitations (magnetstreet) NOT getting a carlos bakery wedding cake not having a videographer (may have a freind do this for us instead) talking our dj down without doing fancy lights and extra add ons
tishaboone
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Re: Cutting corners
I am looking to possibly book with Sand Castle, I am going to call and set up appointment with them. I just wanted to know if the tree center pieces are part of the package and not charged extra for them.
That would def save alot of money for budget. We attended a family friends wedding there last year and it was beautiful, the show was taped for 4 weddings in 2010. I didn't feel comfortable asking family friend about certain information, since this is FH friend.
crystallite444
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Re: Cutting corners
I think the trees are around $100 or so they give you a deal but they are not free.
BklynBabe1624
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Re: Cutting corners
I am so diligent in saving anything that I can and spending where its necessary. I research for a living so this was very natural for me to do in my vendors. I asked for recommendations for vendors and that helped with negotiating pricing because we knew the same people.
Things that people will throw out or that I only use once, I either rented or got what I could afford and not over do.
I negotitated as much as possible and most vendors were very accommodating.
I am doing my own centerpieces which saved me well over $600.
