Ok. I'm freaking out. My FI and I are paying for our wedding. We mistakenly thought that it would be possible to do everything except the hall for around $10,000 (photos, video, limos, invitations, dj...). But I just saw some of the figures for photography and there's no way we can afford that. What do I do??????? Are there affordable options???? We already booked the Chateau Briand for the reception so that price is locked in. PLEASE HELP!!!!!!
natasha
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
Whatever you do not skimp on the photos and video, when all is said and done you will only have the video and photos to remember your day.
Congrats on choosing CB for your reception, you will have a wonderful wedding there.
$3000 photographer (try VIP...you can get even less)
$1500 video (wild Rose is fantastic and they can work in your budget)
$1000 limos...don't go crazy...just get minimum what you need
$500 invites...this is enough to get something very nice...
$1500 dj...this seems to be average...
that still leaves you with $2500 to get favors...dress (if that isn't factored in) or slurge a little more on a vendor you fall in love with...
good luck and don't worry...it is possible...
march04bride
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
I know you're right about the video and the photos, but what does that leave? We don't want to skimp on the DJ either because we want it to be a great party. I'm so upset right now because I just don't see how this is going to work.
march04bride
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
yabbobay - thank you sooooo much!!!!! the dress isn't an issue because my FI's parents offered to buy it as an engagement gift - they are unbelievably kind! i'm going to look into those vendors you recommended!
avesur
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
Well ... I am spending around 10 thousand and I booked the Westbury Manor, which is also a Scotto Place. But: 1.-We don't like videography, so one expense less. 2.-We are not having limo (since I am not getting married in a church but there and we are having the family pictures prior the wedding) 3.-We are not having especial centerpieces (we are using their candles and flower buds centerpieces) 4.-I got affordable invitations at www.princesbride.com, and my dress is less than $500.Veil in www.glamgal.com, and I am still working on a tiara. 5.-Pictures, I am spending about $3500, that is the second biggest expense, but if pictures are important for you, that is one of those things were you better go for someone that has reputation and knows the place where you are getting married. 6.- DJ, basic package, we don't believe in MC, giveways, smoke, etc: $600. 7.-Last thing, we are having 50 people in our wedding, we are only inviting those truly close to us.
There are a lot of ways to save money, but you have to face and decide what is truly important for you and what you must have .... don't get all what everybody gets just because it is the fashion, at the end IT IS YOUR DAY, AND YOU CELEBRATE THE WAY YOU WANT BECAUSE YOU ARE THE ONE WHO PAYS FOR IT.
Good luck,
Elena
Jen T.
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
Don't want to cause anymore panic - but don't forget flowers!
Definitely shop around for different vendors- ususally you can work out a payment plan with some of them or some will cut out less important options (parents albums, thank you pictures) - You can do favors for less than $500 if you make them yourself.
and don't worry too much - it all seems to work out in the end.
Good luck!
112903
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
Try Queens Bridal they do photogrpahy for a great price we got out pictures and video with them. We know a lot of people who have used them and were satisfied
march04bride
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
Thanks everybody. I will look into those vendors. I guess it will just work out, although at this point I'm not quite sure how it will.
The attachment is the little smiley face figurine underneath it.
p&a91203
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
Ther are tons of ways to cut corners. Bellarino Video's packages start at just $1000 or something like that. Flowers- I highly reccomend Burton's- the best price by far! Limos- You can get 2 for under $1000 and DJ- check out Feel the Vibe Entertainment. They're great and their packages start at just $1000. Good Luck!!
Karen62794
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
You can save a lot of money if you're smart and you do your homework. I agree with the other posts, I suggest not skimping on the photo/video.
Don't just see one DJ, see 3 and see which ones offers the most bang for the buck. Same goes with flowers. Most vendors will go down in price or match another offer you receive. Most vendors may offer a cash discount as well.
Good luck with your search!
LisaAnne
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
Check out sensational sounds D J. With out all the stuff I am paying really cheep. FM me if you want info.
NovemberSue
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
You can do it.Just think of what you would rather pay the most money for.Think what is more important to you and come up with a budget.You will be able to save lots of money if you are careful and shop around.
Sonicstef
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
Before you freak out, decide what is most important to you and spend your money there. Then completely skimp/skip the other ones entirely.
$10K is not a lot of money when it comes to wedding services, so the best thing you can do is realize now that you are going to have to skimp on a lot of these items to realize your goal but it can be done.
Tip #1: Forget the limos entirely.
Tip #2: Dont do favors at all
Tip #3: Have a small or no bridal party to save moneyon gifts, rehearsal dinners, flowers, etc..
Tip #4: As another bride said, I highly recommend you do NOT skimp on photos or video. You will regret it after the fact if you do.
gracejilly
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
I want to start out with again, that I am a lot older than most of you ladies here. On top of that, this is my second wedding. Was married in 1986 and divorced in 1990. Now I am marrying the love of my life, after 13 years of being single.
Having said that, I don't know very many people who looked at their photo albums or videos very often except
within the 1st year of their marriage. Just a point of view from the future.....you have to decide if it is worth the money....Personally, I am looking for someone to take about 50 pictures. Just Ceremony and then family poses in front of the fireplace before the reception. I will then leave the reception pictures up to the table cameras and and family videos etc. Just a different point of view.
farah416
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
Instead of favors that guests take home, why not donate money to a charity? You can donate whatever you are comfortable with and your guests will never know. IBut at least that way it seems like you've done something favorwise...
Good luck.
Also, my friend did her ENTIRE wedding on a $10K budget (of course, that was 5 years ago, but I don't think inflation is that bad). I remember one of corner cutting techniques was to close the open bar an hour before the reception ended. They saved a bunch of money that way and didn't have to worry as much about his friends drinking and driving (a common occurance, unfortunately).
Also, she saved a lot of money on centerpieces. There are many creative, really nice centerpieces that you can make at home ahead of time (usually involving candles). Keep your eyes open. In addition you can keep bouquets relatively inexpensive by holding a smaller grouping of 1 flower rather than a big bouquet (Monica on Friends had her BMs carrying half a dozen callas and it looked really pretty - of course, callas aren't cheap) You could do tulips which are in season then, I think!
The Original 2nd-time-around
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Re: I'm freaking out!!!
I have to agree with gracejilly. I also was married once before, and videos RARELY get watched. Maybe you can hire a photographer, and have a friend or family member video the wedding. You can get ideas for favors, and then make them yourself. Instead of spending lots of $$ for floral centerpieces, you can use a large glass bowl and put floating candles in it.
There are many ways to cut corners, 'm sure you'll be just fine
