What things do you feel is not necessary

Placecard or escort card holders ( totally overpriced, and no one ever really wants them)
(See if your hall provides free escort cards)
I didn't do napkins or matchbooks or menus b/c I just didn't care, I did do church programs b/c that was important to us.
we did a donation as a favor, I did do bathroom baskets and while people emptied them out ( weird if you ask me) it wasn't really necessary to put so much in it.

We did do a candy buffet, ( and while it was a big hit and people loved it, looking back I could have skipped it or downsized it a little bit.
It was fun, but could have used the $$ for something else that could have been less work.
We did hotel gift bags b/c we didn't have too many guests, but I would have skipped that too if we had alot.

At the end we were running out of time to get things done and I paid for things I could have made (or researched prices better) The more you can get done yourself the better, and budget for last minute emergencies.

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Posted by princessSDG

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Posted by miamimerger

favors. I think they're a really nice touch, but I can only think of one favor that I've kept (a bottle of wine).

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I was thinking of cutting out favors. I guess you can call the black cake a favor and just get a box to put them in.

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This is what I plan on doing. Put your monogram on them and I think they make a good favor.

I have to disagree on the video, I am so glad that I have one. But I can see the point.

Can you post a list of the things that you are doing? That way we could help give you alternative suggestions. I DIY a ton of things for my wedding and it saved tons of money.

We did not have limos. In our case it was absolutely pointless, as our RH was in our town, and we got married there as well.

As far as a videographer, I barely got one! I THOUGHT I wanted the most simple video ever, and that's what I got and paid for. However about 12 weeks before the wedding I started having second thoughts, and knew I wanted a better video. I just didn't want to lose the $500 deposit, but in retrospect I should have. But I'm SO SO SO happy I got a video at all!! OMG!! The video is the best part!! You get to watch every single moment again from another angle!! It's SO entertaining! You see all your guests having a blast, and so much more that you yourself may have missed. I would recommend getting a dirt cheap videographer over no videographer.

I agree with Kerri on cry packs. Completely unnecessary.

Just so everyone knows, in terms of programs, menus, and even escort cards, these can all be DIY'd. I did the menu's for Kerri's wedding, as well as all her favor tags. Websites like Paperworks Sell the same paper and cardstock that invite makers use, wholesale. A decent printer can print at home. By DIY'ing all or most of your paper goods, you can still have those special touches and save a ton.

Match boxes I really wanted, so I did them.

Escort cards I wanted them done by hand, so I found someone that does it AMAZINGLY well (my invite calligrapher) for cents.

Slipper baskets luckily I have wholesale contacts and got mine wholesale. I also got my favors wholesale (personalized mint tins), so I felt like the slippers were kind of another favor for the ladies

Sooooo much stuff can be done inexpensively ladies. You just have to be resourceful and a bit creative and a bit crafty (for some things). Please feel free to FM me if you have questions about any of these DIY's

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Posted by emeraldlover

I have to disagree on the video, I am so glad that I have one. But I can see the point.

Can you post a list of the things that you are doing? That way we could help give you alternative suggestions. I DIY a ton of things for my wedding and it saved tons of money.

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I like this idea better. I love video and its a must on my list ... and im a budget bride as well.

What are cry packets?
And, is a video necessary? For those who have already been married, do you watch your video? Or DVD?

Thanks girls!!!

Cry packets. Bathroom basket, Personalized Napkins, Programs, Menus, Cheaper Flowers, Less Expensive Limo

These are my suggestions:

-Reduce some of the food being offered(I heard removing one station can bring down the price quite signifincantly).

-Close the bar an hour before the end of the party or serving just beer and wine with a speciality drink.

-Have a smaller bridal party (means less expenses and maybe even no rehearsal dinner).

-Expensive invites (go straight in the garbage). Have a wedding website that details everything and send out simple invites where guests can look to for all the details online instead of having everything printed.

-No engagament parties/rehearsal dinner/showers... added expense for everyone.

-menus, programs, guest books, favors... all are unnecessary..

-an expensive videographer! Just get a cheap one to document the memory...nothing flashy or elaborate.

Hey Ladies,

Yeah, I am also on a tight budget and am eliminating a lot of things, including:

Cocktail hour pasta/carving station (who needs that much food in addition to appetizers.)

DIY Photobooth (we're using a digital camera,buying some cheap props and hanging a cool patterned backdrop) http://2000dollarwedding.com/2009/02/diy-how-to-make-photo-booth.html

Favors - I think our guests would rather we not go broke than get to take home something cheap (we couldnt afford something nice,)

Wedding cake, we might opt for pies or homemade cupcakes instead (we love pie!)

Check out http://2000dollarwedding.com for some more ideas.

Good luck!
Jen

(1) Menus, I agree, not needed. I had them though and they were nice
(2) Sushi bar, not necessary to have. And its so expensive. I thought I wanted it but didn't do it, and didn't miss it.
(3) Specialty drinks, not needed.
(4) Favors are not necessary. I used gorgeous monogrammed matches, about $1 each. And I still love them to this day.
(5) Flower at each place. That was probably the biggest waste of $$ for me.
(6) Definitely do programs but don't spend a fortune. A lot can be done at home by yourself.
(7) Bubbles or whatever, not needed
(8) Bathroom basket, I didn't even once go to the bathroom

Don't skimp on flowers.

Even though they are great, and I am doing most of these, I don't feel they are 'necessary' and are definitely things you can leave out. I'm sure pretty much in line with everyone else is saying:
STDs (can always go GREEN and sent a wedding website STD)

Slipper basket
bathroom basket
Menus / Programs
Cry packs
Bpics
Rehearsal Dinner
Limos
Shuttle service for guests
OOT bags (but very nice to do)
Favors
Post Nuptial Brunch
Choc fountain / candy bar / venetian hour (ppl will be so full... but its a great detail)

Photo booth,but I am getting one anyway
Band - save thousands with a DJ
all the extras with bands/ dj - uplighting, zap shots, truss lighting, lighted booth, throw aways (But all of this creates a different atmosphere)

Albums from photographer - get a hi res DVD and create albums at Mpix or some other site for so much less. OR do it at a later date with your photographer
I'm sure there are many more... but its all about the details and vision you have for your wedding. Like I said, I am doing most of these, but been to so many GREAT weddings with NONE of these.

HTH

Here are some ideas:


-You never know who in your family has some sort of hidden talent...I didn't know that my Uncle used to be a prof photography who did wedding photography until not THAT long ago. Guess what? I'm getting free photography.

-If you don't have any prof photogs in the fam, you can cut out on albums. Get the pics, upload them, and make your own albums online. It'll be cheaper + you'll have money from wedding gifts to put towards it.

-You don't need cry packs, matchbooks, etc. (Not saying they aren't nice, but they won't make or break your wedding)

-Negotiate! If you really want something, say that you're 'considering' it. I've found that this often makes vendors lower the price, because they would rather have your business for a cheaper price than not at all.

-You don't need Epics (Again, for everything I say you don't NEED, I don't mean they aren't nice...I'm doing many of the 'don't needs,' but they are things that will not make or break the wedding)

-Stay within the time frame and food they give you- don't add extras. Everything will be fine as is.

-Look around for invitations. Costco has some beautiful ones for reasonable prices. Or check out DIY from Michaels.

-You don't need limos.

-You don't need cocktail napkins.

-Go with the cake the RH gives you; no need to upgrade it.

-Use fake flowers or do non floral CPs.

-Check out the prices for doing an edible favor. Maybe your bakery will give you a discount.