Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

Original post by tiffandmatt

Jul 07, 2006 12:30 PM

For under 20,000? Maybe not including HM?

We are trying so hard to stay under budget, since are paying for it ourselves, everyone we talk to seem to think that under 20,000 is impossible!

Any tips for saving money here and there? I am already going to try make my own favors. I think the catering hall is what is going to send us over the top. Thanks for any advice.

JandJ1224 Posted: Jul 07, 2006 01:20 PM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

We are looking at like 30K that includes everything, but about 16K of that is reception hall cost. Ways to cut would be flowers, which really add up, and limos.

jantany26 Posted: Jul 07, 2006 01:24 PM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

it definitely can be done.

key is research, research.

Anyone can have their dream wedding for any budget.

I wanted to post these two websites that are very helpful

Maxine's budget wedding page

weddings on a budget

DandS Posted: Jul 07, 2006 01:57 PM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

oops

greenfreak Posted: Jul 07, 2006 02:02 PM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

Count me in too, we spent less than 25k not includng honeymoon:

85 adults on a Sunday afternoon was 7k.
6 rose CP's were included for each table so we upgraded them instead of going with an outside florist. We had 8 adult guest tables, they threw in 2 extra CP's for the dais and the kid table. We also had 2 bouquets at the ceremony but I bought the pots from a nursery rather than use theirs.
We had a non-traditional wedding party with all children so we only had 3 bouquets, 1 nosegay, 4 boutonierres. I don't remember the exact number but it was less than 2k.
Wedding cake was included in our reception price - we didn't upgrade. We don't even like wedding cake. But we bought a roll of satin ribbon from Michael's to add a little flair to it.
My sisters paid for their children's outfits - they were in similar outfits with pastel colors but didn't exactly match. It wasn't important to us to match their outfits.
In laws handled the limos, we only had one stretch and 2 other towncars
I found a personally recommended hair/makeup stylist who did both for $150. at my mother's house
Since the BP was kids, we didn't go nuts on presents. Silver engraved ID bracelets for the boys, silver initial necklaces for the girls. Engraved picture frames for the parents. About $300. all told
Veil, headpiece & ring pillow cost less than $120.00 at Patchogue Floral Fantasyland
My dress was $500. from David's, the underskirt $50. from David's. I saved more money by having the alterations done at Phyllis' shop and buying my bra there too for total of $150.
Shoes weren't a stickler for me so I bought new white leather Keds and laced them with green satin ribbon
My piano player/DJ (Charles Henry - LIW vendor) was less than 2k (1400 if memory serves) for 7 1/2 hours, 2 assistants, and he even coached my niece for her singing part at our ceremony for free.
Besides the reception, we spent the most amount of money on our photographers at Lori Berkowitz Photography. $4050. for 2 photographers for 7 hours with a guarantee of 800 proofs. Nothing else included (like albums, eng shoot etc). We were more concerned about skill, style and capturing every moment than we were about a more inclusive package.
Invites were about 400 (Express Press Printing - LIW vendor)
Officiant was 400 (Reverend Deb - LIW vendor)
DH bought a Hugo Boss suit for 800 that he can use again instead of a tux
2 favors per couple was about $200.
We did DIY menus, wish bowl, photo frames with old family pictures, other little touches cost about $150.
Hair/makeup trial and buying makeup for the day of was about $200.
We had some dough left over in our budget so bought each other jewelry as wedding presents - about $2500. total. We also bought extra parent presents - show tickets, dinner, wine subscription. That's about $500.
Thank-you's for shower and wedding we got at Papyrus in Roosevelt Field for about $100.
We'll wind up spending a couple hundred on the photo albums for parents, we're doing them ourselves.

I think I got everything. If you want any info besides this whatsoever, shoot me an FM. I would be more than happy to help.

kittythestray Posted: Jul 07, 2006 02:05 PM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

I did!! I don't realy feel I 'missed out' on any one particular thing and we splurged on quite a few things, BUT I TOTALLY 100% agree with some of the other posters, I only plan on 95 guests + 9 vendors if we had large families I think it would be more difficult, but still do-able! Good luck!!

greenfreak Posted: Jul 07, 2006 02:06 PM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

And DON'T forget about the Past Brides Yard Sale:

Past Brides Yard Sale Thread

I got my cardbox from a LIW bride and resold it to another LIW bride just a week ago. There's tons of other things on there (including a bunch of stuff I still have... hint hint )

October Bliss Posted: Jul 07, 2006 02:28 PM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

I set myself a budget a little higher than 20K - but FH and I have stuck to it like glue. Things I would change if my budget was lower:

Videographer - the one FH chose is on the higher end of the pricing scale. I absolutely would have chosen someone less expensive (we actually argued about the two choices - mine and his).

Invitations - FH fell in love with a very expensive invite. We were able to get a good price, but it was still more than we set aside for invites (although we spent less for our DJ then we budgeted so it balanced). I would have absolutely insisted we stick to our price or gone the DIY route.

Guest List - This is the single biggest cost saving mechanism available. Get a low minimum guarantee from the hall, and don't invite kids or single people with a guest. Who to invite was the biggest fight between me and FH. He wanted to include kids (people under the age of 18) - I didn't. If our budget was lower I absolutely would not cave on this. (although some people got B-listed or left off altogether so he could invite kids, and of course since he insisted, I have now included two on my side b/c it wasn't fair to leave them off). He also wanted to invite every single person with a guest. I told him he had to made a choice. He caved on the 'and guest' thing. So now we have kids, but all completely single people are invited without guests. With a lower budget you can bet there would be no kids either.

Transportation - we have to have some way to get to/from ceremony to reception. I booked simple white stretch limos - no Escalade's no Hummers etc.

Ceremony - we were planning on having our ceremony at the hall. We are now having it at a private residence. (I considered a public park for a while). We have to rent chairs, but the cost of those is far less than the fee the hall charges.

Flowers - I picked rather expensive flowers for all the bo-ks -> calla lilies. I definitely would have gone with something less expensive. I also would have gone with candle CPs with scattered rose petals, instead of floral CPs.

These are just some of the things I can think of off the top of my head as areas/ways to keep costs down.

MrsH1156 Posted: Jul 07, 2006 02:53 PM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

I actually thought we were way above $20K with ours but when we sat down this week to look at our budget, I realized we're going to come in at about $18K. We are having only about 100 ppl, Sunday daytime wedding in November. We are doing a favor donation plus something small for guests. Our HM and my dress were gifts from our parents so I'm not including those in my final total. As far as $$ saving tips, I shop around and compare prices on EVERYTHING and never make an impulse purchase. If I really want something, I'll call my MOH or my FH and talk to them about it because it would be in my nature to just buy, buy, buy. As expensive as weddings are, it IS possible to have a beautiful wedding under $20K.

tiffandmatt Posted: Jul 07, 2006 03:29 PM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

Thank you for all these tips. I feel much more confident now about sticking to our budget.

LFitzy79 Posted: Jul 07, 2006 03:37 PM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

my sister saved huge with the florist because instead of having floral arrangement as her CP's, she had candles, the hall had the hurricane lamps, and she just had to supply the candles to go inside them....

ask your catering hall what they can supply for you....a lot of time they have things like votives, or hurricane lamps....if your having a wedding during a specific season, like winter, a lot of catering halls will have poinsettas they can put on the table for you...things like that....always ask, it can't hurt...

in fact...we ran out of time with her wedding, and we never did a card box.....she just bought a little purse....her banquet manager asked me about it at the beginning of the reception, and then he went and got a mailbox style card box that another couple had left behind.....

Naunie Posted: Jul 07, 2006 04:21 PM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

I am not under 20K, but I have a few money saving tips that worked for me.

1- flowers- I am getting all my BoKs through Stop and Shop in South Setauket- they deliver and everything. SUPER cheap. PLUS, I am doing 1 single potted orchid as my CP, and S&S quoted me $30 each. I may be able to get them on line fro approx. $10 each
2- Invitations- I got mine at
www.costco.com
approx. $260 for 150 invites, RSVPs with enevlopes w/ printed address, Reception cards, inner and outer envelopes...
DJ- no frills package- $650
3- Honeymoon- LUCKILY my parents are donating time share time. So we are paying only for airfare and everything else. Otherwise, we would have gone backt o Costa Rica. You can get all inclusive packages for 1 week, including airfare, all alcohol, and food, for approx. $1800 p/p.

My guest list is what will keep us high. And maybe the size of the BP, 14 in total. Otherwise, we could have gotten a smaller limo.

I hope this helps, it's great to have an official 'Money Saving tricks' thread.

MrsD06 Posted: Jul 07, 2006 04:49 PM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

I would say overall don't forget to shop around and negotiate. We got an amazing price on our hall and I did a lot of research (on this site) to find the best vendors for the least amount of money. We could have saved more if we needed to, I'm sure.

jtgarsik Posted: Jul 08, 2006 12:53 AM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

My FSIL had the most beautiful wedding and paid just around there... she has a saturday afternoon wedding at John Anthony's on the Water (which I understand has a new name) and had 'the wedding of her dreams'.... you just have to really do your research & get creative! Dont stress! everything will be georgous!

jtgarsik Posted: Jul 08, 2006 12:56 AM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

also.... i googled EVERYTHING to save money. I'm using an awesome florist who is out of her home (u save HUGE because there's no overhead (if u want more info. just FM me)... I found a dress store that beats and matches prices, got a GREAT deal on a photographer....always look for referrals and people you know...... ask other brides & POST ON THIS SITE!!! i found so many things thanks to other brides on this board!!!!

alioop4282 Posted: Jul 08, 2006 07:35 AM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

I think mine may cost around there.

80 people at $125 a person [with tax and gratuity]=$10,000 [don't have final headcount yet, may be a few more people]

Florist=$1500
Photographer=$3,000
Dress=$3,000
DJ=$1400
Officiant=$500

Plus hair and makeup, favors, and all the smaller things..
We are not using limos.

I'm very happy with all my choices and have not spent a fortune!

mbm750 Posted: Jul 08, 2006 06:36 PM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

I'm not w/in that budget, but my hall can be - I know they were very reasonable for non-summer months and non-Saturday nights. They also include centerpieces, and have two menus to choose from - one's less expensive. I highly recommend checking them out.

jtgarsik Posted: Jul 09, 2006 12:28 AM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

another tip: My FSIL had her centerpieces double as favors....she used several different shaped glass vases (small ones....i wanna say she got them from the dollar store!)...she filled them 1/2 way with turquois blue water (spring/summer theme here) & then had bright yellow tulips in each. It was very creative & such a nice touch to her theme. I still have my vase on my bedroom dresser! AND IT COST HER NOTHING!

BKtoLI Posted: Jul 09, 2006 01:53 AM

Re: Who has been able to plan their dream wedding

I just looked and realized we actually spent a hell of a lot less than I initially thought on our wedding.

I thought we were close to 30K but in actuality it was closer to 20K and mind you we had some extras.

Here's what 20K covered for us:

Hall (75 people on a Sunday night in April)
Photographer
Limo
DJ (added the ceremony music)
Florist (added extras)
officiant
hair & makeup
gown (after tax & alterations)
tux
Honeymoon (all inclusive for 8 days)
__________
20,090.00 total

Granted all of the small stuff put it a little over 20K like invites, favors, accessories and the like, but it just goes to show it can be done.

I saved probably hundreds going the budget route and doing a lot of projects myself (card box, programs, monograms, favors, etc.) and I did a lot of shopping on Ebay. You would be very surprised at the bargains you can find if you just take the time to do some research.