Advice for a really tight budget

I would literally cut anything else except photographer. Go without a DJ and decorator and find a photographer instead.

Maybe you can cut down some items with the decorator to save you some money.

Perhaps shave off an hour or so with the DJ if that will help cut the cost.

You can have a cake and punch reception so there is minimal food, drink, and plates to buy. It's probably not what you had in mind but your guests should be supportive and understanding.

Is there anywhere you could work even part time in the interim? Fast food, catering, retail?

Hopefully your ceremony isn't too close to meal-time - if not, you could very easily do just cake, small appetizers and iced tea/ lemonade. Most grocery stores will put together cheese and cracker trays or small sandwich platters for a very reasonable price and those are perfectly fine for a meal. People may expect something fancier - but if that's not what you can afford then dont' let them dictate your finances and DON'T go into any debt to meet other peoples expectations.

I am really sorry to hear that you lost your job, I would recommend you only have the essentials. I agree with Allie that you should cut the decorator. Pinterest has lots of inspiration and diy. I think a photographer is important try finding someone who is an up and coming photographer that can save you some money. Think about the food options too I am having a taco guy my family uses at events come for the food he charges roughly $13 per person so it’s going to end up costing around $2,500. You can also think of maybe cooking the food yourself, but when you hire someone they know how much food to buy based on how many people you are having. Hope this helps.

View Quoted Comment I've been applying nonstop. It's discouraging to see the "moved on to the next applicant" emails. Our wedding is on a Wednesday at 10am so it's more so a brunch wedding. I was also thinking platters. Wasn't sure if that was enough to last from 12:30-4pm.

View Quoted Comment The decorator is flat rate & the deposit is non refundable. Maybe cutting time from the dj makes more sense thank you.

View Quoted Comment This does help a lot. I'm having a brunch wedding so the ceremony Is at 10am. What do you suggest I provide for food? Reception would be like at 11:30am. Thank you so much.

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I'm so sorry, that's incredibly frustrating. Good luck in your search!

I think egg casserole, assorted bagels/donuts, fruit, and juice/coffee/tea would be perfect for that time frame and should be super affordable. Don't be afraid to check out local grocery store catering vs. restaurant or catering companies as they are usually way cheaper. And, they often come with nice disposable plates/silverware/cups.

I don't know if people will stick around until the end at 4pm, but with music and food, you should be set for a couple hours at least!

I got my plates, napkins and cups off off Amazon, but if you have a dollar store near by, they have some really nice stuff, and most of my decorations are coming from there. For drinks i'd stock up on some things when they go on sale. If you don't have a cake yet, some supermarkets have round and two-tiered cakes that taste great and you can get fast. Some some food trays too

We r going to have pizza at my wedding maybe u could do that for food .... but i would not cut out photographer..... if anything i would get rid of the decorator

Where are you located?

View Quoted Comment In Fairfield, California

View Quoted Comment If only that was an option. ( The deposit is non refundable.

View Quoted Comment Supermarket is a great idea ill check that out. I was thinking almost thrift stores for plates I have 80 guests.

View Quoted Comment Thank you! Thats a great idea.

One thing you could do is sign up for Favor, Uber, UberEats, DoorDash, etc. It's free and easy to apply and you can start making money within a few days!

Even if you can't afford a professional photographer, be sure you have SOMEONE there to take some sort of pictures, you'll want them!

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That could work too if you're planning on glass plates for it. I'm going with paper for mine because we're getting our food from a local chicken place. Dollar Tree and Walmart do sell glass plates for a dollar too

View Quoted Comment I was thinking paper too but I wasnt sure if that was wedding appropriate. I sure dont want to spend $1 for 80 plates that I wont reuse ever again. Disposable everything is really what im going for.

View Quoted Comment I want to try to get a photographer but if all else fails we have a instagram hashtag and filter.

View Quoted Comment Disposable is perfectly fine! The clear plastic is usually nice looking and sturdy! Just make sure if you're on the beach to be very careful not to lose any trash/let it blow into the water. 😊