Budget bride

Please don’t feel embarrassed, I’m in a tighter spot with my budget, honestly where do you live? You could always do an outside wedding at the beach local park or a backyard. Or maybe a family member or friends house. Also don’t give up keep looking around at halls and lodges. That’s my advice I hope it helps even a bit.

Https://www.peerspace.com/s/?a=wedding-reception&location=philadelphia--pa--usa&bbox_of_interest=[40.1379919,-75.2802937,39.8670041,-74.9557629]&viewport_bbox=[40.1379919,-75.2802937,39.8670041,-74.9557629]
https://www.phila.gov/services/culture-recreation/rent-a-parks-recreation-venue/

What I did, I google search venues near me. Got quotes and availability. Then whichever ones fit into my budget and my ballpark date, I went and looked at it. Then they gave me a more in depth breakout of what I was spending and what I can take away etc etc. Venues at bridal expos also have discounts as well! Mine did and that’s how I paid $3700 for a full day. Also consider a Sunday or a weekday wedding. They usually are cheaper as well!

I have the same problem 🥺

Definitely check out local parks/gardens & museums. You can also write these off in your taxes as a donation. Here are some other write offs --> https://blog.turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/6-tax-write-offs-for-your-wedding-5133/

You can also look into renting an airbnb or vrbo that allows events and have a backyard wedding. That way you can make all your own rules with catering & alcohol! If you find a place that allows you to bring in your own booze, get it from Costco and negotiate a price with them. When you buy a certain amount of bulk alcohol from Costco, you're able to do that!

Definitely do bbq for your catering! It probably doesn't get easier & cheaper than that. Although, I had a friend do mexican and it was super inexpensive and so much fun! They dressed up the food stations really cute too.

I am on a budget as well. I wanted to spend around 10,000... let's just say we're probably gonna end up spending ****. I found a venue that I thought was a good price (3000 total with 500 refundable deposit, rent the entire building for 8 hours), until I realized they have preferred catering, which made it expensive (catering charges per person, $42 pp for buffet). We were offered to host our wedding at our church but I decided against it. I would ask people you know if you could host at their house, business, church, etc. If not, look for a venue that has an open vendor policy and also includes decorations (if necessary). Outdoor venues are very affordable. On this app, you can look into many venues and contact them about the price.
Also, you will save the most money if you provide the food yourself.

Don't be embarrased! None of us are raking in millions! Just keep posting on the site; the advice here is so helpful. As long as you stay genuine, you will get a lot of great responses and some that will make you think. It all helps in the long run! ❤


Don't forget to check your local parks and recreation department. They will have a listing of places to rent, and there may be more options than just picnic shelters and gazebos. (For instance, my hometown P&R owns a historic chapel that it rents out.) You may find indoor rooms to rent through the city, too. Plus they'll offer a resident discount (or resident-only exclusive rentals) with low deposits, and you can use your own catering. Be mindful that most city rentals (aside from picnic shelters) require that catering comes from a licensed vendor, so homemade food is out. They may also be strict on the bartenders (eg, city-approved list) to ensure no underage drinking.

View Quoted Comment Can you share the Venue? I live in central Florida too and we are looking for a venue. 😁

View Quoted Comment Of course! It’s called The Garden Ballroom in Winter Haven. The owner and her assistant are wonderful! There’s also The Adams Estate which is incredibly incredibly beautiful but requires you to find some separate vendors for certain things, but the manager is great.

View Quoted Comment Thank you! I’m going to check it out!