Can't afford a wedding :(

Have you considered a wedding at home? In a friend or family's backyard?

I make very little money and FH is not working. We are getting married in our backyard and having a BBQ this has cut down cost's immensely. Also think about eliminating the children from the guest list I have heard this is a big money saver

My best advice to you is to take your ceremony down to intimate, immediate family only and wait to have the big party. The important thing is the ceremony and getting married to your FH, not the party afterwards.

Have you considered just having cake and punch in the church's fellowship hall after the ceremony?

Everything is still doable. You may have to include some DIY projects and some serious price comparisons. The women on here are extremely good at knowing where to save money. You have more than two years.

I would either look at doing an afternoon ceremony and just serve light refreshments

or

cut your guest list to immediate family - parents, grandparents etc. and have a nice lunch.

You can do it! We have 150 guests (no kids) with an open bar, and our budget is only $5000. Remember, all the tiny details that you think are important just aren't important to anyone but you. People remember the music, the food, and how long they had to sit through the ceremony. No one should care that you skip doing wedding favors or used postcards from Office Depot for the invitations (like me!).

You have a large family, so I'm guessing that you guys get together every so often, like at reunions? Well why don't you two have your wedding at a reunion?

I went to a wedding, where the couple got married in a park and used the picnic areas table and chairs as seats for guests. They had a few large strips of organza fabric as decoration. Then had their reception at their house. They set up a few of those small little picnic tents with some card tables, had some kegs, that guests just pumps themselves, and just had a pot lock in the back yard. Very simple, but it worked for their very small budget. So it is defiantly doable. But i can understand if your like me, that that is not the kind of wedding i have envisioned. Hope you can figure it out.

I am amazed at what people are able to pull off with limited budgets. You've come to the right place for advice.

I see you are in Boston, what is your budget right now, that you and your FH can afford without help? I'm pretty good with the Boston area.

Has the EMT of the couple thought to go to school for their paramedics license, the bump in pay definetly makes up the cost of the schooling.

If I were you I would make a list of things you absolutely want and things that you can't live without and start there. If you can live without having food served and do a cake/punch reception as Hayley suggested, that's a good place to start. Food and drinks are what cost the most. Once you have the list, then you can start pricing things from there. Get the total cost and divide by the amount of paychecks you have between now and then. Trust me, you still have plenty of time!

Definitly consider DIY's as far as decorations go. Hit up every sale after the holidays, or just buy a little something with each paycheck. It adds up quick! For instance, this week I found a major score at Dollar Tree... long stemmed tea light holders for $1.00 each, and they come in 3 different heights. You can get 16 tealight candles for $1.00 as well. So if you just kept it simple, you have a centerpiece for just over $4.00 (including tax)!

@Sami B. Medic school is 6,000 to 8,000 Our budget is 8,000 at the highest!

@ Shileta C. We don't have reunions, but we do see each other often, just not formally.

I really want to stay away from "backyard" weddings. It's just something I really don't want. I know they can be beautiful, but no one we know has a decent size or remotely nice backyard. I am not being picky with invites or type of flower.. I've already sacrificed so many of my "wants" and what I had always dreamed my wedding would be like. I really want my dress to be beautiful and not generic looking, good food, and good entertainment. I am not picky about anything else at all.. believe me.. Those who are invited who are not family as just as close to me as any family member. I can't envision my day without them :/

We already aren't doing guest favors, and willing to make our own invitations/vista print or something of the sort

Does anyone have suggestions for vendors in MA? especially venue, food, and DJ...

Have you considered an adult only wedding to further cut down your guest list?

I would consider a resteraunt that has a sound system and dance floor already in place. This would save you on the cost of linens, tables, chairs, dishware etc. and they would most likely charge similiar prices to their menu. I was in a wedding where the couple opted for a nice looking Elks lodge, they got plated dinners for their guests for under $20 a person, they did do cash bar though.

8000 is your budget?! Thats totally doable. Look i think we ALL had plans of what we want... my hubby lost his job and we'll figure it all out. You can stil do elegant-y weddings and small locations. I get the large fam too, ours is the same way. however, i got about 70 ppl that i am inviting, BECAUSE i chose a small venue. Look for a gorgeous barn, or vineyard. park, lakefront, etc... again to have the entertainment and food, you need to spend money but its STILL doable... You have time... it will be fine

You can totally make it work! You have plenty of time! Look at local parks. They usually have pavillions and the rentals are cheap!

Keep it adult only.

Find people you know that do things. Do you know someone who is a part time photographer? Hair person? Make-up person?

Look for venues that will allow you to bring your own alcohol and caterers... There are so many more than you think!!!

You have plenty of time. Dont stress. Work on finding a venue and then the rest you can work on.

Look at 2000 Wedding Blog for some $ spending advice. Maybe look at bed and breakfasts that will give you a kick back for filling it up with family....

Definitely do adult only reception though. it saves so much $!

Cut your guest list. No one is close friends with 150 people.