Costs

I think everyone feels that way Erica.

View Quoted Comment I think so too Alyssa!

The best way to do that is to have a low guest count.

View Quoted Comment 50-60 people I’d be surprised if we choose to have 100. but 100 people is the absolute cap off! Shooting for 60 or 70 for cap off really! I want a nice beautiful wedding but not a lot of people are needed really! I just want to be a queen for a day and marry my King! That’s what matters I think! My cost I’m hoping for a low cost for everything no more then 8000.00. I’ve already got some stuff so I’ve got my dress and some other stuff that goes with that.

Our original number was 50 and it grew over time to 76 invites. We ended up with 59 guests.
Our total all in was almost 3x your budget. Of course it’s on the high end because we live on the coast in the North East. Once you start adding things together with today’s prices, the numbers balloon quickly.
We cuts costs where possible..one Best Man and Woman instead of large wedding parties, minimal flowers, no favors or videographer. The venue, food and drinks were top notch. Happy planning.

View Quoted Comment We may have a bridesmaid and best man that’s it, and we are definitely catering. I’ve got the venue thank goodness for family, it’s free of charge! I’ve already got my dress, undergarments, shoes, vail, bouquet, basket for rose petals, pillow for rings and the memory book. I just really need a DJ, photographer, and cake which I’m not spending a lot on. I still have to pick my music and my fiancé has to get his suit and tailored! Marriage License and minor details. Hair, nails, and makeup so thank goodness I’ve got some time!

God, yes. The wedding industry is a sham at this point. (Sorry not sorry to anyone in the wedding industry who disagrees)

Yes, on the app showed $20,000
Now I’m under $12,000
The most I spend is my venue. Dj $500Photographer $500Videographer $500, and more still to count

Yes, I am saving a lot

The least expensive option is to go to the local courthouse with 1-2 legal witnesses as required by your state and take them out to dinner afterwards. That’s a full wedding in itself that costs almost nothing.


The next level up is having the ceremony and reception at your house of worship or a local community center that is rented through the parks department and serving cake from the local independent grocery store, along with coffee and lemonade.
The next step up is to get drop off catering from your favorite local ethnic restaurant and serve for lunch or dinner at the house of worship or community center.
Alcohol is never required. You don’t need to announce ahead of time that you are or are not serving it. But don’t ask guests to subsidize costs. Also, depending on the crowd, beer/wine only doesn’t save money because some people don’t touch it.
Real flowers are more economical and eco friendly than faux. You can find deep discounts on fresh flowers at FiftyFlowers.com, Costco, the local grocery store florist. Also major cities have a wholesale district open to the public that sell fresh flowers.
Be aware that DIY doesn’t save money because you have to factor in your time, labor and sanity at minimum wage per hour in addition to cost of supplies. This includes all stages from craft assembly, transportation, setup, tear down, cleaning, etc. Things that are sold cheap in bulk online are only economical if you regularly host parties for 50-100+ guests to reuse the products or you plan to donate everything to your house of worship. Rental companies are actually much cheaper in the long run. This is another reason why blank slate venues such as a local community center through the parks department is cheaper in the long run than an expensive all inclusive that as a whole don’t allow customization and they require 5-6 figure food/beverage minimums that you are not allowed to sample before you sign the contract.
Before you do anything, sit down with fiancé and figure out the top 3-5 areas to focus your budget and attention on. Completely cut out the rest. Most couples focus on the guest experience (great food, free drinks, great dj) and great photos for their memories. Decide on your ride or die guest list. Use that number to look for venues because save the dates will be sent as soon as you book the venue at 6-12 months before the wedding. Always prepare for 100% attendance.
Keep bridesmaids and groomsmen to a minimum. They add up when you are paying for thank you gifts. Only ask people in your current innermost supportive social circle. Do not ask siblings/in laws/old acquaintances you have no relationship with.
There is a recent trend for the couple to cover all guest/attendant costs. Most of this is unnecessary because guests are responsible for their own transportation and lodging and attendants are responsible for their own expenses.
Instead of paper save the dates, utilize phone calls and word of mouth. That is what past generations did with zero issues and no one had any difficulty getting the correct information. Hand deliver invitations to those who are local. Get full set invitations at annsbridalbargains.com
Skip the Instagram trends of proposal boxes. Just talk to your friends how you do everyday and take them out for coffee if they are local.
As far as the guest list, only invite people you cannot imagine the day without. Do not invite anyone you don’t have a relationship with just to please other people. Parents already got married. Do not have a B list because people know they are your 2nd or 5th choice of seat fillers. Significant others are required to be invited by name whether you have met them or not, and it doesn’t matter if you don’t think they are an established couple at 4 months together without a ring. Plus ones are random strangers invited to entertain unattached single guests and no one will be inconvenienced if you skip these for space or budget issues.

I know what you mean.. I feel the same way..

View Quoted Comment Me too! I am feeling the same way