Feeling Discouraged $$

Sorry, Oct 2018 or 2019?

Also, for the venue, did that include catering/bar?

For decorating, you can find some AMAZING things on Etsy & Amazon that are well-priced and surprisingly beautiful! I also very much like wholesaleflowersandsupplies.com. I got our low centerpiece vases from them, and they are stunning.

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I edited the post to reflect 2019 , my bad thank you ! Perfect I will look into that. For the venue that includes tables, chairs, the ceremony and reception space as well. Do you think that is over priced because I'm finding thats about relative to everything in the area give or take. (4500)

It is going to depend on the area you are in--- but it sounds doable Where ya located at. Are you wanting real flowers at the wedding? Catering is normally right up there with venue cost for food. If you are running numbers and don't think you will have enough maybe either cut the guest list or push back the wedding to give you more time to save for it.

I don't think it's overpriced, but keep in mind that catering/bar is supposed to be about 60% of your total budget. That said, obviously the venue contract has been signed, so if you're able to bring in your own caterer, I'd suggest what I've seen a lot of people on here saying - Italian & BBQ are the most economic options. Also, my mom had some AMAZING Mexican food at hers that was relatively inexpensive, so that may be an option as well. If you're also able to BYOB, you can probably get away with maybe $25-$30 pp, which would leave you with a good amount for decorations.

Either way, it sounds like you have a TON of time to save up! I wouldn't sweat it too much right now

Hope this helps!

Why are you not including photography in that budget?

$4,500 takes up a big chunk of a 10-12k budget without including any food. Do you have a picture of the venue? You may not need many decorations as those will just add on extra costs.

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Perfect thank you so much

I've started an excel sheet with my catering quotes right now we are between **** for that ... everything is BYOB which is fine i'll just go to costco for that. ill look into italian i would love that

Your venue is too expensive for your budget. Food and drink will cost a few thousand. Then you still need to pay for flowers, tips, bridal party gifts, hair and makeup if you are having it, decor, DJ. The list goes on and on.

Forget about the draping. That alone will could be a few thousand depending on the extent of draping.

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I have a friend taking care of that for me already. the ceremony area has draping and chandeliers already so that wont require much at all

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Draping and uplights 1800 for the whole space - the remainder are in the hundreds . I know a DJ as well already

You're going to have to get thrifty and crafty. Compare prices and sales. Watch out for fliers. Especially for Christmas in July, Amazon Prime Day, and Black Friday. Look into secondhand and consignment shops. Flea markets. Flea market and secondhand phone apps like LetGo, OfferUp, eBay, and local Facebook flea market groups.

I would stick with a guest list of 75 people max. The less people you have the less you will spend overall. What does your venue include? See if they have any pictures from previous weddings to give you an idea of what you can do in that space.

You can do this!

View Quoted Comment That venue is too expensive for your budget not to include anything else. We had the same budget for 60 guests (everything included on the budget). Our venue was inclusive (food, alcohol, cake, flowers for $5300. If your budget doesn’t include photography, attire, linens or invites how are you going to pay for those?

10k-12k for 75-100 guests when your venue (not including food or bar) took up $4500? I think that's going to be difficult. I think your going to have to cut your guest list closer to 50-60 to meet your budget.

Okay - we are pulling of a smaller affair for less money so here is what I have to offer: Do not have a bridal party. Look up "bridesmaid drama" for further evidence. You could each have one attendant if it means a lot to you. Lots of $$$, lots of drama. Another biggie (and you are going to hear this a lot as it is the truth!) you need to cut your guest list. Have your VIP's on deck but your guest list should not be done until summer 2019. It will be hard but hard choices have to be made with your budget.

Per decorating: Easy does it. Decor is big but please don't bend yourself in a knot over draping and centerpieces. As a veteran of many many weddings, the things most people remember are good food, drink, and a comfy chair. Draping will not make or break your reception.

Skip favors, menus, programs, anything that Pinterest thinks you need to have (cause you don't)

Look into Ann's Bridal Bargains, Minted or Zazzle for invites.

Look into a buffet for dinner - it will save a lot. Are you planning on a dance? With your budget you make have to pass on that, DJ's are expensive and bands are even more. Serve beer and wine aat minimum. Please don't have a dry wedding or a cash bar.

Skip Save the Dates - it is inviting people twice and locks you into inviting people plus postage adds up. Your VIP's will know the date.

Good luck!!

You can definitely work with that budget, you just need to get the best deal possible. My wedding will be about $15,000, so I get it.

It's lovely that your mom is paying for your dress! That will take a chunk out, but prepare for alterations. I hope you fit really well and only need minor things done!

Since you have your venue, if it doesn't include catering, go with Italian or BBQ because they are the cheapest and still taste great. Buffets are nice and easy.

Dig through clearance racks even when you're not looking for anything specific, you never know what you'll find. I highly recommend craft store clearance. Also, check out bridal resale websites and Facebook pages for pretty decor and flowers.

Keep it simple. Don't go crazy on centerpieces and decor. A simple candle and holder make for a romantic centerpiece. Leave chairs plain. Don't waste money on programs or fancy wedding planning books (I'm not knocking them, but they aren't needed either. You have us!). Favors are not a must, but look at deals if you choose to do them.

Don't skimp on photography. In fact, make that your next vendor. They are usually one of the higher costs, but they are well worth it.

DIY, but really compare pricing before you start. Artificial or paper flowers are a huge money saver, but making signs isn't always budget friendly. Craft store coupons are your best friend.

I hope this helps a little!

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$4500 for your venue AND your food and drink is a great deal, but if you still need to book catering and bar separately, you may find you don't have much left for the officiant, DJ, florist, cake, rings, accessories, decor. Add in your dress, tux, photography and honeymoon independent of that budget, and you might find yourself spending closer to $20k overall, to be honest.

Depending on your area, cost of living, catering costs etc. $10-12K is definitely doable, but not with a $4500 venue rental eating up nearly half of that budget already. This far in advance, I think it's worth considering other venue options, whether that means considering other times or days of the week at your current venue, or losing your deposit at the current venue and moving on altogether.

View Quoted Comment Ooh that’s a good idea . I don’t mind being crafty by any means - my mother is actually vision impaired hence our date choice . So I think if anything that will be something she and I can do together to enjoy the time we have ! I’ll definitely look into those thank you !

View Quoted Comment I had responded to someone above I have family friends that are taking care of those things . But I didn’t say linens weren’t included . I did find a website to rent those from though and it was roughly 200 for my linens

View Quoted Comment Perfect thank you!!

Just for clarity - we have a DJ And photographer in the family . I won’t be doing favors - dinner is buffet style with cocktail hour servers and bartender included and right now our low and highs of quotes are **** . Including set up and table ware .

View Quoted Comment This helped a ton, thank you so much!!