Skip to main content

Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

M
Just Said Yes June 2009

Is a $5000 wedding possible in Northern Virginia? Or should we go with Destination Wedding?

Monika, on April 9, 2008 at 2:29 PM Posted in Planning 0 27

My fiancé and I recently got engaged and just starting to brainstorm about wedding ideas. We live in Northern Virginia area and hoping to spend around $5000 in our wedding ceremony and reception. Is that possible in this area? We were also thinking about a Destination wedding in Hawaii will that be cheaper (as we are thinking about going to Hawaii for Honeymoon anyways)?

We don't really want a big wedding, something that is small but yet elegant, around 50 people. I am looking at hotels that have wedding packages that might fall within our budget? any recommendations or thoughts?

Thank you very much for the help!

27 Comments

Latest activity by 2d Bride, on November 19, 2010 at 3:55 AM
  • Christina
    Expert July 2007
    Christina ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Its probably possible with that many guests, I'd maybe consider looking into restuarants in the area rather than hotels. Lightfoot in Leesburg, VA is a very nice place always has events there. Have you considered maybe doing it in your own home, or someone elses? That can potentially save you money as well.

    • Reply
  • MsSunshine
    Dedicated October 2012
    MsSunshine ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    You should look into having it at a restaurant. I think that would be cheaper because you won't have to worry about renting linens, extra chairs, dinnerware, and catering. As for DW it can be expensive depending where you want to have it and the time of the year.

    Check into wedding packages...I know in Cancun has free wedding packages if you stay there longer, upgrade your room, or have at least have some guests staying in a standard room for 4 days. I was looking into Dreams Resorts and they have good packages. Its great for families with kids too. You may want to check what the marriage requirement are wherever you go. Some places require a shorter or longer stay. Definitely go with a Travel agency because they may be able to help you get a discount. Unfortunately, I can't have a DW because non of my guests can't afford it. Hope this helps and good luck!

    • Reply
  • Aiyi'nah Ford
    Aiyi'nah Ford ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Of course it is possible! The most common mistake that people make as it relates to their budget is having toooo many people and not enough money. Your budget is more than enough to support the amount of guest and if you have the correct amount of assistance you should not have to sacrifice your ultimate vision.

    • Reply
  • Chaya Stevenson
    Chaya Stevenson ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    This is definitly possible! I am a certified wedding planner in the Northern Virginia area. I specialize in working with couples with a limited budget, and making their dreams come true! Feel free to visit my website at www.eventsofstyleandclass.com or email me at *************@***.***. I look forward to talking to you.

    • Reply
  • S
    Just Said Yes April 2009
    Shavonne ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    You should check out Top of the Town in Rosslyn, VA. Their max is 180 people. Nice location, convenient for travelers, and AMAZING views of the whole DC skyline. Depending on the time of year you do want to get married, you'll should fall in budget.

    • Reply
  • Andrea Wright
    Andrea Wright ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Hi & Congrats!

    Creative Concepts and Advancement caters to every budget. Our motto is that it doesn't have to cost a fortune to have an amazing event, we just make it look like it does! We just coordinated two weddings in the last two months that had the same budget as you. As a professional, part of my job is to leaverage vendors to ensure you get more bang for your buck! I'd love to talk to you about your big day to see if we can help. If you're interested, let me know. Either way, I'm sure you'll have a beautiful day!

    • Reply
  • Simone Willis
    Simone Willis ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    It's possible, but will be challenging. Most of the budget is spent on catering & venue. So, a hotel would not be an option and consider heavy hor' deurves instead of a meal and of course no alcohol. I suggest using a planner that can guide you in the right direction and find ways to save you money.

    BlancaVon

    Wedding & Event Planning Services

    www.blancavon.com

    ******@*********.***

    • Reply
  • A
    Devoted September 2010
    Ashley ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    The resort that im staying at for my honeymoon in Maui does offer destination wedding packages. Its the Sheraton Maui Resort. A wedding in Hawaii at sunset.. how beautiful would that be?!

    • Reply
  • F
    Beginner May 2011
    FutureMrsPhelps ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    I am from Fairfax and I had the same concern, I have a decent budget and I was concerned that I would not be able to have what I wanted in this area. I looked at a few places that were beachy but ULTRA expensive, but exactly what I wanted. When I was making the decision between DW and staying local I took into account who I needed there, the cost differences after comparing a few locations, and what you are willing to bend on. I am beachy person as it is, which is why FI and I decided to go the DW route. Good luck making your choice. In the end its all about what you and FH want.

    • Reply
  • Starsteph84
    Super November 2010
    Starsteph84 ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    With only 50 people, that may actually be possible!

    • Reply
  • The O-fficial MrsJoseph!
    Master September 2010
    The O-fficial MrsJoseph! ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Yeah, 50 ppl make it possible. Not too much more than that, though

    • Reply
  • Officially His Mrs P.
    Master October 2010
    Officially His Mrs P. ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    YES YOU CAN!!!

    • Reply
  • Dana Franklin
    Dana Franklin ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Monika,

    If a destination wedding is something you are considering I would be happy to meet with you and share some great options. Typically the wedding costs are much less if you do a DW - especially if you choose a location with an All-Inclusive Resort. I have lots of information I would be delighted to share with you! Also, if you need assistance with your honeymoon, I can help with that too! My services are complimentary!

    • Reply
  • Michaela
    Devoted May 2011
    Michaela ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    HI Dana Smiley smile

    Monika- we ended up choosing a DW in the Dominican Republic but my friend had a really nice reception at Maggianos in Tysons Corner last year that was very affordable

    • Reply
  • Autum
    Dedicated October 2010
    Autum ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    We are doing ours on Lake Anna or near there actually and our budget is 5000 as well and if you are willing to DYI stuff and shop around and use coupons it is TOTALLY possible. So far we are way under budget, may even be able to include honeymoon!!! If you are interested in Lake Anna the state park there is really nice. We arent doing there but its an option. Fredericksburg and Stafford also have really nice places that we looked into that fit into that budget as well.

    • Reply
  • Retha Ballestracci
    Retha Ballestracci ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    You are a bride that understands what budget means! Yes, you can have a wedding with 50 people for $5000 whether local or destination wedding. Should you need assistance, please give me a call or send an email - 540-752-7676 or *****@*********************.***. Happy planning!

    • Reply
  • Sha Cephas
    Sha Cephas ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Congratulations, Monika! Yes, a wedding can be planned on a budget of $5,000 in this area - I myself did the same just a few months ago and things were wonderful!!! The same is possible for a destination wedding. Please let me know if this is a matter of interest - as I can provide information to you with no obligation. I'm available at 571-501-8368, or via email: **********@*****.***. Best wishes!!!

    • Reply
  • ERH
    Master October 2010
    ERH ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    Damn! I'm impressed with you guys! We kept having to increase our budget because this area is so expensive. Good luck, and I'd love to know what tricks you find!

    • Reply
  • Kris
    Expert July 2010
    Kris ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    We live in MD and are having 45 people. We spent more on the dress and photographer than we wanted, but with food and everything it will cost around 6,000. We really aren't dressing up the reception much or anything though.

    • Reply
  • Jass
    Master September 2012
    Jass ·
    • Flag
    • Hide content

    We are also in this area, and have been researching online about local venues, and have been considering going the DW route just because of the cost.

    But I do think that your budget is possible for under 50 people. We too want a small and intimate wedding, so a restaurant or a hotel that will work with our budget would be something to consider. I wish there were more public parks that are nice for a wedding in Northern Virginia.

    • Reply

You voted for . Add a comment 👇

×
WeddingWire celebrates love ...and so does everyone on our site! Explore how we embrace diversity

Groups

WeddingWire article topics