Looking for advice staying on $3000 budget, helping a bride with stress, catering in the ri area, etc!

I think it's sweet that you are trying to help her but also remember as a bridesmaid and it's not your job to plan her wedding. Wedding planning is stressful for anyone heck I'm doing a small intimate ceremony and that can easily be stressful trying to find a venue that is within budget. If she's not willing to cut cost on the flowers that she'll need to cut cost elsewhere. I would say look on Pinterest as there are blogs that give advice of how to hold small budget weddings even some for exactly $3,000. The most expensive thing is going to be the reception. She's already saving cost on not having alcohol what she can spend more money on food to make sure people are well-fed. I would definitely suggest she makes sure to stay in the invitation that there will not be any alcohol so people don't expect it because you can check past posts here alcohol is at weddings is a huge debate topic. Some cheap food items are either Mexican, pasta Buffet, Pizza buffet, Etc... One of my good friends last year actually use our local grocery store 2 provide for her reception by it having a bunch of party trays and it end up being about maybe 10 to $12 per person and a co-worker of mine who's getting married in March is going to use Sam's Club party trays to feed her guests that is something of a cheaper route as well. Hopefully that answers some of your questions and again it's great that you're helping but your job as a bridesmaid of courses offered her support, be there the day of her wedding is that by her side and if possible attend any pre-wedding events that she has.

To save on decorations, ask other recent brides you know if they have decor they no longer want or need. Facebook marketplace is a good option as well and I believe there are some online stores were brides sell their used decor on the cheap. I have so many votives and whatnot from the wedding I have been giving them away to friends that are getting married this year.

Based on what you have said, I'm taking it to mean that she wants real flowers. Real flowers can be rather expensive especially if she only wants all real flowers. We had real flowers for nearly everything and it wasn't cheap. However, good fake flowers can also be rather expensive. Also, for 100+ people it may be difficult to find a caterer within that budget. Is she also planning to hire a DJ, photographer, makeup artist & hair stylist because those aren't cheap either. What about her dress and the groom's attire? I know over $1,000 on 28 people to attend our rehearsal dinner. We did not have alcohol either. We had it at a nice restaurant. I think her best option is going to be to cut down her guest list or have her wedding at a non-meal time. It is nice you want to help, but just remember it isn't your job to plan her wedding.

My biggest piece of advice is don’t believe people when they tell you what they are giving you is the ‘best deal’ or ‘greatest price’ around. Keep shopping and compare all the options.

- Catering Like Kristen said, if the bride picks a casual food option, then it will be cheaper. I’ve seen some high rated Mexican places that cater a taco bar for $11/person. Don’t forget tax/tip when budgeting! Try to either not tell them it’s for a wedding, or find their prices documented on a website first so they can’t up charge her. Veronica also made a good point that the bride could pick a non meal time wedding - just have some snacks and hors douvres for much cheaper. - Photographer If there is a university nearby, look for student photographers to give you a good deal. Otherwise, opt for shorter photo session (no getting ready/reception photos, just the ceremony + staged with family /wedding party). - Wedding Attire David’s bridal has a good selection of dresses for under $300. Second hand bridal boutiques are a great way to find options for $100. I found my wedding dress at David’s bridal, but before that I purchased this one from online: https://www.lulus.com/products/766212.html for just $30! I was really surprised at the quality, if I hadn't fallen in love with the other dress I would've definitely worn it.

I think the food cost would need to be cut drastically then if she wants real flowers. Unless those flowers will only be limited to bouquets and not decor