Low Budget Wedding, Big Family. Where do you skimp??

We decided to do a tiny destination wedding so most of the family wouldn't be able to go (even though we did invite them) haha.... it worked out very well. We then had a party to celebrate afterwards, at home, so we could show those who unfortunately couldn't make it how lovely it was. I love my family, but it was the best way to cut costs! My brother also is doing that, a small bed and breakfast wedding 6 hours away in VT. Lovely

edit: although, if neither family is supportive of the union, maybe you should find out why and see if you can solve that issue? My last relationship had that issue and we soon found out that they were right. If we had acknowledged it sooner we could have made it work, but as it was we split up. Just figure that out first, if it's just them being stupid, and you're SURE of it, then I recommend a small DW!

We are doing what Mrs. Redin said - a small destination wedding with an at-home reception in June. Our DW is only about a 6 hour drive, but it did deter a lot of people from coming lol.

As for things to skimp on: definitely do cupcakes as dessert, skip favors, don't do elaborate invitations, skip the RSVP cards and have people email or call you, try silk flowers for decorations, and get a used dress or check out clearance sales. I wouldn't skimp on photography! The pictures will be all you have left from your wedding day.

Regarding your family - I also agree with Mrs. Redin. Figure out what their real issue is and maybe consider doing pre-marital counseling!

I agree with the other two ladies, if our parents werent going to help us we could take the $3000 we had and elope somewhere tropical. Anyone interested in following is more than welcome.

On Hayley's profile page is all kinds of cool free stuff you can get... Rings from JVL... freebies from Vistaprint...

Also, only have 1 person stand up with you....

You can also not invite children... have a wedding in a Friday/weekday...

My parents aren't approving, not so much about our relationship, its more they don't believe that we are doing it. They love my fiance, he and my father do a lot together, but sometimes don't understand that he is ADD and needs help remembering to take his meds and all of that. My mother's issue is she feels beneath him and his family because of how easy I fell into their world and because they are extremely intelligent. An out of town wedding isn't so much into the plan because our immediate families are so large, but I do love the idea of cupcakes I was thinking just ordering like 50 in 3 diff flavors and having them colored green and pink. I have found a photographer in town than I'm leaning toward who is very talented.

We have narrowed down to two on each side stand with us because they are our best friends and family. As for kids, they are important because my nephews and nieces are my world, plus out of town family all have small chicldren

Hmm...well maybe wait until 2013 to have the wedding. That way you have a lot more time to save up! Or just do a cake/cupcake and punch reception. You can have the ceremony later in the evening, after people have eaten dinner.

Oh and we have my ring, paid for in full. And his ring is being handmade by a friend as a trade for some of my artwork.

To cut costs for my rehearsal dinner we are cooking and hosting the dinner at our house for the wedding party.

Ok so as of now the plan is mtn trail wedding at like 11 am and then cake, punch and snack food reception at like 1230 at a hall owned by some friends of mine... for like 2 hours (that way they can still book a night event there because they are charging me 100 an hr)

That's around lunch time so make sure you have heavy appetizers!

Thanks Betsy, thats a great idea, maybe I'll ask my great-aunt and uncle to host it at their house, its big and they are very excited about the wedding.

Thanks Syd btw, these are great suggestions. I'm planning on reminding everyone to stop and eat on their way to reception. I was thinking cheese and veggie trays from Costco, or even making our own like going to Dollar Tree and getting a bunch of trays and buying the huge blocks of cheese and all the veggies and crackers ourself

No prob! If it's more of a casual reception, you can also do small deli sandwiches and gourmet potato chips. I know Subway does sandwich platters!

Easy ways to save:

- Make the cupcakes yourself or with some friends

- Invites can come from a discount site such as vista print or use print at home options available in Target, Wal-mart etc.

- Consider a white/ivory bridesmaid dress or search for a used or sample dress.

- Have FH wear a nice suit vs renting a tux

- Ask your guests to take pictures with their digital cameras and give them a link to a photo sharing site so they can send you a copy

- Research if you live in a state that allows non-ministers to get marriage licenses (usually a small fee on-line) and ask one of your friends or family members if they would do the honor of marrying you.

- If you want flowers consider grocery florists or local farmers that may grow wild flowers

- If you want fake search the classifies on sites such as weddingbee.com for used silk arrangements

This site has some great ideas and sets realistic prices based on a $2k budget.

http://2000dollarwedding.com/2008/07/from-conception-to-reception.html

Thanks Sami. love the cupcake idea, found nice paper on sale for invitations so my m-i-l is making them on business printers for business expense. I am a funny size so used dresses are no go (size 16 chest and size 12 waist). Is NM a non-minister state?? and was considering buying lily bouquets from costco and piecing them together with lavender sprigs and sage brush because our wedding is going to be in a spot where they are in bloom.

Love the link to that blog!!! thanks

Check out trade schools in your area. I knew someone who used a baking school for her cake. It was CHEAP & FAB! This will work for hair/makeup, too.

Check out www.pacificplex.com. I just bought my MOH dress there for $31 incl. shipping and it's gorgeous! For shoes, google "payless coupons" before you go into the store. All you need is the 5 digit code & they will take off the percentage even with BOGO.

If you have any friends who are notaries, have one marry you. That saves $$ on an officiant fee.

And there are TONS of freebies out there. Hayley's page has a lot. For my Thank you cards I used Vistaprint for the free ones. They only give 10, so I ordered 10 of each design they have and paid only for the shipping. I haven't paid for anything from Vistaprint except my first order, which I got 50% off by using my own shopping link at www.quickrewards.net and the cashback I earned from that & by using my paypal debit card I was able to "recycle" my money.

I should clarify that each "design" I used at Vistaprint all had the same theme--just some were cards, some folding cards, etc. Different formats, same design.

Crisanda... I love the dress site, thanks.... do you know if they have stuff that focuses on busty... we discovered from one visit to davids bridal that corset backing is the best way to solve bust to waist ratio