Need Help Cutting Costs

The biggest cost I’ve seen in my wedding was, unfortunately, food and drink. But I see you can’t cut down the list. However, you more than likely won’t have all 150 people show. Our guest list was 176 and 125 rsvp’d yes. Saved us $3000.

But otherwise, the dollar store is amazing. I made my own centerpieces with a pack of paper lanterns from Amazon ($25) some baskets from Goodwill ($16 for 8 or so), and a bunch of flowers from Dollar General. No, they aren’t as pretty as real flowers, but they’re pretty damn good for $1. I used them for center pieces and the bridal party bouquet lanterns.

Also check out Hobby Lobby. Keep an eye on sales and only get stuff when it’s 50% off (if it’s not one week, it probably will be the next).

And just to throw it out there, Vista Print is amazing for invites. Usually under $100, and they almost always have some sort of sale.

And seriously! Don’t skimp on the photographer! Those will be your lasting memories of that day. What may help with that is finding one that’s good, but not as well known. Ours did amazing photos, and he has less than 500 likes on Facebook—but every single review was 5 stars, and for 7 hours we only spent $1050.

Hey! Were having a full wedding, on a summer Saturday, with 105 guests, in NY State, for $19k, including honeymoon and rings. My advice is to keep it SIMPLE. Less is more. Have an idea? Try to streamline and downsize it right out of the gate. Don't go nuts with instagram, stay away from silly themes- your wedding doesnt need a theme... I feel like they drive up costs very quickly and often don't land. Don't hire a florist or decorator. Skip DOC if you can get away with it. For real flowers: Sam's club bulk flowers, for silk flowers: etsy (check out the store QFloralstudio!) We did real centerpieces (just a plain Sam's club vase, with a few white hydrangeas, with a few cheap plain votive candles & table numbers from Amazon= centerpieces done!) And we did silk flowers for the wedding party. We used Anns bridal bargains for invites, Amazon or Etsy for all the remaining decor (which wasn't much! Capitalize on your venues existing beauty) Don't do all the proposals and extra gifts, not necessary. Don't commit yourself to too many DIY projects, stay realistic with crafts and seriously limit them! *Cut costs on your attire, but be smart about it, I recommend Azazie for your dress, and a suit/ tux rental from The Black Tux for FH. My dress was $415, custom sized, and I LOVE it so much. My veil was $35 and shoes were $35, both from Amazon. Make an Excel budget spreadsheet and keep organized. There IS a way to make it look classy and fly without breaking the bank- just be savvy. our wedding is in 2 weeks and it's shaping up to look like we easily spent double than what we actually did. You got this