Scary and lost

How many people do you want to invite? Usually more people means more money. If you are like me and can't live without all of your family and friends being there, a cake and punch reception at a non-meal time with cake from a local grocery store (If you live in the Great Lakes area, Meijer's has amazing cakes. I have also heard good things from Publix from my friends in the South if you live there too. Also, Costco's cakes are pretty good) can be doable, especially if you have a church or similar meeting hall you can use and even moreso if you are really close to that church community to have connections to help save you money, my Mormon internet friend did this for her wedding last summer. In her culture this type of wedding is quite common.

If you aren't religious though parks from what I hear can usually give you a permit for cheap.

You will of course be able to stretch your budget out more if you decide to elope or only invite a few people though obviously, I just understand that if you really love your family like me that can always be hard cutting the guest list.

View Quoted Comment The max people's about 50 to 55 people and I don't want to have to cut anybody and all I do want is cake and chairs and punch or whatnot with my vowels and I'm pretty dress down the aisle something very simple but very genuine formal good memory that I could look back at

Getting married outside could seriously cut down on the price. Perhaps at a nice state park with a standing pavilion you could decorate. I looked into this at one point and some brides have worked wonders with their decorations.

Do it at a state park or church. The fees are nominal. You can do a potluck or taco making lunch, get your cake at a local grocery store, keep flowers and decor very simple- can even use some wooden or fake flowers (just get high end ones). Etsy has some amazing low cost creative items. Keep bridal party small and guest list small. See if friends can serve, set up etc. If you need to rent chairs there are companies you can rent from. Use website for tracking rsvps etc so you don’t have to do much or any printing and mailing costs. Buy your dress online from a discount store. Lots of them are affordable and gorgeous- just make sure you are ordering the right size and may not need alterations. Do your own hair and make up or have a friend do them. Do something simple for guest gift. Have friend play music on small speaker. If it’s not a huge wedding it can still be awesome.

An afternoon cake and punch reception in the park is always a good idea. You could serve cake, punch and maybe a vegetable platter or two. Just make sure to have it at a non-meal time, like 2 pm.

Off the rack dresses are not as expensive as bridal salons. Do your own hair and makeup. In this case using evites would be appropriate since it would be casual.

I would avoid having friends and family work or bring food to your wedding. It's something that you should be hosting on your own.

Hello Alice ... if you need help with boquets, boutonnieres, corsages ....I am in Phx, Az and I would love to help you. I am a bride to be as well and I understand the stress of wanting BEAUTIFUL on a low budget ( I am in the same boat )

I meant to upload this picture of my bridal boquet I made for myself..
Is isnt as expensive as it looks ... but that's the point right ? These will last forever since they are faux ❤
Bridal boquet

I'm going to be honest that 55 people with a budget of 1700 makes it at about $30/pp Unfortunately you won't be able to have a big bash but could have an afternoon cake/punch reception. Look into a park Pavillion to rent they are usually cheap and many parks have nearby bathrooms. There are many things you can do to have your wedding on a small budget it just won't be a drinking all night ballroom bash.

View Quoted Comment 👍💗that's is very pretty

View Quoted Comment I'm not interested in the ballroom bash I really just want the wedding part to be where I feel like a princess and the reception a bonfire hanging with close friends and family and

View Quoted Comment I just mean ballroom bash in the sense of any "glamorous wedding" (:

View Quoted Comment Thank you... if you need a boquet and boutonniere or anything else ... I be more than happy to assist 😊