Tips and tricks for a $10,000 wedding?

View Quoted Comment I like your idea of how to do the guest list. I just feel bad because a lot of the friends we would probably cut would be his because he has a lot he wants to invite (my list is mostly family, while his is mostly friends). Honestly I went through really quick and there are 40 friends I figure right off the bat won't come. But doing the list in the way you suggested is a lot better!

DIY I know can either be a blessing or a curse. I personally love doing that stuff so I'm hoping it won't be too bad. I get a discount on Amazon because I work there, and I figured I'd find when hobby lobby has sales on certain things, such as flowers, and take advantage of that.

Caterer-wise, most of the venues I've been looking at have on site catering. Is it usually required I use them? Because if I can go cheaper somewhere else, I'd like to, I just don't want to offend anyone.

We are able to do a wedding at around 13K with about 115. Here are the biggest things that helped us save money:

- We have an amazing local caterer who does delicious food at a fraction of normal costs

- Our venue is already decorated for the Christmas season, which goes with our Christmas wedding

- DIY-ing is priced out and carefully designed prior to purchasing (i.e., don't just buy random things you might need/want) and things are only bought on sale

- Alcohol is purchased and brought in by us (we hire a bartender hourly) and we are buying from a place that lets us return unopened bottles

- Cutting our guest list down from 160

- Extras are seriously discussed and considered, like favors. (So far we're still doing them but we'll see)

- Our one splurge is photography; but this was very important to us, so we specifically budgeted for that.

Honestly, I'm really wary of budgeting for 200. Your first priority is to figure out your max catering budget and find out how you can make that happen. For example, at $20/pp (Very inexpensive and what mine is not counting alcohol), that's $4,000. Add in a 15% gratuity and you're at $4,600.

View Quoted Comment I'm really glad I was able to help with your guest list! I understand feeling bad about not being able to invite everyone you know, but it makes the whole process way easier!

As for caterers on-site, that depends on your venue. Some allow outside caterers for a fee, but you will have ask. Sometimes using their caterer can be a cheaper option too. The only problem is if your venue doesn't allow you to use anyone else, you're stuck with their pricing and hope you like the food (tastings aren't always available before you book). That will have to be something you look into for each venue and you can compare prices with the BBQ and Italian caterers.

Don't be afraid to ask for something. I also understand not wanting to offend anyone, but most experienced wedding vendors are understanding and would rather do what it takes to make your day special. They don't even know what offended feels like anymore. They'll be really thankful if you want a change in something and offer a solution rather than just saying you don't prefer that option (example: you don't want to use their caterer and they allow outside caterers. You find one you like, tell the vendor you prefer to use this guy rather than the one they have, and that's that).

I know I kinda rambled there, but I hope that helps!

*Invites from Vistaprint (go to retailmenot.com and get a coupon). Add your RSVP with your phone and email address. You don't need response cards. Your Save the Dates can be sent via email through Evite.com

*Skip favors - it's about the experience, but do send thank you cards afterward (vistaprint as well)

* Buy your gown off the rack. You'll save hundreds! Borrow jewelry from family and friends.

* Skip the limo - have your bridal party rent a large SUV or two which can be decorated

* CVlinens.com for your table runners, napkins and other decor

* Have an "adults-only" event - just have the children from your bridal party

* Chicken is cheaper than steak or fish/seafood or you may want to have a buffet brunch earlier in the day. You can save a fortune having a venue do this because they don't usually host weddings during the day and you could serve more lunch food than dinner food, but have an array of chicken, pasta and other yummy food. Also a buffet does not require the staff to serve your guests which adds to the price. Also, you don't need a cocktail hour. Ceremony, straight to brunch.

* You may consider just serving a champagne toast, wine and beer. See what the difference is in pricing. But you could save a lot by cutting a full bar.

* Do your own centerpieces. Do a search on Pinterest for DIY's and I did floating flower arrangements for my sister. They came out beautiful and were about $16 each

* Do make sure you have a great DJ. And, get a "basic" photo package. Photographer, 150 photos on disc edited for printing. You can make your own copies or design your own album, order photo blow ups and thank you cards later.

* Go to a florist, but go cheap on the flowers. Single stems for your bridal party with baby's breath and greenery, and a small round rose one for you. Bouts can be carnations which look very nice on the gents' jacket lapels.

A venue that doesn’t need decor can save you a ton of money. DIY is often at least as expensive and twice as much effort as paying someone to do it so keep that in mind.

The church we got married in was so beautiful we didn’t decorate at all and that saved us a ton on flowers.

Buffet food will help with price! We are doing BBQ for 100-150 guests for 5k. I would consider no favors or doing something edible you could make instead. Be careful with DIY because this can actually be more expensive, as others mentioned. I would ask friends for photographer recommendations that could help cut costs! Fake flowers will cut costs tremendously (I just couldn’t imagine them for our wedding unfortunately lol).