Wedding for under 7000 in San Diego area?

Typically, the reception is about half the cost of the wedding. So for 60 people, to keep the total wedding cost below $7,000, you'd be talking about $50 per person. In general, reception prices are at least equal to restaurant prices, more if you have a formal wedding venue, elaborate decorations, etc. (Indeed, many people find they can save money by having restaurant receptions.) So if you're not doing music or dancing, the question would be whether you could get a restaurant meal, including drinks, tax, and tip, at under $50 per person. If you want music and dancing, you'd have to subtract the cost of the DJ or band and the dance floor from the amount available for food.

So yes, it's theoretically possible. But you have to think about whether what you could buy for that amount would be the type of wedding you want.

I have family in San Diego, and I know that you are in a VERY expensive area. Your guest list isn't huge -- are you willing to do unconventional reception spaces (public parks, zoos, aquariums, art galleries, women's clubs, or fraternal organizations)? I'd start by looking at those venues. Perhaps there are restaurant that can accommodate your 60 guests. Just get on the phone. You'll find a place. Remember, if it's not a restaurant, you'll need to ask about providing your own alcohol. Oh, and San Diego is an American Paradise.

Another possibility for decreasing how much you spend is potentially using a church to host your location. I'm not sure if you are religious but I'm sure that even if you aren't a church wouldn't be against it.

Another option is asking your guests to co-pay, explaining your situation and that you will still be paying a majority of their fare say $20 each person that would save you $1200 for 60 guests.

Congratulations on your wedding though and I hope that however you get this accomplished that it's an amazing day!!

Jeremy Mathiesen

Eternal Wooden Roses

@Eternal Wooden Roses: Actually, many churches will not allow people who are not members to marry there. Some will, but many will actually be insulted that you want to use the church as a scenic backdrop rather than a religious institution.

And you definitely don't ask guests to co-pay. You host people in a way you can afford to. That may mean reducing the number of guests, choosing a less expensive meal, delaying the wedding until you can afford more, etc. But a reception is a thank you to the guests for attending, so they definitely should not have to pay for it.

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/julie-blais-comeau/-asking-wedding-guests-to-pay-is-rude_b_7025344.html

No, no, no, no, no. Please ignore the advice given by Eternal Wooden Roses. Jeremy is dead wrong. PLEASE, don't ask your guests to "co-pay" to off set the cost of your reception. Good Lord, it's a wedding reception, not an appointment with a doctor. Geez, how would you even word that (Dear Guests -- You know San Diego is expensive, and that's why we're adding this note to our invitations. The truth is, we can't afford to host all 60 of you with our money, so, if you send back this RSVP with a $20 check, we're golden. If not, we'll collect it at the door. No money, no reception. You understand, right? Thanks much!). That's a grotesque idea. It would be better to host your 60 guests in your backyard with grilled hotdogs and macaroni salad than collect funds from them. Ick. Jeremy, what are you thinking?

Do you have any friends or family who have a backyard you can use? Or maybe a winery in Temecula? Maybe the casinos around SD, they may have packages - Viejas, Pala, Sycuan, Harrah's Rincon...

But whatever you do, DO NOT ask guests to "co-pay"!!! That's the worst advice i've ever heard!

Consider a Sunday brunch wedding? Saturday is going to be the most expensive day. But like the others said, if you can find a restaurant to have it at, that's probably going to be your best chance.

Hello fellow San Diego native!

Have you considered some of the vineyards in Ramona (Grant James is amazing) or Temecula (I LOVE Monte de Oro)? Many of them are beautiful and cater well to groups of 40-60 people. They'll also be less expensive than our traditional water front hotels, and can be much more unique!

Another alternative budget option can be UCSD. The Great Hall there overlooks the ocean, as do tthe Birch Aquarium, Scripps, and more. They're all very affordable. The problem with the Great Hall is that there is no alcohol allowed without a license, but that does not apply to Birch or Scripps.

For hotels, a more affordable one would be the Four Points by Sheraton in Mission Valley. The yelp reviews for the hotel itself aren't great, but different organizations I've worked with have hosted countless celebrations there, and I've even been to a wedding there, and all have been amazing.

http://www.fourpointssandiegohotel.com/?EM=EM_YELP_STWD_LISTINGS_FP_671_NAD_FM&SWAQ=953P

For something else unique, affordable, but still ocean front, try La Jolla's Darlington House. It's a lovely historic house that will be nice for pictures but isn't horribly expensive!

https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/darlington-house-la-jolla/ace00950a55c9e91.html

Go south of the border to Esenada! It's just a couple hours south of San Diego. There are beautiful views from hotels on cliffs and likely homes you could rent. You could save TONS! We are doing our wedding in a town outside of Mexico City and have gotten fantastic catering quotes for under $2000 for 70 people, $3000 including elaborate apps, tables/chairs, table center pieces , cakes, waiters, bartenders, midnight meal, etc. My aunt is from Mexico City and party plans for an embassy so knows top notch quality and has been bringing in the quotes. Also, we found a fantastic photographer and videographer (4 people included) $1800 who will be there for 12-13 hours. In San Diego the cost would be exponential.

Just a thought I know some people are timid about traveling to Baja but if you are not, it could be a nice weekend away for your guests.