Wedding on a budget in MN suggestions

Ok where are you located?

That budget, if you were to use it only for venue/catering would mean $75pp. There are cheaper options of course but it looks like you'll need to cut your guest list by a lot for that to be your entire budget.

Were having a 225 person wedding on a 15k budget (properly hosted) but were located in Wisconsin so things aren't as expensive here as they are in other areas.

I would honestly suggest cutting your guestlist. Even if you are keeping things simple, that is pretty tight for 200 guests. In thinking of things you can cut STDs, programs, and menus are unnecessary printing costs. In addition, explore alternatives to flower decorations. A florist can be a huge expense. In thinking about food, BBQ and Italian (catering services or restaurants) are generally the most budget friendly options. Eta: *friendly (not 'friend')

I am located in Pine City, but I am very open to different locations around MN and parts of WI.

That is a very small budget for 200 people. Typically, the reception (venue / food / beverages) makes up about 50% of your total budget. For you, that would be $7500 on the high end. That's only $37 per person. Venue rental fee, food, soft beverages, and alcohol (plus taxes and service fees) for $37pp is not realistic. I would suggest cutting your guest list.

Cut your guest list or change the time of your wedding to mid afternoon. If your reception is at a meal time, you need to serve a meal. A wedding between breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner would be less of a party but would cost less in food costs.

Find a venue that doesn't need a lot of decorations.

Use in-season flowers.

Cut out menus, save the dates, favors, and dessert tables.

Friday and Sunday weddings are cheaper as well.

Only provide beer and wine for alcohol choices.

So that's in MN? You might want to update your title to include location. These forums are international.

Also,

Yep, I would look at cutting your guest list in half before you look for venues.

We're looking at a similar budget in CA, and the first thing we did was cut our guest list to 100ish. It's going to be a challenge to get that many people in with that budget.

One of the things I did right away was make a list of things we could just not have...flowers, decorations, centerpieces, favors, programs, etc. My better half added a few things and told me that he does want some flowers, so we adjusted around both of our desires to cut out extras without letting either of us down.

We are having around 200 people and will end up paying around 15,000 dollars. We've been engaged for over a year so we have a lot done already. Catering, venue, photographer, DJ, florist, decorator, dress are all done and we're at 10,000 dollars. That was honestly without me even being that careful about pricing. Alcohol will be paid for by his mom so that's not part of our budget, nor is the honeymoon. It depends on where you're located though. I'm in rural Ohio so weddings don't cost very much here. I really think the biggest thing is to make sure you budget for the small things. I've heard over and over again that all the last minute things will be the things to watch out for budget wise. I would suggest cutting save the dates, favors, and programs. I would also cut the guest list too if at all possible and keep the bridal party small

Have you thought of renting out a venue at a lakeside resort and having food catered in? That's the off season for fishing places in Minnesota, as you know, and resorts would likely be thrilled for the business.

You could also go the barn route, as those are endemic to Pine/Carlton County

Look at community centers. We are in the southern Twin Cities suburbs, and we are saving a ton by having it in the community center. It's a really plain room, which I love because then I can do whatever I want. But try to go with venues that you wouldn't typically think of to have a wedding at and you can probably save a ton of money!

Look in Duluth or up the shore. It's always beautiful up there this time of year.

Breezy Point Resort in Brainerd is beautiful or maybe check out some of the historical museums