What is a waste?

One of the things we're skipping is programs. we have a smaller budget too and we've come to the conclusion that people don't need them. were doing plastic silverware that's heavier and looks like metal but its a lot cheaper. we also skipped on real flowers. those are some of the things off top

We chose to have my family prepare the food instead of a caterer. $400 for 200 people isn't bad. That includes two meats, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, rolls, chips, pretzels and meat, cheese and crackers tray. We wanted alcohol but didn't want to spend the money. So we are having them bring their own alcohol. If you want centerpieces, look into doing them yourself. Much cheaper than paying someone.

View Quoted Comment Catering is definitely not a waste, especially for 200 people. A professional caterer is a must.
How are you managing to feed 200 people for $400?

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A memory table is a table set up with pictures of people who have passed away. I am not a fan but that is a post for another day - just not my thing.

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Beth - please, in all that is good and holy reconsider this idea. 200 people is A LOT of people. That is asking a lot of people to bring a lot of food to store, eats and serve. Lots of prep beforehand. Your family should be guests, not worker bees. Please - no BYOB either. You are asking your guests to fund YOUR wedding via buying the food and alcohol. Please don't ask your guests to fund your life choice.

$400 for 200 people? How are you getting by for $2 a head?

View Quoted Comment Thanks for the laugh! This made me chuckle, and I needed it!

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Memory tables (or areas) might include photos of loved ones who have passed away, a candle lit in their honor etc.

To me, a waste is anything that is just for looks that causes stress.

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I wouldn't even care about BYOB as a guest, but I would be concerned what I'm eating the cost $2. Rice?

I am not providing favors. It's not a children's party and I'm not providing take home snacks when they are receiving food for free at the reception. Momento favors are either not used or left behind.

The best way I'm going about saving money is not buying an expensive dress since you only wear it for one day then put it away for years. Oh, my decorations are going to be all natural and cheap. I'm taking clippings off a cypress tree, dipping pine cones in wax to make fire starters (favors) and arranging them on the cypress branches on the table.

Also working on a budget here and things were leaving out are cake, fancy invites/STDs, videographer, among other things.

I’ve been using a budget app to keep me in track with my wedding spending. It works but isn’t 100% realistic, so common-sense and priorities play a role.

Necessary - good food, good entertainment, good photographer/videographer, comfy shoes

not necessary - aisle runner, personalized anything

Just think, after the wedding what happens to things?

View Quoted Comment So many signs. Yeah no. Too much money and totally unnecessary. I will have a seating chart and that's it. Although, I am having the husband's last name in tin letters attached to the porch railing. The letters are from his grandfather's cattle farm and we're just hanging out in the shed.

View Quoted Comment I agree with this so much I could have written it myself. Yes. Yes. Yes.