Wedding on a budget tips

[dreamin_disney]

OMG - wow... just wow - Good luck!! I am helping my son and his fiance plan their wedding, but, I only take direction from fdil, and I will ask ds if I'm doing too much - since they work and I dont, I have spent time finding budget photographers, DJ, florist, etc... I give her a choice of 3 or 4 and she makes the "deal" sometimes she wants me to come with her - sometimes, I just tell her I'm too busy, so it doesnt feel like I "have" to be in on everything!

She is walking herself down the aisle, her parents are divorced and she is in charge. She is able to stand up for what she wants and to definately say its "MY WEDDING" without being bridezilla about it!!

I got most of my budget finds by going on theknot.com and watching the "local" board - posting questions, but be prepared, some of the generic forums can be "nasty" mean - I stay to the local board and have had great luck finding bargains.

Keep in mind, its YOUR wedding, if your family does dollar dances, do them, if your family doesnt do them, it may seem weird - either way just know you cannot please all the people, so make your wedding special for you, and know what is worth fighting for...

and for my thoughts, I'd fight anyone NOT in the wedding party trying to push to BE IN THE WEDDING party!! That is just too much! You can say to her "I want to be gentle with this thought, but future dh and I do not want you in the wedding party, we do want to include you, how about a reading, etc..

also, are you having dancing at the wedding? This may be another area where you and your fiance need to have a "battle plan"!!

Hi. I just signed up with the KNOT the other day. I will have to checkout the boards.

I have a feeling its only the begining of things to come. I tell dfi thats why i wanted the 2 of us and dd to have a ceremony at wdw, something simple just the 3 of us.

I asked my sis to be in it and she said sure but shes not wearing a dress and if she could wear a pantsuit. I already knew she wouldnt wear a dress and i figured a nice pant suit would work as long as it matches our colors(navy blue)
- she doesnt want to wear a dress because she doesnt want to look like a tent. She is heavier so i understand and am fine with a pantsuit. Then before we tell her who she is walking with she said she didnt want to walk with dfi uncle (he's large too) . Her last thing was she cant wear heels. OMG! LOL! I told her i'm fine with everything but now she has to walk with my future BIL she seemed fine with thats-lol!

DFI Stepmom is trying to get us to get her relative thats a D.J. because the one we are getting is her ex son in law and she doesnt want him their, even though her dd still sees him

I told dfi i'm getting the one i want and dont care if she gets mad.

So far thats the drama-lol!

I'm going to try and head to Michaels and see what they have. I also want to see if dollar tree and the sliver fancy trays. Those will go with the color scheme and look nice on the navy blue tableclothes. I also want to go to joannes and see what they have.

I'm stumpped on the centerpieces

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

We had a niece who invited us to an engagement party BBQ. It was at a state park in a beautiful covered area, surrounded by trees. The site had electricity, running water, and bathrooms.

They had the tables covered in red and white check table clothes and a local BBQ joint catered. They had set up lawn games such as bocce ball, lawn darts, croquet, badminton, and a jump house.

The tables were under the trees and the covered area was left open as a dance floor. The columns were decorated with white christmas lights and the rafters had chinese lanterns.

They had everyone go through the line and sit down to eat, and just before desert was served they announced a "toast." They stood up, thanked us all for coming out to celebrate the engagement, and then they told us it was the....wedding. The minister stood up, they exchanged vows, and then they told us they wanted everyone to have a relaxed and fun wedding experience.

She was wearing a very cute knee length white silk sun dress and he was in khaki pants and a white silk hawaiian top. They were so happy, un-stressed, and it was beautiful. I have never had so much fun at a wedding. They were brilliant.

In all, they sent out invitations via the internet...free.

Park Rental....$125

Food Catering...$900

Paper Goods, Lanterns, table coverinjgs and centerpieces...$200

Wedding Dress and shirt $180

Music...Groom's Stereo and Self Burned CD's.....free

Photography....hired a college kid for $100 who had taken two photography classes, and had him use their memory stick. They printed up photos later for around $200.

Yard Games.....borrowed from family for free

Bounce Rental.....$150

They spent $1,855 and had one of the most memorable, beautiful, and interesting weddings. It didn't feel like they were trying to be cheap. It fit their personality and it flowed from them.

The only people who were "in on it" were the bride, groom, minister, and bride's parents. The groom's parents were as shocked as the rest of us.

The bride and groom told us that they had originally planned on eloping, but that the dear bride couldn't get married without her Mom and Dad there, so they talked to her parents about eloping and they are the ones who suggested the surprise wedding.

The bride and groom got the laid back wedding they wanted and the people who loved them the most got to be a part of their special day.

(They were given a budget of $15,000 for a wedding to do with as they wished, and the money not spent on the wedding was used as a downpayment on a very cute house! I think they made a very wise decision.)

While a traditional wedding is lovely, it simply isn't the only way to get married. This couple had a blast and seem prepared for a marriage, not just a wedding.

--Eeyore's Wife

 

[Promomx2]

m stumpped on the centerpieces

Since you and been with your fiance for a while, maybe use pictures of you two throughout the years at each table with just some loose flowers or ivy and a couple candle votives around it. Or just one picture of you two with a poem and a "thank you" in a frame. That way you can make copies for each table.

 

[dreamin_disney]

We had a niece who invited us to an engagement party BBQ. It was at a state park in a beautiful covered area, surrounded by trees. The site had electricity, running water, and bathrooms.

They had the tables covered in red and white check table clothes and a local BBQ joint catered. They had set up lawn games such as bocce ball, lawn darts, croquet, badminton, and a jump house.

The tables were under the trees and the covered area was left open as a dance floor. The columns were decorated with white christmas lights and the rafters had chinese lanterns.

They had everyone go through the line and sit down to eat, and just before desert was served they announced a "toast." They stood up, thanked us all for coming out to celebrate the engagement, and then they told us it was the....wedding. The minister stood up, they exchanged vows, and then they told us they wanted everyone to have a relaxed and fun wedding experience.

She was wearing a very cute knee length white silk sun dress and he was in khaki pants and a white silk hawaiian top. They were so happy, un-stressed, and it was beautiful. I have never had so much fun at a wedding. They were brilliant.

In all, they sent out invitations via the internet...free.

Park Rental....$125

Food Catering...$900

Paper Goods, Lanterns, table coverinjgs and centerpieces...$200

Wedding Dress and shirt $180

Music...Groom's Stereo and Self Burned CD's.....free

Photography....hired a college kid for $100 who had taken two photography classes, and had him use their memory stick. They printed up photos later for around $200.

Yard Games.....borrowed from family for free

Bounce Rental.....$150

They spent $1,855 and had one of the most memorable, beautiful, and interesting weddings. It didn't feel like they were trying to be cheap. It fit their personality and it flowed from them.

The only people who were "in on it" were the bride, groom, minister, and bride's parents. The groom's parents were as shocked as the rest of us.

The bride and groom told us that they had originally planned on eloping, but that the dear bride couldn't get married without her Mom and Dad there, so they talked to her parents about eloping and they are the ones who suggested the surprise wedding.

The bride and groom got the laid back wedding they wanted and the people who loved them the most got to be a part of their special day.

(They were given a budget of $15,000 for a wedding to do with as they wished, and the money not spent on the wedding was used as a downpayment on a very cute house! I think they made a very wise decision.)

While a traditional wedding is lovely, it simply isn't the only way to get married. This couple had a blast and seem prepared for a marriage, not just a wedding.

--Eeyore's Wife

BBQ you made my stomach growl . I love BBQ-mmmmm. Adding everything up i'm looking at $1800-$2500. The Hall is costing the most but with Jan weather its safer than having it in my backyard. I wont have it when its warm because i hate the heat-lol!

 

[dreamin_disney]

Since you and been with your fiance for a while, maybe use pictures of you two throughout the years at each table with just some loose flowers or ivy and a couple candle votives around it. Or just one picture of you two with a poem and a "thank you" in a frame. That way you can make copies for each table.

I like the idea of using picture throughout the years

 

[Todd&Copper]

Just a couple of things:

I definitely concur with looking on ebay for a dress. A friend got a designer gown that retails for over $1000 for about $250.
I also agree with looking at Bridesmaid dresses.
I actually got my dress out of the JC Penney catalog - it was an ivory column dress with a small jacket, with a band of faux pearls on the trim. I was never one for tulle and lace, so this was classy and elegant.

Someone mentioned making CD's as favors. As a guest who has received CD's, I would advise you to not bother. I have never felt the urge to listen to either of them, sine my musical taste and the couples' tastes are not int he same ballpark. Also, don't get any little "things" like mini picture frames or magnets. Another relative had seashell magnets she made as favors - and she worte on them her & her DH's name and the wedding date. I didn't even bother to take one b/c I thought they were ugly. Found out later that the majority of guests didn't take them and they had almsot 100 leftover magnets. I'd go with something edible, like a couple of fancy truffles, if you are going to go the favor route. You can probably get a big bag of the Lindt chocolate mint truffles (they come out around Xmas) and wrap them in tulle. [We did mini liqueur bottles which were a huge hit, but we also had a no children wedding and don't really have any teetotalers in the family.]

 

[jcemom]

I agree with edible favors. I don't think I've ever kept a favor from a wedding or shower except for one, a small candle-in-a-jar. I used to work at a banquet hall and saw loads of favors boxed up at the end of each night to be sent back home with the bride and groom. It was always sad to think of how much money had been wasted on them. When the favors were edible there were few if any leftover.

 

[Squishypig]

i would like to know are the parents usually in the wedding?? Do they walk down or are they already seated with the quest?MIL are never braidmaids, right? I have no clue-help!

Usually the parents walk down to the song right before the bridal party. I've seen mothers light candles on the altar but we didn't have candles at the altar so our mothers didn't do this. I think this was our processional:

Groomsmen
Groom escorting his mom to her seat (FIL was Best Man)
My parents (I went down the aisle alone)
Bridal party
Flower girl (who got stage fright and didn't end up going down the aisle)
Maid of Honor
Bride

Hi. I just signed up with the KNOT the other day. I will have to checkout the boards.

I didn't care for the Knot. Too catty and I don't like the layout of their boards. I recommend www.mustloveweddings.com. Much more practical advice and the layout is similar to the Dis.

Just wanted to post some pictures to show that DIY flowers can be beautiful. Pictures by Kate Crafton.

My bouquet:

Bridal party bouquests:

Centerpiece on big tables:

Centerpiece on pub tables in bar area:

My $30 ebay veil:

As for favors, don't knock yourself out. The time and money that is invested in them are rarely appreciated by the guests. Edible favors are the way to go. Any favors that I've gotten that are not edible usually end up at Goodwill (what am I supposed to do with ONE wineglass that doesn't match anything else and is etched with the couple's names to boot!)

 

[jcemom]

My $30 ebay veil:

As for favors, don't knock yourself out. The time and money that is invested in them are rarely appreciated by the guests. Edible favors are the way to go. Any favors that I've gotten that are not edible usually end up at Goodwill (what am I supposed to do with ONE wineglass that doesn't match anything else and is etched with the couple's names to boot!)

Wow! That veil is spectacular! It's one of the most beautiful I've ever seen! It's really difficult to believe it was only $30!

And I agree about the favors. I've only kept one wedding or shower favor that wasn't edible, and that was a candle-in-a-jar that cost more than most people would spend on favors, I'm sure. I used to work at a banquet hall. I saw loads of favors boxed up after weddings to go home with the bride and groom. It was a shame to see so much time and money wasted. When the favors were edible it was rare to see any left at the end of the night.

Edible favors I saw while working there:the standard jordan almonds, candy bars with customized labels, decorated sugar cookies individually wrapped (think the cookie bouquet type), little packets of hershey kisses (and sometimes hershey hugs too), gourmet chocolates and truffles -- sometimes a tiny box of them and sometimes one individual chocolate alone, petit fours, small bottles of wine or champagne with personalized labels, gingerbread brides and grooms for a Christmas wedding, little chocolate hearts in red and silver foil (kind of like hershey kisses but heart shaped) in little bags -- might have been for a Valentine's wedding, I can't remember, chocolate covered pretzels with sprinkles matching the wedding colors in cellophane bags... I know there were others that I'm just not recalling at the moment.

 

[Promomx2]

I agree wholeheartly about the favors being a waste of time,energy and money. DD is gonna have a card set out that says " In lieu of favors a donation has been made to : " and we're donating to a organization that helps returning marines. I just checked ebay last night for veils and they're alot on there for as little as $15.95. I was pleasantly surprised.

 

[Squishypig]

Wow! That veil is spectacular! It's one of the most beautiful I've ever seen! It's really difficult to believe it was only $30!

This was the one I bought and the seller but honestly, their pictures do not do it justice.

http://cgi.ebay.com/White-Cathedral...39:1|66:2|65:12|240:1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

 

[dreamin_disney]

squishypig- Thank for sharing Your pics . The roses are beautiful! I also like your center pieces and the rose petals. I will have to check out the link you posted.

I guess your right about the favors. I really dont want to put to much time into it like i though i did. My tripw to wdw is Nov 14-23, then thanksgiving, and the weekend after tThanksgiving we will meet for sis B-day. The weekend after Nieces B-day, weekend after that my dd's B-day, x-mas eve here(my house) 5pm-10pm then to MIL 11-2am, x-mas day FIL 12-3 , so I'm a gonna skip some stuff. I like the mini flute glasses at Michaels for candy ties with tulle and the hear tins with a personalized label.


Hall: We got the Hall! We put a down payment on it tonight. I'm so excited that candles are allowed-yipeeeee! I would love glass bowels with pebbles, floating candles . My sis mentioned a foam ring with flowers gluedd , a glass bowl with floating flowers and a large candle in the center. Either sound like something i'd like. I told her i want to see a sample first.

Anyone know where i can buy in bulk and get a good deal on floating candles, floating flowers and glass beads?

Question:
1. I've seen pics of glass bowl with water and beads inside bowl, whats the difference it makes putting the bowl on a glass mirror?

2. Looking on ebay i see lots of bead confetti and diamond confetti anyone use those and how does it look inperson? I was worried if kids eat those or some fall on the floor if someone can slip or if those are really small?

3.any good deals on jordan almonds? Small bags are really expensive. Or would a truffle be better. I have a sams and costco card any recommendations (choco candy)or something with blue and sliver wrapping(besides hershey kisses) around x-mas???
Well the church and hall are booked is staring to seem real now-lol!

 

[PoohHappens]

I did not read the whole thread so may be repeats.

My mom recently married and was just a small family gathering. 50peolpe maybe. We purchased flowers from costco and I hand tied bouquets and boutiniers Very easy with some shear ribbon from walmart and a little creativity. I did get some extra greenery and babys breath to fill where needed. My sil had glass dish with candles she got on clearance somewhere as centerpieces. I love the idea of the christmas glass balls in silver and blue. I decorate at christmas with a clear glass bowl of christmas balls that I have hotglued together so only the balls show not the top hanger part. I alternate colors and stack into a shape that fits the bowl. Hope that makes sense.
I second the finding a decent but not professional photographer. You can now order these beautiful picture books by choosing a few digital photos. And I really do love the photojournalistic style.

I can tell you one cheap decoration I do not recommend. We had chocolate gold coins scattered on the tables. I thought they were pretty and looked nice with the other decorations. They were from a good quality chocoliter not like the kind you get for kids in a mesh bag. Anyway my cousins thought I had provided free 'personal protection' for my guests. That thought had never crossed my mind, I am not sure I was even aware of a brand that came as a gold coin at the time--I wasn't aware of much. Best of luck to you and have a wonderful wedding.

 

[PoohHappens]

Most hanukkah decorations are blue and silver, with being around the holidays you may be able to find some chocolates or other small items in those colors.

Here is a link for some bulk candies, although check the shape and markings first as they may seem strange at a catholic wedding
http://www.candywarehouse.com/hanukkahcandy.html
http://www.candywarehouse.com/hardhanukkah.html

 

[dreamin_disney]

i was so touched today.

The hall we reserved is an american legion Hall. I think its a nice Hall compare to the ones we seen and that we can afford. FIL can get us at membership cost. He is a vet. FIL called to tell us he will put $200 down on Friday. Then he tells dfi, that he and his wife will pay the entire Hall. WOW! we were very shocked! We werent planning on him doing this we just were hoping to get the discount with his military benefit. We were basically planing on paying for this wedding ourselve. Our budget was 2,000 but after adding up eveything more like 2,500 . This help will be a huge lift off my shoulders. I'm so excited!


I went to Michaels and started pricing everything- boy does it add up! How often does MIchaels have 50% coupons? Do they take Joanes coupons? I need to start buying things here and there

 

[Promomx2]

I know there is a Michaels 50% off coupon good until the 27th floating around the internet somewhere. Sorry I can't remember where I saw it. If you can wait until black friday, I know last year Michaels had a coupon and it was on your entire purchase including sale items.

 

[dreamin_disney]

I know there is a Michaels 50% off coupon good until the 27th floating around the internet somewhere. Sorry I can't remember where I saw it. If you can wait until black friday, I know last year Michaels had a coupon and it was on your entire purchase including sale items.

Thank you. I did a search and here it is. Srco; down a bit and click on the
-50% off coupon and it will pop up
http://www.spoofee.com/forums/showthread.php?p=522400

 

[j-kids]

Hi, I had the pleasure of doing my sons wedding last year. Had to be budget due to doing it by myself. So done a lot of the details myself. Here is some of the ideas that I used.
( my cousin does wedding, but dosen't live in the same state, but she had told me one thing she has done is take pvc pipe and paint it white and wrap it with tulle and ribbon attach a board to the bottom so it will stand. She puts flowers to match the wedding and some greenery, coming out the top, has them different sizes. They look like collumns. Very pretty. But when I went to the hardware store to buy them was to much to spend to use one time. So I liked the idea just not the cost. Got to thinking what could I use. went to home depot and ask for a large carpet roll. the gave it to me at no cost. Painted it white, painted a small board with stone paint and attached it to the roll, added tulle and a bow at the top had lavenders flowers and green ivy coming out the top. One roll made a large, medium and small one. Used the small one at the recepation. These with a $20 arch from Hobby Lobby, rented arched candle holders, and borrowed ferns was all I done for the the front of the church but was really pretty. Made pew bows with small rolls of tulle from Wal-mart.
On the doors going into the church made wreaths, used a vine wreath and hot glued ivy to cover the front and sides, cut out a piece of card board and cover it with fabric to match their colors, got a W for last name and painted it silver and hot glued to the middle. then attached it to the vine. Everyone that I had bought or got someone to make them for me.


Favors:
Go to ebay and get ideas. They have lots that people are making and selling, but alot of them you could make your self. One that is easy and kinda of cheap is the scrolls. You can buy the same paper at wal-marts that they use, then print them out your self. Takes alittle playing on the computer to get it right, But you can get four out of one sheet of paper and then just buy the little rings at wal-mart.
another fairly cheap favor is the mints. Buy the small bag-it bags at micheals (with your 50% off coupon). put a life saver mint in it, attach a note to the ribbon that reads : mint to be, your names and the date. tie a bow with the ribbon. bought small wedding gift bags at the dollar tree ( had tissue paper in the bottom so that it looked full and had these sitting on the tables. Had my center pieces in the middle of the tables and then a bag of each on either side of it.
My center pieces were square vases from wal-mart with white rocks in them with candles. Last year at the dollar tree they had rub on wedding poems or sayings on them. I will post a picture. Have any question about any of this just ask. sorry about being so long!


candles
http://i339.photobucket.com/albums/n466/rrwinborne/047.jpg
http://i339.photobucket.com/albums/n466/rrwinborne/046.jpg

mints and the bags that I used to put them in are in this picture
http://i339.photobucket.com/albums/n466/rrwinborne/009-1.jpg

could not post a picture of the collums that I made but if you want a pic let me know.

 

[dreamin_disney]

Hi, I had the pleasure of doing my sons wedding last year. Had to be budget due to doing it by myself. So done a lot of the details myself. Here is some of the ideas that I used.
( my cousin does wedding, but dosen't live in the same state, but she had told me one thing she has done is take pvc pipe and paint it white and wrap it with tulle and ribbon attach a board to the bottom so it will stand. She puts flowers to match the wedding and some greenery, coming out the top, has them different sizes. They look like collumns. Very pretty. But when I went to the hardware store to buy them was to much to spend to use one time. So I liked the idea just not the cost. Got to thinking what could I use. went to home depot and ask for a large carpet roll. the gave it to me at no cost. Painted it white, painted a small board with stone paint and attached it to the roll, added tulle and a bow at the top had lavenders flowers and green ivy coming out the top. One roll made a large, medium and small one. Used the small one at the recepation. These with a $20 arch from Hobby Lobby, rented arched candle holders, and borrowed ferns was all I done for the the front of the church but was really pretty. Made pew bows with small rolls of tulle from Wal-mart.
On the doors going into the church made wreaths, used a vine wreath and hot glued ivy to cover the front and sides, cut out a piece of card board and cover it with fabric to match their colors, got a W for last name and painted it silver and hot glued to the middle. then attached it to the vine. Everyone that I had bought or got someone to make them for me.


Favors:
Go to ebay and get ideas. They have lots that people are making and selling, but alot of them you could make your self. One that is easy and kinda of cheap is the scrolls. You can buy the same paper at wal-marts that they use, then print them out your self. Takes alittle playing on the computer to get it right, But you can get four out of one sheet of paper and then just buy the little rings at wal-mart.
another fairly cheap favor is the mints. Buy the small bag-it bags at micheals (with your 50% off coupon). put a life saver mint in it, attach a note to the ribbon that reads : mint to be, your names and the date. tie a bow with the ribbon. bought small wedding gift bags at the dollar tree ( had tissue paper in the bottom so that it looked full and had these sitting on the tables. Had my center pieces in the middle of the tables and then a bag of each on either side of it.
My center pieces were square vases from wal-mart with white rocks in them with candles. Last year at the dollar tree they had rub on wedding poems or sayings on them. I will post a picture. Have any question about any of this just ask. sorry about being so long!


candles
http://i339.photobucket.com/albums/n466/rrwinborne/047.jpg
http://i339.photobucket.com/albums/n466/rrwinborne/046.jpg

mints and the bags that I used to put them in are in this picture
http://i339.photobucket.com/albums/n466/rrwinborne/009-1.jpg

could not post a picture of the collums that I made but if you want a pic let me know.

great ideas! I would love to see pics of the colums. I love the candle vases with sayings. I'll have to keep my eye out on the rub ons. I like the idea of the sachet bags, that might be an idea.
e-mail me please dreamin_disney@yahoo.com

 

[Keli]

One more thing...since you mentioned the tables....

We had the long rectangular tables too - we got the 180 thread count plain white sheets at Walmart - they were $2.50 each - worked great for covering all the tables - much cheaper than renting linens!

Oh...and here's a link to what the silverware looks like -
http://www.nationwideparty.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=212

And here's a link to what the plates look like (they have a silver ring around them - people thought we had real china set out til they got up to it).
http://www.pjpmarketplace.com/servl...etail?zmam=9154908&zmas=1&zmac=17&zmap=344550

Also - if you need alterations on your dress, don't do it at the bridal shop - ask around for a good seamstress or alterations shop. David's Bridal wanted $80 for just the bustle for my dress - I asked friends and found a lady at an alterations shop who did all the work I needed (bustle, two extra hooks for the sash, sewed in a patch (my something blue - had our names & wedding date on it), fixed the front panel - the snaps were making it look funny, so she sewed it in instead, shortened the strap on the halter part, steamed my dress & a bridesmaid dress for $120 - it probably would have been twice that at David's.

I was kinda looking at these plates but I found that I can rent white dinner plates with a silver rim for quite a bit less than these would cost me. I'm really surprised by that but I thought it might help others to look at local rental places before deciding on what plates to use.