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[Sadie22]

I had a budget wedding years ago and the only thing I really regret was not having a professional phtographer- that is where you should splurge. you xcan't reverse time

My husband's cousin asked my husband to take pictures at his wedding, and my husband refused. He said it was too much responsibility. He only took outdoor pictures up to that point -- of scenery -- so I don't know why his cousin even asked. If necessary ask several people to take pictures at different times if a professional team is out of the question.

 

[csharpwv]

My husband's cousin asked my husband to take pictures at his wedding, and my husband refused. He said it was too much responsibility. He only took outdoor pictures up to that point -- of scenery -- so I don't know why his cousin even asked. If necessary ask several people to take pictures at different times if a professional team is out of the question.

I have started a Photography business in the last year - and YES - it it a lot of responsibility! But it is so much fun when you are making money doing it!
I am dedicated to doing artistic photos for a reasonable price.

The biggest things to worry about with weddings are
Posing
Lighting
and FACIAL EXPRESSION!

THIS IS THE HAPPIEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE! SMILE!!!!!!!!

 

[SeansMom]

One cake idea: Buy a SMALL fancy cake (or have it made by a friend) and then buy a sheet cake from Costco. Everyone gets cake, and you save on expense by having a small wedding cake.

Another idea: A "dip" themed party with fondue, dips, etc. If friends are willing to bring something fancier, it can be fun and inexpensive.

Congrats and have fun with it!

 

[minpin3]

I also like the 'dessert' theme. My daughter is planning on getting married in Oct '12 and has commented that she did not want to have a dinner. This may be a great option as she shares her mother's sweet tooth! Plus I have several friends who I know will also pitch in with their amazing desserts.

Had a friend tell me about a 'candy buffet' at one wedding. They set out all different types of candy and you just went through and helped yourself.

 

[MSSANDRA]

My cousins son "eloped" a few week-ends ago and she followd up with a picnic reception in a local park. The shelter was like 20.00, she bough pork sholders on sale and a friend grilled them. Had baked beans, chips, buns and soda. Bride did a small wedding cake and nuts and mints. Everyone had a blas and it really did not cost a lot!

 

[NotUrsula]

To give yourself some extra time, you can always have your event as a welcome-home reception after their honeymoon trip. Also, when it is a few weeks later people tend not to expect too much "bridal" decor or a big dance party with a meal; just have a small wedding cake for cutting and a buffet of hot hors d'oeuvre.

If you need to rent a space, the key to saving money is finding one that does not have a catering contract -- if you can supply your own food or take competitive bids from caterers it won't cost nearly as much. Outdoor informal is always a good option if the weather is suitable.

 

[smokeyblue]

My brother's reception was catered by a supermarket. They had meatballs, a couple salads, meat and cheese trays, vegetable and ham and rolls. It ended up being $5 per person! My parents did a couple hundred dollar donation to a ladies fire auxillary and they did all the set-up, serving and clean-up.

This was a reception for several hundred people, but you can do the same for a smaller party. Call the local supermarket and talk to the deli manager. You could probably get away with $10/person for food, drink, cake and drink (well in my neck of the woods at least).

 

[sarah4770]

So may great ideas and suggestions, there are a lot of ideas here that I hadn't thought of, and I cannot thank you all enough.
Maybe I WILL wait until they get back from their honeymoon as a few suggested, that would be the 1st week of November, that would give me 6 weeks, which should be plenty of time.

 

[shortbun]

My wedding reception-at my mother's-cost about $500. We had food prepared by the grocery, deli tray-veggie tray and Mom made a couple of dishes. A friend of my sister's did the serving and keeping things going so Mom could relax and enjoy. I bought a spray of red roses for the centerpiece and I carried them for my bouquet. We/dh and I/ bought a case of champagne and cases of soda and water. No other alcohol was served(my Godfather raided the liquor cabinet but that another story) and we had helium filled balloons as our other decoration. We DID get the baker at Dad's golfclub to make us a 3 tiered(small) chocolate wedding cake with chocolate roses. The inside was german chocolate. Every crumb of that cake was eaten; it was amazing!!! Also, we hired a photographer to come in and take family pictures at the church so we actually had wedding pics and the whole family there for pics as well. Each family group bought their own(if they chose and everyone did) and we bought an album of everything. The photos were the most expensive item in the wedding but as a family photo sitting instead of a wedding shoot it was much less. No 'down the aisle' photos were shot. He did get a couple of great singles of me and one of just dh and me at the altar rail that was really great.