The (Super) Low-Budget Wedding Reception
Even low-budget weddings can take a huge bite out of savings ... and often leave you stumbling under a serious pile of debt.
Take heart, though: planning a wedding yourself in a hands-on way can save you some money. At its best, it also lends that personal touch that provides lasting family memories. When you've got enough time to tackle it, creating your own wedding favors and planning your own reception can lead to a special satisfaction no pile of catalog orders can ever compete with.
If you have the time and energy, expect to take great pride in your super-low-budget wedding. And this won't just arise from your one-of-a-kind creations. It also flows from the huge savings you realize, which you can then spend on something with lasting impact on your future, like a car or a down payment.
You might have a lower budget, but your wedding costs will break down much like your spendier counterparts. You can still save money in each and every category. The secret comes down to one basic choice: avoid the formal wedding.
Of course, if you're footing the bill yourself and just can't see starting your married life with a heavy financial burden, you could skip the reception entirely, opting for a courthouse ceremony and intimate dinner instead. Then you could plan a more formal ceremony down the road. Wedding vows renewals are popular today, and it's a romantic way to spend your anniversary! So if funds are tight, and you're paying for everything else — don't wait to get married. Just wait on the formal ceremony.
But if it breaks your heart to forego the big wedding, yet your wallet's an empty nest, you'll need to pull out every trick in the budget book. Fortunately, there's one that can save you thousands.
Focus on the Venue
The reception alone will bust your budget if you're not extremely careful. Of course, the most obvious way to save money here is to sharply limit your guest list.Also, the venue that's hosting this grand occasion could make or break you. Your best bet? Find one that's free or nearly — taking into account the costs of renting chairs, tables, tents, portable toilets and so on.
A "free" location could include your home, or that of a friend or family member. A low-cost option might include a church reception hall, the local fire department, or club halls. Most will have a kitchen area for preparing and serving food.
Sometimes you'll even happen across a local restaurant that specializes in low-budget receptions. These usually offer a package deal, which might include dinner and limited beverages along with the restaurant space or banquet rooms. Check hotels in your area for banquet rooms as well. Some may rent the banquet room by itself and offer reception packages as an optional add-on.
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The venue's key to saving cash, so leave no stone unturned in your search! You could happen on a gem of a deal that will save you tons. So network. Ask friends and family. Scour the internet. Try unusual locales like vineyards, museums, gardens or plantariums. We have several plantations in our area that offer competitive wedding packages. These are elegant locations, with price options that don't rule out the low-budget wedding.
Once you've done your homework, record your findings. Chart not only the price but services and packages available at each venue. Then, it's easy to see how to get the most for your money.
For instance, one venue might offer really cheap rates, and let you book your caterer separately. Looks good — but sometimes, a location that costs more will offer a catering package that's a better deal overall.
Beating the Biggest Budget-Buster of All
There's one type of reception that's "truly traditional" (not counting royalty!), and that's the potluck. If you've read this far, you probably agree that the commercialism in today's weddings is slightly out of control. The biggest cost in the average budget, usually even bigger than the venue, is the food. Slashing costs here is a must if you want to get through this process financially intact.Serving up crackers and cheese whiz, however, is not a solution. Your guests will feel deprived. They'll leave the party early, in search of sustenance. Those warm memories of lingering over something hearty with your friends and family will be conspicuously missing from your wedding. The solution for the cash-strapped? The potluck.
The basics of the potluck reception is that you ask your guests to bring food — not a toaster or espresso maker or other trinket from a registry list somewhere. Many guests will be pleased, even relieved, to have this choice. Sound off-the-wall? Up until recently, potluck weddings were absolutely the norm. They're truly the traditional way to celebrate the coming together of a couple. And not coincidentally, they're the absolute best way to throw a low-budget wedding that still lets your guests leave satisfied. (Take this same budget to a caterer, and you'll quickly find that caterers offer very limited menus to very limited budgets!)
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If you're shy about digging out and dusting off the potluck option, you can simply refer to your reception as an "Old Time, Traditional Wedding Celebration." The potluck dinner suits this theme naturally, and no one will even question it.
You may even want to pick an "Old Time" theme for your decorations and favors. Tuck simple gerbers or wildflowers flowers in medicinal and apothecary jars, for example, and hand out beautiful old-fashioned candy sticks tied in ribbon. This will fill out the "Old Time" theme even more. Or start with a 50's or 20's theme, both old-fashioned themes with a lot of life.
How to get the point across to guests? Simply slip in a note with the invitation that gives invitees this option. For example:
Our reception will be an "Old Time Traditional Celebration" with a potluck dinner.____ Please check here if you would like to bring a dish for the reception in place of a wedding gift.
We kindly request a call for dish suggestions.
Have your guests check in ahead of time so you'll have some say over the menu. No one's obliged to participate, but it's likely that many of your guests will opt for this.
And fact, you and guests alike will probably be surprised (and delighted) at the variety and quality of the dishes that debut on your banquet tables. Guests always want to bring out their top-drawer recipes to a grand occasion like yours!
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daughter is planning a 2011 wedding (july/august) in pa or fl (undecided)everything is expensive. we need some ideas to still have that beautiful day to be beautiful. she’s looking at gardens but we have to remember the chance of rain (esp. in fl) if its outside. the receptions seems so costly. we need ideas. (she won’t go for the potluck idea). any suggesstions are appreciated. thanks (by the way she wants the fantasy wedding (150 people) with all the frills and we just cannot afford this
d&b,
There are loads of ways to cut wedding costs without sacrificing style.
* check this out ( there is more to this wedding below article)
When looking for a venue that is the key thing to deciding style and colors for the wedding. When using white it takes alot more flowers to make an impact then it does with color. She wants a fantasy wedding, meaning fairytale? another key is to plan a memorable wedding instead of a pricey wedding. This will make any brides dreams come true. What Iwould do is figure out how much you can afford and set the budget for her to work within. Once the budget is set do not go over the budget. Then the search for a venue can begin. I cant stress the importance of a specific number, all wedding vendors will want to know what to work with. There are loads of vendors that will bend the $$$ to help. If the guest list is a problem then I would begin cutting it. it may be you have to find a venue that wont hold 150. It is a compromise to be made but it could give her the wedding she dreamed of. Would you email me anastacialeah@yahoo.com
I would like to see the budget your wanting to work within. Once I know this I can start to pull some ideas. Also what is the area that means the most to her? food, flowers, etc. Most brides pick one that stands out the most and makes that the high priority while working everything else into a budget. The beautiful thing about a garden wedding is there is less need for alot of flowers opening up the budget in other areas. I highly suggest sticking with one type of flower in one color. It brings more lush impact to the decor. Color schemes is the best way to have impact and it is free. Just pick 2 colors like black white pink for a gorgeous wedding and less will need to be done. that is the great thing about color. My suggestion is black white and one color. It has that classic eye popping look. Or brown or navy white and a pop of color. Can’t wait to hear from you!!
d&b,
* look at the elegance of the floating rose petals and candles, the color scheme grabs attention too. This is what I meant about colors
d&b,
another idea is tabletop candelabras. It could be your venue is ornate and does not need anything but candles. I would try to find a all inclusive venue. Even a B&B. My daughter had a gorgeous Christmas wedding at a b&b. the owner wanted to know what color scheme my daughter was using so she could decorate for Christmas but incorporate her colors. ( burgundy was used). There was a victorian tree, mantel, and gorgeous stairway decorated to perfection. Her wedding was around $300. Yes, holidays, flowers are more expensive BUT venues are already decorated. It could be she may be willing to move her date too just for those perks.
d&b,
* here is that article
* click on SL country club and look at the gorgeous 27 pics there. This does use all white florals but if you find inexpensive flowers it canhave that lush look.
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Hello d & b,
I can talk from my own experience as I am now at the end of my wedding preparations. I’m getting married this Saturday in Florida and I only had five weeks to prepare all this from the day that my fiancee’ decided we should get married.
NUMBER OF GUESTS: very important. Try to coordinate with both bride and groom what the number of guests is for each. In my case, I had estimated 60 guests, approximately, which are very close friends. We have a lot of common friends but in addition, my fiancee’ has friends from work, etc., and he never gave me a number of such group. Big problem, because after I had already worked out the guest list, table seats, food, etc., he came up with his list which was about 20 extra people!!! On top of this, his family decided last minute to come to our wedding, so add 5 more to that list. Anyway, this is a very important matter, and your daughter and husband-to-be will have plenty of time to foresee this.
VENUE: I have a very good friend here in Florida with a large garden who offered her place for the wedding. That is already a big saving, otherwise we would be paying for a club or something similar and that’s expensive. I assume that she is not opening her home for us, which is understandable as there will be a lot of people that she and her husband don’t know at all. Fortunately, one of the bathrooms has a door that faces the garden, so guests won’t have to get in to the house. The house has a swimming pool and a big concrete area where we will place the tables, the buffet and the dancing space. There’s a big chance that the rain will surprise us, so now we are in the process of renting a tent of approximately 20×30 which should be ok for our 8 tables (we are planning to seat 10 people at each table). The approximate cost of the tent is 180 dollars, installation included. So, if you have a friend with a large garden, see if s/he can lend it to you.
DECORATION: I chose two colors, besides the white that will be on the tablecloths, my dress, and his shirt. Those colors are CORAL (watermelon, for some) and turquoise, like the ocean in Florida. We are not abusing the use of these colors as they are only to add some accent to the venue. This is how we are using it. Coral: in the flower arrangements of each table, using GERBERA DAISIES mixed with some white SPIDER flower. The coral will also be present in the Chinese paper lanterns that we will hang everywhere. The turquoise is also in five paper lanterns, but also in some napkins. So, the point is to set a balance between the three basic colors: more in the white, less in the coral and much less in the turquoise.
I can share much more about this adventure, but I hope that these three issues I described are somehow helpful to you.
What is a fantasy wedding?
Jolie
i love your ideas, im planning my first wedding and im have problems already. I never realized how much it cost to have a party (reception). Feeding people cost alot. Please send or add more tips. i decided to give candles away in organza bags to show my colors on the table along with little boxes of candy for the kids. PLEASE ANY OTHER IDEAS WILL HELP. Food, setup, bridal shops, etc..
maliboo,
what are your colors, style/theme/date?
* go here for loads of visual inspiration
* great guidelines
* types of receptions
* great article
I have no idea how to plan a wedding. I just want some general affordable tips. Also, How much money should I save for wedding, reception and honeymoon? I am on a very tight budget. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!!!!
Amanda,
It depends on the style of wedding your after and where you choose to go on your honeymoon. The best thing is to sit down and talk with your FH and see what typw of budget you can do. Wedding checklist are a great place to look a wedding planning book is absolutely a great tool. When is your date? Do you have a location/venue? Outdoor weddings are great, the only thing is they can be expensive if your notcareful. Renting necessities for guests such as tables/chairs/restroom etc. Restaurants halls are hugely popular cause it includes everything you need. they will work with you on your food budget too. You will need to pick out colors and a theme if your wanting one. Do you want a lowkey wedding? church or large affair? Limiting the bridal party is a plus, it cuts down on floral expense. Not to mention your wedding date can provide some great budget flowers with large impact. And you would be surprised what color can do. Like black and white, add green bouquets and you have a simple but classic theme that you dont have to stress about cause it is just a failproof color scheme. Black or navy dresses with a long stem rose with a training ribbon is amazing. And it doesnt look like you were on a tight budget. Neutral color are a GREAT place to start cause you can do much more with them. Stick to one color and one type flower for a budget friendly floral budget.
Amanda,
* look at this site
* LOVE THIS
* this is fab!
Amanda,
* any of these are great
* great article
* more pics of the real wedding
Amanda,
I meant to tell you that an outdoor wedding especially a garden would also be an asset cause it needs little to no decor. I like this * wedding because it is outdoors, little decor( strategically placed) white and pink. Simple yet very elegant. The tables had glass holders of simple candles ( which you can find at dollartree.com) again a failproof color scheme. White linens with simple pink roses in glass vases with votives makes a breathtaking yet budget impact. ( 2 color/color scheme= my fave or just white) have girls in black or pink, guys in rewearable black suits or rented tuxes. Have assorted heavy appetizers buffet. I think less is more, and this wedding shows how it can look like a “romantic love”. The biggest expense, for me, would be my photos. That is what you will have to look at for years to come.
If I could get the type/style of wedding your after and some venue details, I would be happy to help you get started.
Amanda,
* here is another pic of the aisle
* tips
In this economy dont worry about the average costs, it can cause stress if your trying to expand a tight budget. An old fashioned vintage theme would be super easy, especially the fun 50’s. Thrift stores are an amazing place to buy anything wedding. A tuscan theme would be easy. Sunflowers, greenery, pasta, breads, beverages, voila.
* you will like this site, click on real weddings and pick a category also wedding inspirations and search by color/tags
Amanda,
* love this
hi my fiance and i just recently decided to elope in sept..but my parents want to throw us a reception after we get back so..i need a low budget idea for a wedding bc my parents dont have a lot of money n i dont exactly like the potluck dinner idea..can u help at all? please an thank u-kate
Kate,
* look at some of these ideas
* another money saver
Kate,
One idea would be have a italian or tuscan style reception. This is super easy on the budget. You could use sunflowers in flea market vases, simple white linens, greenery, etc. have a color palette of white, beige, and the yellow sunflowers. Then pull in pasta, salads, and garlic/french breads. Add beverages, cake, your done.
Kate,
* like this
kate,
* here are some quanity tips
* reception food ideas
* more tips
Kate,
* can keep it super simple like this one
also check out stylemepretty.com ( real weddings:budget casual and DIY)
I went to my senior prom last weekend and one of my friends helped set it up and gor center peices they took mason jars and put tussue paper around them and tied a ribbon around the top to keep it in place and put bouquets of roses in them then scattered rose pedals and herseys kisses around the table it was adorable!
I’ve gotten to the flowers now but I can’t make up my mind what I like. I have decided I dont want roses but that is as far as I have gotten. Our colors are candy apple red,white,and black. Any ideas?
Amber,
What is your wedding date? You know gerbera daisies would be great for these colors. Also what is your wedding style? romantic, modern, earthy, vintage, etc.? It will help in choosing the flowers. Also what are some flowers you do like?
I guess you could say it is a mix between modern and romantic. My favorite flowers are gerber daisies and lilys
Amber,
these 2 flowers would be perfect, could add roses too.
Amber,
It also depends on your budget. Gerbera daisies would be inexpenisive while lilies can be expensive. You might find it is better cost effective to have the lilies in your bouquet while the roses and daisies are mixed everywhere else. I would talk to my florist for some options. In pics swap out tulips for lilies.
Amber,
Also check out sites like weddingwire.com and projectwedding.com for bouquet photos in red.
* and this website
TRY BLACK MAGIC ROSES THEY ARE VERY DIFFERENT AND EXTREMELY PRETTY! =]
Ok Ms.Stacey! I need some ideas! Outdoor wedding at a campground where all the cabins and buildings look like castle turrents! I found a picture online of a regular turrent- the cabins are similar to this, round with the tops the same. So its this feel that it all has only campy? If that makes sense! Anywho.. just needing some general ideas for decorations… simple, flowy, lots of candles, old feel to it. LOL Thanks!!!
Ellioja,
Love this. When I first saw this and you said outdoors. I immediately said long tables covered in white flowy linens with centerpieces full of greenery spilling over or trailing down the table and tons of votives. It would have that old world look you want. The other color that I see is adding “maybe” pale yellow florals in the the mix. Make it look like a english tudor/garden wedding. What are your colors? and when is your wedding date?
* here is a english garden look with color
Ellioja,
* another look
* beautiful
Ellioja,
* look at this very beautiful wedding
* check out everything here
Ellioja,
* this goes with video
Love the grapes in the decor. Perfect for your setting.
outdoor ceremony and then the wedding inside the hall. I will have to post some pictures that I took today while at the site. It is just gorgeous! We are getting married 04/16/2011 and I am planning on spring flowers with huge white stargazer or casablanca lilies. ornamental grass in the boutienneres and spring flowers.. nothing will be matchy matchy. I want to make an arch for over the ceremony site and decorate it with ivy, tulle, spring flowers, and lilies. Inside I was thinking lots of candles, more natural textures, sturdy, earthy things. My dress and the BMs dresses have a renaissance style to them and the guys are wearing jeans, peasant shirts, vests, and I’m having leather wristbands made for them. Vests will match the color of the dresses as closely as possible. Rather then specific colors we are using wrought iron and silver for the metal accents and rich, jewel tones for the colors. Nice beautiful purples, burgundys, greens, blue, all rich colors. The darker tones I find in the flowers. LOL
Ellioja,
WOW! it sounds beautiful with a renaissance theme.
* look at this top row 1st and 4th pic
Elliola,
* check out the decor, love the bowl centerpieces
Ellioja,
* look at this real wedding. Isn’t is beautiful? simple elegance
something like this with dripping greenery would be perfect for the setting.
Ellioja,
* look at this
the previous real wedding post was meant to be the decor in your colors
Ok Stacey.. I just love some of the ideas you’ve given me. I do have some pictures finally of the location!
Ellioja,
Gorgeous! I think the jewel tones would be so perfect for this.
* look at this reception
Ellioja,
Okay this is weird. Look at the pic and then look at your venue. The fireplace,walls, etc. They look so similar!
* burgundy linens would be beautiful
Ellioja,
I made a board with the reception pic. You could easily do this with the purples and burgundy.
Stacey! Yes! I love the board! The one pics that you sent with the enchanted forest theme. I am going to try to do something very similar to the tall centerpieces for the reception. I will probably replace the roses with lilies. Spring flowers with white lilies will be the bouquets and spring flowers for corsages/boutinerres. The biggest difference will be that I will be using grapevine instead. Not sure how that will work though! Also, the mens shirt in your board.. almost dead on for what the guys are wearing! Trying to find a style of vest I like for over top of it. Less material for the sleeves. Straight sleeves not so much poof! I was strictly told that they were NOT WEARING THE PUFFY PIRATE SHIRT! LOL Now.. my room is 30×50. I have to fit a dance floor, the dj set up, seating for 80 including the head table with 8 people, buffett tables and cake table. One consolation is that at the end of the room opposite the kitchen there are two alcoves that measure about 6.5′ wide and 4.5′ deep but are not square they are half circles. So… I could put my DJ there. The tables are standard rectangle seat 4 to each side and 1 at each end if we dont put them end to end. Any suggestions????
Ellioja,
I would need to see the entier room and layout to arrange. You could easily pull the tables together and form a u shape, like in the board pic. Back in that era it was all about guests sitting all at the same table. I am sure it would give your space room and would look amazing to boot. It would be beautiful with the fireplace lit or at least some pillar candles lit in globe vases or cylinders to give the “feel” of a fire.
Hi! I’m getting married October 2, 2010 at our church and having the reception in the family life center, which is actually the gym. We are having a midday wedding. Ceremony at 1 then pictures, reception to start about 3-5 or 6. We are doing soup and sandwiches, some desserts, fruit and the cake which my fiances aunt is making. I don’t know whether we have to have dancing. I don’t want the reception to be boring, but we were just going to have an Ipod playing background music. I was also wondering if you had any decoration ideas. We are not doing the “fall theme, ” our colors are apple red and ivory. The bouquets will have a pink-orange colors of hydrangeas accented. We are on a very tight budget and we are paying for everything ourselves. Any suggestions would help me greatly! Thanks!!
melissa,
*here are some decor ideas
*more ideas
Melissa,
A few years ago at the church I use to be at. We were having a Christmas Special. A friend and I decorated the gym. We used the tables and white linens there and they told us to use whatever decor we could find. ( all we had to do what clean the linens and return them).There were tons of small hurricane candle lamps with the candles. We used those with the white linens and had colored napkins. We didn’t know if it would be enough but the candle centerpieces were perfect in the gym. It wouldnt hurt to see what decor your church has. It just might be perfect. Use the linens too, if you can. We decorated the stage with garlands and wreaths draping across the balcony. You could easily do the same and put white lights in the fabric or greenery garland. I know gym celings are tall but filling the space up with simple paper lanterns would be gorgeous!
Melissa,
* look at this, folded fan napkins would make a statement with out alot of decor
* this would be great with flowing ribbon from napkins.
* very nice
Melissa,
* I love the simplicity of this
I would be happy to take a look at the place to see what it needs. Will you be renting any linens or chair covers?
A suggestion from a friend, have Panda Express (or other semi-fast food resturant) cater the reception.
Hi. My fiance and I were planning a wedding this summer and we were doing it all on our own. About a month ago he got ill and our wedding budget money was spent on the medical bills. We still want to follow through with the wedding this summer. I already have my wedding dress and have the 3 brides maid dress. We are going to have the reception at a friends back yard. Do you have any suggestions for food ?
Thanks,
Eva
Eva,
It depends on the type of wedding your having. Casual?
* here are some fantastic plans. I think they will help. Plus depending on your guests count. A BBQ would be very welcomed! Guest love different at weddings!
Eva,
* real wedding
Eva,
* I love this one
Eva,
I went to one home wedding that had chicken spaghetti and red sauce spaghetti, garlic bread, big salad with the fixins, tea, cokes, water, coconut cake( brides fave/grandmothers recipe, decorated sheet wedding cake from grocery bakery, mints, nuts, dipped whole strawberries. I loved it cause it was comfort food.
Chilled soup shooters would be nice in summer. I would seriously consider doing what has been suggested numerous times on this site about doing a potluck. If I were having my wedding locally instead of a destination wedding with immediate family only, I would have definitely picked someone’s backyard, and had a potluck. I probably would provide the alcohol if you’re having any, other drinks, and of course, the cake. It’s low cost, the food will be great, and it will be appropriate for a backyard reception. Just keep the decor on the casually elegant side and maybe do some custom water bottle labels to add some special touches. Homemade, hand cranked icecream, served in those plastic punch cups or plastic wine glasses with a garnish of something like a Pirouline cookie would be awesome too. In fact, now that I’m brainstorming, maybe I should have a reception like this when we come back from our wedding!
Eva,
I went to a wedding last year that had a dessert reception (served different types of cakes, cookies, etc.) Depending on what time of day your wedding is, this might work for you. Best of luck to you and your fiance as you begin your life together!
I suggest Spaghetti or chili home made.
Look at your resources again. Who are the great cooks in the family/friends? Ask them to come up with the menu and the logistics prior to and the day of the wedding. A backyard wedding does not mean casual. You first need to define what sort of wedding meal you wish to present to your guests. Then approach your network of family and friends. If everyone is on a tight budget too, then offer to pay for the raw ingredients if they agree to make and bring the food.
Hello, I am getting married May 15th of 2010 and I am STRUGGLING looking for a location. I have about 120 guests(and thats the cut down list!) We know we want the wedding outside…so were looking at local parks…perf. by a lake…but the problem is the reception! I cant find anywhere I can afford. Thankfully we have a close family friend that does catering and is doing the whole thing for free as a gift(amazing of them!) but thats also causing me to hit a wall cause a lot of places require you use them for catering. I’m in Nashville Tn…does ANYBODY have an hints on what we can do? any little advice would be greatly helpful!
Hi Amanda,
I hope you have figured this out by now but I have a friend who did somehting similar to what you mentioned. They had the wedding at the lake and moved the reception to the attatched park. The wedding was held two hours before dark and they had talked to the city police to let them stay after dark at the park. And the reception was held in a large covered picnic area and there was dancing by the lake at night….no alcohol could be served though. I hope you figure this out.
Amanda Marie
Hi! I’m getting married October 2, 2010 at our church and having the reception in the family life center, which is actually the gym. Our colors are apple red and ivory. I bought silk flowers and I’m having a talented friend assemble them. They are red and ivory lilies, accented with hydrangeas that are a pink-orange color. (VERY pretty!!) We are having a midday wedding. Ceremony at 1 then pictures, reception to start about 3-5 or 6. We are doing soup and sandwiches, some desserts, fruit and the cake which my fiances aunt is making. I need ideas on decorating the reception. We are on a very tight budget and we are paying for everything ourselves. I really wanted to do something with flowers for centerpieces. (I bought the lilies in bulk so I will have extras from the bouquets.) Also table linens, I really wanted to dress them up since a gym isn’t very appealing, but linens are very expensive even to rent. I didn’t really want to just use plastic as it would probably look tacky. Any suggestions would help me greatly! Thanks!!
Melissa,
if one of the accent colors for your wedding is red, you should try look into Christmas merchandise that at this time of year are so reduced. You may find red tablecloths that are very discounted. Just make sure it’s the same the red for every table. A flower arrangement on every table would look great.
I assume that since it’s a gym, there will be big empty walls all over. If that’s the case, you may want to do something I’m thinking for my own reception. Put together a set of pics from you and your fiancee since you were little and have them projected on the wall as a slide show. Another idea is to have balloons, but not only red and ivory. Get another color such as light blue, to break these colors out.
good luck, Melissa.
You could do suken rose bouquets for your centerpieces. It depends on your local florist and how much they would charge. I happen to know my florist from a previous event so she is only charging me $48 dollars for 8 tables. They are actually wiring the roses down in and putting clear crystals around it to bring out the roses and then on the outside putting pool blue and ivory ribbon around the glass bowls which I am renting from them. I hope this helps! By the way Congratulations!
go to http://www.smartyhadaparty.com…they have disposable table cloths that looks and feel like lien…Im on a tight budget too!!!!…they have other things as well…@ my reception hall, the storeroom closet are in the hall…Im getting extra to put over the doors…make it look pretty
I will be getting married in South Florida around May or June this year. Does anybody know what I’d have to do in order to have the ceremony at the beach? I’d like to know if there’s a cost for it, or if we have to get a special permission from the City. The idea is that we get married at the beach and then have the reception at my friend’s house. This is all in Boca Raton.
I’d appreciate any insights on this. Thank you.
boca is beautiful! what I would suggest is to simply call city hall or the chamber of commerce. the city should be able to give you any information about the area you want to have it and any city ordinances that are in effect. If the spot is not in city limits check with the county offices. Being florida I am sure they are accustomed to getting requests of this nature and will be able to assist you. Is the beach area you want to have it adjacent to your friends house? If so then they will know how far out their property line goes. If not, check with the city. I love the idea of a beach wedding! Too bad there are no beaches in Oklahoma worth seeing! Congratulations and good luck!
Thank you, Ellioja, for your comment. I will definitely contact the city hall to see if a permission is needed. Someone told me that unless the beach is private, anybody can use it. Still, I’d rather check if this is really true. My friend’s house, where the reception will take place, is not near the beach. I guess I will have to put a big mat on the sand, otherwise we will all burn our feet as June is already hot there. Also, I will need a sort of an arch with flowers, etc. where we will have the ceremony. Do you think Michael’s has such things?
I’m sure there is a brook, lake or river in OK; that could make up for the lack of beaches there. Not the same, I know…
THANKS AGAIN.
Jolie!
A couple of ideas for you…
For the arch (and this is what I plan to do for my outdoor wedding next year) you can purchase trellis’ like these from Lowes and use pull tulle across the top and then weave it through the trellis on either side along with your flowers, ribbons, ect.. This way you are not limited to a specific width. You can place them as close or apart as you like. One suggestion is to buy the long dowels and hammer those into the sand and then ziptie the trellis to them for extra support! Then if you have a yard at home you can put the trellis pieces in the yard maybe with a little bench or chairs and it will be a reminder of your beautiful beach wedding!
As for the sand… this can seem like a tricky one. My suggestion.. if you are crafty at all.. most stores like Michaels and Hobby Lobby have plain flipflops you can purchase for around $1.00 a pair. I would buy some for the wedding party and embellish them to match your theme. Or.. purchase nicer ones and let them be one of the gifts for your wedding party.
Hey! I’m planning a wedding for June 3rd of 2011 money is very very tight considuring that my fiance and I are only 18 years old and im trying to plan everything myself. Im thinkin that I will buy a ton of fake flowers and throw a “decorating party” instead of a bachelorette party and have some help making bouquets and im thinking about doing a potluck (because my fiance is mexacan and is family makes AMAZING authentic food =) but im not sure if that would be tacky or not? any thoughts?
Hi Cassie,
AH!!! how fun! I am sure the family would love to make some food! I would ask though. you know if you went with a mexican wedding theme the potluck just “fits” the theme. Noone would ever question this idea. potlucks used to be the norm for weddings, it was about family and friends coming together and honoring the couple with the items and skills on hand. I already love your budget ideas.
if you did go with a mexican theme you could get the flags or lights and string them up etc.
* tips
* some ideas and pics to look over Just in case you like it
* mexican theme real wedding
You coudl really save some bucks with this theme!
Your future inlaws and family could help you out with some wonderful decor items they have on hand.
Cassie,
* here are some beautiful colors
* here is a budget friendly board with all the tips/details how to plan it
* click on larger image for this beauty of a setting
Cassie,
* here is another one you might like. I think it is gorgeous
Cassie,
I am posting a pic that is very nice. If you can;t see it go to this site, scroll down to magazine that says RADIANT!
with this in under pic:
InStyle Weddings,
Summer 2006
How to Plan a
Rehearsal Dinner
Once there click to enlarge the reception pic. Nice huh?!?
* pic
Cassie,
OOPS! that link wont work try one and go to the pic…
* reception
Cassie,
sorry for all the posts, still wont go through, try this one…
* website
that is very gorgeous!! we dont want it soully mexican themed though so i think were gonna try and split making he food between his and my families. now im trying to find ways to cut from the budget by making my own center pieces and things like that but i cant seem to find an affordable venue!
theres a mexican tradition for parties, weddings, quinces etc. where family members each pay for an item for the party. such as the cake, food, photography, alcohol, deco etc… they are called i think the padrinos or something like that.
Hi Cassie,
First: get your best friend/s involved so that you have someone else besides you and your fiancee doing all this.
Second: the idea of serving Mexican food is great and not tacky at all. You can prepare an elegant table with a nice tablecloth and flowers and put the food as a sort of buffet If you want it to look more for the occasion, have the food more like finger food (e.g. baby tacos, little enchiladas with toothpicks, etc. so that people can easily grab the food from the table and put it on their plates.
Third: your fiancee’s family can prepare the food for you, just tell them how you’d like it to be served for the reception. It’s the way you present things what makes the difference.
Fourth: play with colors. Pick an accent color, one or two that can match nicely. Even if your plates are plastic, as long as there’s a nice color combination, your wedding reception would look great.
Sixth: the bouquet I will have for my wedding it’s going to be made by me. All you need is fresh flowers, nice ribbon matching the rest of your decoration, about four or five pearl pins to fasten the bunch, and some other things you may want to add to it. Go to Michael’s for DIY ideas.
Good luck and congratulations.
Fifth: try to have some balloons, or other less pricey item that can decorate your party in a more fun way.
Cassie… Congrats!! One thing you can do is make a list of your favorite foods that your families make and then let them know the things you want (I would mention the food you like best from each person first when talking to them!) If they are willing then write them down for that. If someone else wants to make the same thing let them know someone already volunteered to make it and suggest something they might make that you like better. This way you don’t end up nothing but deviled eggs and chicken enchiladas!
My fiance and I are newly engaged and getting married in September 2011 in Ontario, Canada.
We have a guest list of approx 120 ppl but I’m sure it would be cut down a little bit if needed.
Our main dilemna is what to do for dinner or to have a cocktail reception with sandwiches, veggies, fruits etc and cake. I’ve checked with caterers and this still seems somewhat pricey.
My thought is I’d like everyone to be able to see us at the actual church ceremony AND attend the reception…but we’re thinking dinner for that many ppl would be too much money.
We could get married after dinner time, try to get pictures done before the sun goes down and meet everyone for a light cocktail reception … hoping that would leave us with enough hours to enjoy dancing, bouquet toss, cutting the cake and all the fun events that happens…keeping in mind everything has to be over at 1am.
I’m not really into a breakfast or lunch type reception…we really want somewhat of a nightly get together party - over the tea type.
Any ideas or feedback would be so appreciated!!!!
Nicole,
I just gave this site to another bride but it is awesome!
* 12 tips
* Here are the pics
I think this would fit your wedding to a “T”. Sometimes a cocktail reception can be pricey also so be careful of the selections.
* more tips
A cocktail reception usually takes place “after” mealtime. It depends on the timeline of your wedding. If there are alcoholic beverages I highly recommend having appetizers. Cake and champagne is fine for a late night wedding but serving open bar wouldn;t be good for guests on empty stomachs.
Nicole..
This is something I am running into also! One thing that really might help is the time of year you are getting married. It is starting to cool down and you might be able to have a nice thick soup and finger sandwiches as your meal. Soups can be so much easier and less expensive. Another thing I am considering is having the labor intensive things done by someone else and doing some of the work myself. If you aren’t into cooking look around your family and think about who does all the cooking for the get togethers. You could make 2 or 3 yummy dips both hot and cold and then get french bread and slice it, crackers, veggies, ect for dipping. This will give you easy snacky type foods for when everyone is dancing and drinking and enjoying themselves. Its really important to have easy to eat, finger type foods if you are having a bar at your reception because you don’t want drinks on an empty stomach and the easier it is to get then the more likely people will stop and grab a bite as they dance the night away!
Ok, so I’m new to this. I’m getting married next August 2011 & we are on a TIGHT budget. We are having a black and white themed wedding. Our colors are black, white, and silver. I know it sounds silly, but I’m not too much into flowers. I was thinking about using floating candles in water as the centerpieces. That’s all I have though, anyone have any ideas they would like to share?? I have a little more than a yr to plan, but I’m not tooo creative! My fiance on the other hand!!!
Erica,
Were you renting linens or chair covers? If not, what color would you be using? Also will it be a simple wedding or more elegant? Have you thought about adding green for pop? It looks gorgeous with these colors! If your not much into flowers do like greenery? Also what type or theme of wedding is it? Diamond theme, vintage, etc. Do you have a pic of your venue? Thanks a million and I look forward to hearing from you!!
Erica,
* Look at this
for more oomph….
use cylinders from a dollar tree and small diamond confetti in bottom; add floating candle. Use silver linens with black runners with or with out the diamond confetti on table. add lots of votives ( again from dollar tree). Hire someone to sew black runners and napkins. black accents would make this celebrity worthy.
“use cylinders from a dollar tree and small diamond confetti in bottom; add floating candle. Use silver linens with black runners with or with out the diamond confetti on table. add lots of votives ( again from dollar tree)”
I totally agree with Stacey on this one!Another thing you can add to this for a touch of pizazz is to put floralites in the bottom of the cylinders with the confetti to light up the centerpieces and give them more presence. This can be bought at most WalMarts in the wedding section for less then $10.00 a package. I believe there were 10 or 12 to a package. You would need to check the packaging though to make sure they are waterproof. If not, another option would be to fill the top of the vase with flowers instead of water/candles and put the shredded iridescent filler in the bottom with the lights instead of diamond confetti. Then you could put smaller votive holders around the centerpiece with candles.
If you’re a DIY’er you could buy your flowers for the centerpieces in black and white and spray with adhesive and either dip just the edges in glitter or sprinkle some of the flowers with glitter and mix in with unaltered flowers for a little pizazz.
Check out http://www.orientaltrading.com and http://www.dollartree.com for some great prices on items in bulk. If you have a dollar tree close to you they will ship to your local store so all you have to do is pick it up!
Good luck and congrats!!
Me and my Fiance are getting married in September. We are on a very low budget and both have very big families. I have no idea where to even begin. Help!
Amber,
first, best wishes to you and your fiance! You must be very excited about planning the big day.
Give me some details to help me give you the best advice. when you say big families, what do you think the guest list will be? In or near a metro area? Have you thought about colors or a theme? Give me some ideas and let’s start planning!
Megan
im on the same boat! we have 150 people.. the wedding will be may 2011 (no exact day yet) i like the color orange and yellow.. i dont like fancy stuff, very orginal things and informal. i would love an outside wedding but renting evrything will be too expensive!! let me know if anyone has any idea or even good venues for cermony and reception in south florida
thanks a bunch !
Michelle,
* tips for planning a wedding in a short time
* you might like this
* your gonna love these real weddings
Michelle,
This would be super simple and perfect to pull together. LOVE THIS ONE!!!
* real wedding
* great tips
* this will always be phenomenal! use oranges and lemons instead.
gerbera daisies or carnations would be super simple and easy on the budget. dollar stores or dollar trees have vases and cylinder vases for just a buck.
* this is a neat little trick with centerpieces that look like there is more
Michelle,
* don’t overlook supermarket wedding bouquets or flowers
* really good site
Michelle,
* loved the wedding aisle in this wedding
Oh yeah, the short time link might confuse you but I gave it to you for some tips. Usually it has more tips for a wedding without all the fuss.
* last link but a great one!
* here are the 12 tips for a unwedding
thanksss sooo much !
these are great ideas ! if you have any ideas on venues in south florida.. let me know pls!
What part of south Florida? I used to live in central Florida and have a lot of friends throughout the state. I might be able to help with a location. I know you prefer outdoor and something simple yet beautiful, correct?
yup.. it doesnt have to be outdoors.. im in miami. thanks!
I will be marrying for the second time (different man, though!) in South Florida this summer. We’ve known each other for 30 years at least, since we were teenagers, so we have a lot of common friends. It will be just a civil ceremony.
My budget? pretty low, but I will only invite 50 people as not everybody lives in the area. There will be no bridesmaids, and as far as my flower bouquet, I will prepare it myself with fresh flowers wrapped around with a nice ribbon and pearl pins to hold the flowers. As for the food, I will only offer a buffett arranged on a nice long table and one person behind helping out. This will reduce the costs of tables, chairs, waiters, and expensive food. We are thinking of having a bartender helping with the drinks, but we will mainly have champagne for the toast, wine, beer and soft drinks. The food will come from various restaurants and have it delivered to the reception site.
My questions:
1.-how should I decide on the dress? should I stick to white and then have flowers in an accent color for the whole thing?
2.-how can I make this wedding a very special one?
3.-do you think that projecting pictures of us on the wall when we were younger and, still “only-friends”, be a good idea?
4.-we are both Catholic, so will a blessing should follow the civil rite?
Thank you so much!
Jolie,
* catholic ceremony
I would wear whatever dress color works best with my skintone whether it is white or ivory, champagne, etc. Then have your colors for your florals as accent. You could keep it simple with for example: white wedding dress, use white linens then pull in your color in the flower centerpieces, bouquet, etc.
* tips
You could make it very special by incorporating a special poem or reading even using a motif close to your heart as a theme and use it on your cake, invites, etc. You could look for ideas from your heritage; a place you both love, just make it about your personalities.
* more tips
Love the projection screen, beautiful idea. Or you could opt to have photos of you at each table growing up as centerpieces or among the floral centerpieces.
Jolie,
One of the most moving ceremonies I ever participated in took place on the back deck of the couple’s home. It was moving and meaningful because it was so personal. Yours sounds like it will be much the same thing.
What color dress to you envision wearing? What color is good with your skin tone? I don’t think white is out of the question, but it doesn’t look good on some women, so consider what will make you comfortable and make your skin glow on your wedding day. I love the look of a strong monchromatic bouquet (think orange, yellow, green, etc.) against a neutral colored dress. On a budget, think big blooms like gerber daisies and hydrageas to give you more bang for the buck. Also, with flowers that are all in the same color family, the use of less expensive filler flowers is not as noticeable.
Projecting pictures of the two of you at any stage would be darling. I think showing the history between you in and of itself makes the wedding special. If you have shared memories of certain things or places, consider collecting mementos of those places and things to incorproate in your decor. You know, if you both went roller skating or bowling everyone in junior high hung out at a certain diner or arcade, get some items from that place, or put out a pair of bowling shoes/roller skates to tie it all together.
In terms of the Catholic blessing, talk to some priests in your area. It really varies priest to priest who is willing to do what and where and under what circumstances. Basically, I am telling you to priest shop! It’s funny, but it has become very individualized by parish. Don’t get discouraged…check around.
It sounds like a wonderful story and a beautiful event you are planning. Please let me know if I can help more…and best wishes!!
Megan
Me and my future husband are getting married in august 2010, we are planning on getting married by the lake, at the lodge. I’m so clueless on what needs to be done. Our budget is very small. I want to do the message in a bottle thing, but have no where to buy them or any leads on a good web site. Any help or and ideas would be great. Thanks
Niki,
* links and pics
*websites
* DIY links
I’m getting married Oct 2,2010 and my fiance just got laid off… our budget just went from tight to almost nonexistent but we alreadu have deposits down and I really really don’t want to postpone. Any ideas on how to do the flowers, cake, and centerpieces extremely inexpensive? Really hoping we can get this together.
First, that is a really tough position for the two of you. Don’t let the stress of the finances keep you from enjoying the wedding. Keep in mind that people are there to share in a wonderful and meaningful day in your life, and those that are there for the right reason will be happy no matter what you do.
The biggest cost saving hint I can give you is to cut the guest list down to the bare bones minimum. Be realistic with yourself and with each other about who it is truly important to have there on your special day.
You also didn’t mention whether or not you have paid for a venue for the ceremony or reception…have you? If not, consider a place that has lots of natural appeal like a museum or historic location. Many times places that are government owned or run, like by the city where you live, can be very inexpensive and beautiful.
Keep it simple and elegant. Have your bridesmaids carry one single exotic flower like a dark burgundy calla lily tied with beautiful ribbon rather than a full bouquet for each. Concentrate on quality rather than quantity. That goes for all the flowers. You can have very striking minimalist centerpieces that cost much less than tons of flowers and still have a beautiful effect.
I do event planning for a living and have lots of clients (indicviduals and entities) who are on tighter budgets,especially right now. Creativity and lots of planning is the key. I would be more than happy to share more tips with you (a little free advice never hurt anyone) if you want to give me your email address. I know how the economy has affected people here in my home state and I would love to try to give back just a little even in this anonymous setting…let me know and good luck!
Megan
Check out dollartree.com they have a lot of glassware for centerpieces that you can buy in bulk. Just fill them with water and floating candles from save-on-crafts.com!
Make your bouquets yourself with silk flowers. That’s a big cost cutter. I’m doing this for budget reasons, but also, I decided that it was ridiculous to pay an exorbitant amount for fresh flowers that will just be trashed in two days. This way I get to keep my bouquet for as long as I want. Silk flowers are much less expensive. If you get good quality silks, then you really won’t be able to discern they are “fake” in your wedding photos. Find a photo of a bouquet you like, and just re-create it with silk flowers. There are sites on the internet that show you step by step how to put a bouquet together.
Limit your guest list to save costs on invitations, favors, food, etc. Just politely let people know you are having a small “intimate” wedding. Most people will understand. After the wedding, you can send out wedding announcements with your wedding photo to all those who did not come to the wedding. This is what I’m doing. Then, if you want to have some sort of celebration with all of your friends and family on some date after the wedding, then it will be easier to do something like a barbeque cook-out type thing that’s really casual, and ask people to bring a dish. I think you’ll be surprised how many people are happy to NOT have to go to a wedding and dress up, but are more than happy to come in jeans or shorts to a cook-out and bring a dish to share.