Wedding Tips Make Your Own

Question: Afforable wedding tips??

(Posted by: Tricia Lynn on 2008-06-10 23:31:05)

Least amount of money the better. Having a wedding on Nov. 17th That would be a monday.. I need all the ideas I can get?? please help??? I need afforable food, Dj, Cake, and location(s)

Posted by: gette_zoe on 2008-06-11, 01:16:18

To save money you could do round cakes at each table they can double as center pieces :) i delivered wedding cakes for 8 years and loved how it looked, especially for a garden theme...for the head table you can have maybe a 2 teir cake :) i got my bridesmaids dresses for $30 online at coldwater creeks outlet they are simple but nice(link below), my centerpieces are from bed bath and beyond...they are similar to the link below, but they were on clearance for $12.50. then i got my wedding dress at this hole in the wall store that ordered it from the LA Fashion District...it was only $100!!! i'm getting my wedding cake from this high end dessert place in san diego, they cover them in white chocolate shavings and i'm getting a 6 " 8 " and 10 " then i'm gonna teir them myself and it'll cost me as much as a grocery store cake :) a good favor that isn't that costly are flower seeds, you can tie thank yous on them with raffia...be creative and try to do stuff yourself...even if you print your own invites...i couldn't believe how much our were, i did hear they are a lot cheaper in mexico though-but it was to late :( our grooms men are going to wear white shirts, khakis, and brown sandals since it's a beach theme :) and my fiance is gonna wear a brown suit. sorry to ramble it excites me when i save money. feel free to message me if you have any more ?s...congrats and good luck on the planning :)

Posted by: ibetheboogins on 2008-06-10, 23:39:13

A lot of people are having not an evening reception with dancing, big meal,etc but instead an afternoon social - a lighter buffet table with sandwiches and finger foods, wine,beer and soft drinks, and the cake. You can maybe see if the church ladies (auxiliary) do any catering. Some do, some don't. If you go with an evening event you can always do a cash bar - saves you some cash and keeps people from going too overboard. No ideas how to save on the music. Renting a place shouldn't be too much of a hassle - you are past the prime time for heavy bookings, and you are looking at a weekday. You should have the pick of the best available. Good Luck...have a groovy day no matter how you arrange it!

Posted by: Dandy on 2008-06-10, 23:39:45

Make friends in the industry, ask your family for any catering contacts they know, or better yet if they can cook! i know its not the best but they of all people should understand your financial position. DJ-ing wouldn't be too hard. get some decent speakers (relative to location, i.e inside, don't need to be too loud and outside, maybe a touch louder.) a lap top, with any half decent media player (windows media player or win amp are perfectly fine) a list of songs and perhaps a 15yr old computer literate nephew/ niece etc keen on earning $20. with the cake, you get what you pay for. ask around for connections, but that's probably the kind of thing you want to have that's quality, beside your dress. = ) congrats anyway.

Posted by: johnstonluv on 2008-06-10, 23:42:24

Food...do buffet or have it at a time when it's in between meals so you can just serve hor'douevres...like maybe 3pm. Cake, have it made by either someone you know or a local grocery store. Or do cupcakes arranged on a tier to LOOK like a cake. Locations. A lot of hotels have a nice area to have the ceremony in, then you can just go inside for the reception. OR do it outside...do a short ceremony so you don't have to rent chairs. I went to a wedding this year that was on the beach...then we just walked to the picnic pavilion for a small lunch. It's easy to make your own center pieces. Invitations can also be hand made and be just as beautiful.

Posted by: Emily Dew on 2008-06-10, 23:44:06

Not sure where you live, but I live in a major metropolitan area (Chicago). When I got married, I had my wedding in a suburb that was outside of Cook County. Consequently, we were not hit with Cook County's high liquor taxes (among other things) and that actually saved us a couple thousand dollars right there and enabled us to have an open bar instead of a cash bar. Also, I did not want a DJ ... I wanted an actual band. By scouring local jazz clubs, I found a great band who was not very well known at the time and we hired them for just about what it would have cost for a DJ and they were FANTASTIC!!! Three couples we knew ended up also having this band at their wedding because they were so impressed by how they sounded at our wedding. I don't know how big of a wedding you are planning, but check out different venues. Go off the beaten path. We were married in a gorgeous country inn on a river on a perfect autumn day. Call places and get prices. To save money, you have to go off the beaten path. See if someone can make your wedding cake for you or check out a local culinary school to see if they would do it. Get married at home or in a museum or ... a country inn. Good luck!

Posted by: Jaigurl on 2008-06-10, 23:44:33

1. Use simple colors like black, white, yellow, baby pink, or hot pink-these colors can't be messed up and are easy to match. 2. Purchase your wedding cake from your local grocery store that has a bakery inside of it. 3. Instead of having a DJ, record a CD with your favorite love songs and ask a trusy friend to play the tunes at the appropriate times. 4. Search the internet for a wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses. Don't worry about lables. If you search good enough you can find a beautiful gown for $100-$300. 5. Search for a reception venue that does not require you to have their caterer. Have close family and friends help you prepare a buffet or cake reception (different types of cake) Good Luck!

Posted by: missnuarlens on 2008-06-10, 23:50:11

The main thing to keep down wedding expense is to KEEP YOUR WEDDING PARTY SMALL! Have no more than 3 or 4 girls tops 1 or 2 even better. The less people in the wedding the less flowers that have to be bought. If possible have it in someone's home that is big enough to hold the amount of people you plan on inviting. Keep your guest list at 100 ppl or less. Less people less food less money. Get your cake from Walmart or if you know someone who makes good cakes get her make you a cake. Invitations print them yourself Dj- burn some cd's with 4 hours of good dance music put them in the player and let them play. Flowers if you are not crafty enough to do them yourself--shop around. Go into stores like hobby lobby, michaels and ask the floral designers do they do work on the side? Visit garden ridge and ask the people who work there for reccomendations. Food get your family to cook for you or ask friends who can cook to do something for you and buy the food. If you put the area of the country you are in you will be able to get more detailed info from people.

Posted by: PEGGY S on 2008-06-11, 00:04:20

You did not say what City or area you live in. A good idea for centerpieces is to use small clear glasses with floating candles., a few colored glass stones. and a large clear bowl, with candles glass stones.Some people like glitter in them too, but I prefer them to look more elegant. Make your own pew decorations. The local hobby shop or decorating store usually has the supplies. Much cheaper than using the florist. Set up a buffet for finger sandwiches, fruit bowls, and other things, instead of a sit down dinner, or having to pay waiters. Many places offer the option of a buffet, instead, of a sit down dinner. There is usually a good menu to choose from and it is relatively cheap, compared to dinners and waiters. If you plan to have alcohol, only have beer, wine, and a champagne punch. It takes less servers, and cost less for the alcohol. For the DJ, ask around about any new DJs trying to make a name for themselves, or a 2 or 3 piece acoustical band. They can be found at some local jam sessions that are open to musicians from around the area. Sometimes your local small bars will use them for promotions, because they can not afford the big name bands. Many of them are good, but they do not make their living that way, they do it on the side, or for fun.

Posted by: Alexandria on 2008-06-11, 00:08:17

Theknot.com I love it and it helpped me find cheap photography. Cake Try a grocery store, honestly they do nice cakes, the taste isn't amazing its more like a birthday cake, but it still looks nice. You never put where you live but theknot.com will help and its free to use. Goodluck! Remeber to not skimp on anything you will regret, however think things over and ask yourself if you really need them.

Posted by: Dee on 2008-06-11, 00:29:45

Cake and Food -get a small tier cake (maybe just for the bridal party) and have sheet cakes pre-cut to serve to the rest of the guests. -Have a cocktail party instead of a sit down dinner. Or just cut down on the courses you offer at the meal -Use the bakery at the grocery store. They can make pretty cakes based off of pictures you bring in! And very cheaply. -Have a cupcake tower instead of a cake. (get the cupcakes from your fave place but got to cupcaketree.com to have the tower made) -Limit alcohol to a few special drinks DJ and Music -Having a DJ period will save you money, but still don't be afraid to negotiate! -If you have a wedding band, ask if he is wiling to have two members play at the ceremony -Hire talented students from your local music school to perform the ceremony -You can even rent speakers and play your iPod or CDs!! Ask a friend to man the mic, and youre good to go! Favors and Decor -Use a chocolate cart or candy bar instead of individual gifts. -Use the end of season sales to buy things. Look in material stores after 4th of July or in target. You could find string lights, picture frames...anything that can be used as a favor or decor! -Order flowers (like for the isle) wholesale (pickapetal.com or something similar) -using local flowers can save, or even decorations from nature. Branches, rocks.... -Keep church/ ceremony flowers simple. -Ask your reception site if they have artificial arrangements on hand. Most will be happy to let you use them. -If a near-by state has lower sales tax, buy anything you can there! (favors, candles, flower girl basket, attire....) -Keep your centerpieces small or simple or both! I'm just submerging a pretty flower in a vase and having the table name displayed pretty (each table name will have a little story about us, so thats the real centerpiece anyway!) Misc. -Also anything you decide to cut will help out. I don't want video, programs, or an ice sculpture! -Any place that is all inclusive will have some great savings, but be careful because they might have some huge rip-offs too! But DO look for reception packages! Having your ceremony and reception saves a pretty bundle. Plus, no need for a limo! -Opt for a shorter reception like 3 hours instead of 5. -Instead of having it in the big city, have it in a smaller town nearby. You could save thousands!!! -Use a family or friend's pretty setting, or rent a private home for a day! -If you have "connections " you can also save money like that! My dad's friend is a caterer, an old high school friend is a wedding planner and my boss's daughter does hair and make up! This includes going to your uni for a alumni connections! - Definitely the day you chose will save you a lot of money! Fridays and Saturdays are pricey!! Congrats!!!

Posted by: LittleCoralBridal on 2008-06-11, 00:50:43

Find the wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses from littlecoral.com We always afford the great quality dresses at attractive price. Have a try!

Posted by: Kjersti G on 2008-06-11, 00:57:49

I am totally going to suggest Craiglist.com you can find all those things, and if that fails you can got to your local news website and look in the classifieds sections. My florist is only $300 ( I did kinda skimp though) DJ was $300 Officiant $150 Really worth looking around for! Aslo on flowers go with flowers that are always in season like roses cause they're cheaper and srtay away from Orchids as those are expensive. Instead of a bouquet carry only one flower.

Posted by: sunny on 2008-06-11, 01:17:41

Afforable? don't Marry. If you still do - My hearty condolences.

Posted by: <3 on 2008-06-11, 06:25:14

OK.. First you didn't say in what area of of the world you lived in, what your budget is, or whether you wanted a causal, semi-formal or formal wedding. Your booking in a month and part of the week that can get you the best prices. Attire: davidsbridal.com houseofbrides.com littllecoral.com Decor: Keep is really simple. Honestly no one is going to think twice about alot fo fancy decor. My question is: What will you do with alot of fancy decorations at the end of the reception? Favors: orientaltrading.com weddingfavors.com Most of the favors get thrown away sad to say. Alot of brides spend alot of money in this area to see it go to waste. :( Keep this to a bare minimum. Spend the least on this part. Photography: Now this will be an important part. YOu want godo pictures taken for your wedding and reception. Ive know people who have hired high school and college students when they were on a tight budget. If your not on a tight budget shop around. Be sure to get referrals and references from photographers your thinking about using. Definitely get what you pay for. Food: Most people want good food. I know I like good food when I attend a wedding. This is often times more then 1/ 2 of a couples budget. But if your having a morning or early afternoon ceremony. You could save alot of $$$ by serving a light brunch or a nice lunch. An evening meal will cost you nearly triple.. especially the alcohol tab (if you choose to serve alcohol). So really think about the time of day. Cake: You can get a lovely 3 tiered from a local grocery store bakery like wal-mart for like $100.00. Ive tasted one cake from there that was better then some that come from a fancy bakery. Location: now that might be tricky. Are you thinking about an indoor or outdoor wedding? In november it's gonna be cold. I would suggest that you look for an indoor location. VFW, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodges are often really inexpensive to rent. good luck to you. :)

Posted by: iloveweddings on 2008-06-11, 06:33:56

Hi Tricia and congratulations! First off....we need more information in order to help you! (1) Where do you live? We can't give locations without knowing where you live....or where you want the wedding to be? (2) Food: Are you doing the food yourself? (3) Why are you getting married on a Monday? Just curious. I don't know if I would go all out with a DJ and such....as most people will probably leave right after the meal because it's a "work/ school " night. But, that is your choice. I'm just curious. Edit your question with more details and I will get back to you.

Posted by: mimegamy on 2008-06-11, 07:23:02

Buy anything you can in bulk.

Posted by: life*love*happiness on 2008-06-11, 07:25:36

Have it at a friend or family members house or a VFW is generally cheaper to rent cater what you can yourself or ask family to help. Do finger foods instead of big meals. Salads are cheap too so have a few different ones. Cake-bring a picture of what you want to local bakeries and grocery store bakeries and see who can do it for the best price. Sheet cakes are always cheaper too! DJ-dowload music and burn cds and jsut use a cd player