Help! Planning a small budget wedding in Illinois

I don't live in IL, but I also have a 10k budget! A big way to cut costs is to use a cheap/free venue (public parks with picnic areas, churches w/ rec rooms, etc.). We're cutting costs through these choices also: stocking our own bar (no bartender, only wine and beer), buffet rather than plated dinner, artificial flowers, and our wedding is also on a Sunday! Sunday weddings or weekday weddings tend to be cheaper if you do decide to go for a more expensive venue Hope this helps!

View Quoted Comment Tha is for the reply and your advice, I wish you the best in your planning. Hopefully we can stat within budget!!😬🤣

Hi Michi! Have you thought about what style of wedding you want to have, or what type of venue you would like to have it in?

You can totally plan your wedding within your budget, you will just need to do lots of cost comparisons and be strict with yourselves about what you are willing to spend. Have you had he chance to check out the WeddingWire planning tools yet? There is a Wedding Budget Tracker tool that I think will be really helpful for you when starting out! You can find it here - Budget Tool

10k is going to be hard, sorry just being honest. We aren’t doing anything crazy (maybe high end bar upgrade) but everything else has been pretty standard. We’re getting married in the suburbs with about 125 people too and looking at at least 25k. Most venues will be out for a Friday or Saturday night cause their minimums will be your entire budget. I would look into finding a space that doesn’t have a minimum, maybe an alternative day of the week, a afternoon wedding, or cutting your guest list way down. You can do it, for sure, just going to take a lot of research! Once you find the place, everything else will be fine! Good luck!

If you are open to travel you may want to look around Rockford. My budget is 10k and I should be staying in it for 150-200. I made some concessions like a lunch menu vs dinner. No open bar but splurging on a coffee bar.

Have you looked into having it down on the southern IL area. Take it from me i’m a ‘burbs girl too but my fiancé and i went to school in Southern IL. Everything south of champaign area is sooo much cheaper! most venues in the chicago—suburbs area are going to ask for food and beverage minimums (don’t do it!) stick with your guns. if your budget is $10k do not look at venues or caterers that go 50+ a plate/head/buffet
Good luck!

The only way to cut your budget is to have no booze or beer and wine only, have it on Friday night, etc. My venue with booze and a ceremony, tax, tip, etc is about $100 per person. About as cheap as I could find. I was originally going with Reserve 22 in Glen Ellyn but booked Stonebridge country club Aurora.