I come from a very large family which ends up with us expecting around 450-475 guests when including friends. Our maximum budget is $15,000 with the majority of wedding costs being covered by my fiance and myself but both families willing to help out. So far, we are looking at photography, reception venue (including tent, chairs, tables, dance floor), food, dress, officiant, and wedding Mass venue totaling a little over $10,000 with other aspects such as DJ, invites, and decorations to go. We are getting married out of season at my Alma Mater, having friends and family pitch-in for the ceremony music and making desserts, my sister is designing the invites, DIY decorations, ferns that grow in our woods/seasonal flowers, and even buying my dress off of a site for pre-owned wedding dresses.
For all you brides on a budget and with possible experience planning for large weddings, do you have any helpful advice or tips you'd be willing to share?
