SUPER budget conscious

Sorry I haven't read most of the other comments because GOOD GOD there's so many. But why would you ever want the word "Cheap" associated with your wedding?

Sigh. I understand where you're coming from, OP. For budgetary things, I go to www.thebudgetsavvybride.com. I come here for everything else. Standards are very different depending on where you're from. I think we all need to be fair to each other and remember that a good host in an area where the median household income is in the $30k range (like where I'm from) is going to be a lot different from a good host in a much more wealthy area.

I'm sorry, standards are not regional. Being a good host in a 30K median household area would probably mean your catering fees are less too; they tend to go together. Lower COI areas are not only lower for incomes, they are lower for expenses. That isn't a blanket excuse for treating your guests to the cheapest food you can possibly find. A good host in NY (where I am) is the same as a good host anywhere in the country; delicious safe food, adult beverages, climate control, seats for every guest.

You don't make your family and friends work or bring food. You don't invite three times the amount of people you an logically host. You don't do a cash bar or a dry wedding because it's cheaper. You don't make your guests subsidize your wedding with Jack and Jills, dollar dances, honeyfunds, requests for monetary gifts or gifts of food.

You cut the list until you can treat them like people you actually like.

@Laura also come from a very low COL area and that translates across the board. We don't have to pay $10k for good food, but the standards are the same. Catering, not making your loved ones work, providing alcohol. That's it.

Who else is suprised OP hasn't hid this yet?

What I mean by standards is that nobody expects me to have a $10k venue (hell, I'm not even having a $2k venue) exquisitely outfitted with uplighting and chiavari chairs and linens that cost $20 each. In my area, and particularly in my circle, everyone still feeds their guests, gives them drinks, etc. so that standard, yes, is the same. But we're okay with plastic. We're okay with paper. We're okay with cupcake cakes. We'll drink our beer straight from the can and our wine will be boxed. Our weddings are a group effort that involves the whole family. That's just what we do here. It's very common in this area. We're okay with doing whatever it takes to make sure none of our loved ones has to miss out on our big day, because supporting our loved ones is more important to us than what they can afford to give us. Us Kentucky rednecks just do things differently, I guess.

We are in Orlando, Florida and we have set a budget of $3000 for 100 people. That does not include any alcohol.

We are in Orlando, Florida and we have set a budget of $3000 for 100 people. That does not include any alcohol.

Omgosh can the mods please put this poor post out of its misery

Nallely, pretty sure your guests are still talking behind your back

Why is this thread still alive?

Happeningmom, that's $30 per person, including tax. Good luck finding a venue.

If you can do it - I LOVE IT! It's all about the people that are there not about the stuff. If you have fun people at your wedding that love you then you'll have a great time.

I have a 5k budget with 100 people or so. Its very easy and possible but idk about 3k.

Our budget is around 3,000. Minimal decor because the Chapel is beautiful by its self plus got a discount for being alumni of the university. Flowers are baby's breath don't need a whole lot either. Reception to follow at restaurant they provide food buffet style and they serve the alcohol.Dress is my mother's. Music provided by us. I know music and food are the big thing but knowing the people you invite helps with these decision. Our family's and friends are about food and laughing together music is just background noise. Makeup and hair I have been doing on my own for 29yrs I got it down. Suit for FH and boys warehouse sale. Photography found someone we love in the area great price and has been a blast working with her. My opinion it's your day enjoy it do what it is you like. In the end, it's about your love this day needs to be remembered by you and your FH not by your second cousin removed and if he liked the music or food.

Check out the Bridechilla podcast and some other forums! WeddingWire and The Knot won’t be happy with this post 😂 Honestly a lot of forums tend to be negative. My family and wedding party alone is 140 people and we’re doing about a $12k wedding which seems to be pretty low compared to many. I’d recommend just doing a dessert or appetizer and dessert/cake and punch reception instead to save money considering your budget! Perhaps do Costco sheet cakes for $18 and a small cake to cut for the two of you. Buy a once worn wedding dress. Minimal florals, candles are cheap centerpieces. If you opt to cut more for simpler options I’m sure you can make it work.

I will say I don’t think a full sit down meal for $3000 for 200 guests is possible. Even table settings alone for a person is $5-$10 being SUPER conservative. I’d go for a different type of reception and presume you can get a venue for free or very cheap.

Theres a great Facebook group called DIY weddings under $5000. It can be done, and can still be tasteful. Think outside the box. Ours is probably coming in around $7000. Could have been less but there were some items I wanted to splurge on. We got drop off catering from a local taco truck. Our venue is $500 and allows us to bring in our own beer and wine which we bought for a good price. We have friends who gifted us with photography and DJing. Many deals can be found on things like tablecloths, the dress, etc. Good luck to you!!

Instead of a DJ you can get a speaker and set up a playlist to play off of a phone or laptop.

I know this life!! People on here will roast you for t. I’m lucky that a lot of my big expenses are being taken care of. Venue only costs $100. Found free chairs and tables! I just need to find ways to make everything pretty. Girl, ENJOY your day!! A lot of people regret spending so much on one day. It’s not about blowing anyone away, but by celebrating two people in love with people you love! Congratulations