Wedding under 4,000

Anything is possible.

My wedding is under 4k including travel - but I'm eloping (just FH and I). If you're looking to have a wedding/receptions with guests - you'll have to do a good bit of bargain hunting and expectation modifications , but it is possible.

Depends what type of wedding. A big traditional wedding of 150+ people in California or New York? That will be pretty tough. Cost of weddings have to do with the size of your guest list. And generally 50-60% of your overall budget goes to venue/food/alcohol. The best way to save money is to keep your guest list small and find a venue that allows you to bring in your own catering and alcohol. Mexican/bbq/Italian restaurants are usually cheapest for catering.

Yes. But what is actually important is if your expectations for your wedding are realistic with a 4000 dollar budget. Technically the only money needed to be spent is the marriage license. What do you want your wedding to be like/include?

Absolutely! Our budget is $3500 and we are getting everything we wanted. Everything is booked, paid in full and we still have plenty left over.

It is possible. But like PP said, what are your expectations? My budget was originally $5000, but that has doubled now in a place with a very low cost of living. If I genuinely couldn't have spent more than $5000, I probably would have eloped.

Yes it is possible

How many guests?

I don't have the exact final number but ours will be right around that. I had said no more than $5000 but was hoping to keep it under and we did (excluding the honeymoon, that I was willing to splurge on ). We wanted to keep it simple since we are planning the wedding in 6 months and also buying a new house right now. I vowed I wouldn't spend more than $300 on a dress and I didn't. Got it when David's Bridal was having a sale. We rented a banquet hall at the local bowling alley and because it's their off season there is no hall rental cost, only the cost of their catering which was $10.50 a piece for the number of people we are having and our linens. Having an open bar but they charge a fraction of what other places are for drink packages. We are getting our cake from Sam's Club. The local small town florist is reasonable and I am paying $200 for my bouquet, my bridesmaid bouquet, 2 mother's corsages, and 3 boutonnieres. Centerpieces will be wood slabs (cutting ourselves, free) with a vase from the dollar store filled with baby's breath bought in bulk for less than $60. Waited for a good online sale for invitations. Our DJ of choice wasn't available but his associate was for $300 less and since we know him we know he wouldn't recommend someone who wouldn't do a great job. It's taking a little planning on our part and looking around for prices, but it hasn't been too intense and we are getting good deals on everything. My best advice is to pick your priorities and shop around.

Yes but there are going to have to be a lot of limits and “do it yourself” projects. I would suggest using your house for the venue or choosing a cheap venue that lets you use outside catering. Cook your own food or buy appetizers from samsclub. Flowers are so expensive so buy your own. If you have any friends with special talents enlist their help as a wedding gift (ex:have a friend who likes to bake make your cake)

Yes. It all depends on what you truly want and how you want to do it.

I think the area where you live and who you know really helps, as much as I hate to say it.

Our original budget was $5k, and we found out even with the limited items we wanted to do it would have been difficult but possible. (Guest Count: 80-100). We're Eloping now so it doesn't matter BUT if you know people that can help or provide their services as a gift, it will save you loads. Example: Photographer, Venue (backyard, etc), DJ

You can do it, good luck!

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Were you able to get the honeymoon under that budget? im having a bit of trouble staying in that budget with the honeymoon? any tips?

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Thankfully we were gifted our honeymoon by his parents so no, it doesn't include that. Have you looked into a cruise? You can get some great deals for cruises now days, like $300 a person. Granted that doesn't include airfare but it would include the room and all your food. Also, look into somewhere in the next state or a couple states away that neither of you have been to and get a AirBnb. I know it feels hopeless right now but its definitely not impossible. Just have to choose both of your must haves and go from there. If a family member has a big backyard, see if you can use it. Also, check your local parks. Lots of them have venues they rent for cheap and they dont care if its a wedding or a birthday, they don't mark it up for a wedding like a lot of other places. We are renting a 1850's farmhouse for our ceremony and reception for $100/hour and its absolutely beautiful! We are also doing almost everything ourselves so DIY is key to keep costs down, especially when it is mostly just cutesy decor stuff. Dollar Tree has been my best friend!! My dress is a Davids Bridal $99 special and fits great and I love it. For catering, check locally owned places vs chains. BBQ, mexican and americana styles are very good, easy and inexpensive. Hope I have helped. If you have any specific questions, I am more than willing to give you more info....good luck!!

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Omg that is amazing Sherry if you dont mind me asking what state are you in? and what did you book?

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Thank you! I am in Ga. I don't know how my state compares to others but have heard that New York and California are among the most expensive. We have booked the venue, caterer, officiant and photographer which was all that we needed.

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That is awesome!! Yes I am in Cali and our budget was 13k which was impossible so we increased it to 18k which is to much so we are trying to stay below 15k and that is not including vendors thats venue and food and plates and stuff alone. It is tough as heck! With dress and vendors included we will be spending about 18k-20k.

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Oh boy. My frugal self would be having a lavish courthouse wedding at that price LOL

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Lol it sucks honestly, it is insane and as much as I wanted to get married sooneru we pushed it to 18 months out to 2020. but every year it increases about 7 percent. -__-

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Wow, yeah I don't envy California and New York brides at all lol. I will gladly keep my $3500 haha

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Lol I don't blame you I would be so happy with that budget! Congrats to you again!

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Thank you and same to you!!