My wedding is simple and rustic (a theme that is very popular and
inexpensive). The only thing I have set in stone right now (other than
the overall look I'm going for, of course) is my venue, which I thought I found a good deal on. $2,850, and the venue is mine from 8am to midnight with tables, chairs, and a sound system all included and with my choice of vendors. The place is gorgeous.
The problem is, as I began my search for vendor pricing, I began to realize how quickly it all adds up. With the caterers, bartenders, hairstylists, photographers...I've already eaten up most of my budget, and that's after making cuts in what I originally wanted (like for the hairstylists to do my BM's hair, of which I only have two).
And, yes, I am making a thorough search for the best prices available, not only using TheKnot, but also Yelp and other vendor search engines. However, in some cases, I wonder if what I'm giving up in price, I'm also giving up in quality.
I searched online for other brides who accomplished this task and most of them admitted they had a family member or friend who was willing to give them a discount or even do it for free. Unfortunately, I have no such connections, and everything is coming out of my own pocket.
My fiancee thinks that $10,000 should be more than enough, maybe even too much for a wedding. I'd love to have the gorgeous wedding of my dreams, no matter how long it takes me to save up to do so, but the fact is, it's just not realistic.
So, what do you think? Where are the easiest places to cut costs? How can I have my dream wedding without the headache of hiring some crappy DJ off the street for $50 an hour? lol
- Kayla