budget ideas/help

Jess11213

I'm hoping everyone can help me with some budget ideas.  We have a pretty small budget, but some major stuff isn't going to cost anything.  I am looking for an idea of how to break down the budget... how much should we spend on certain things?
Our budget is 3000 (not including rings because we already got those)
dress, ceremony and reception venues are free!
We aren't having a traditional bridal party, but our four young kids will have small roles.
We will invite about 160 people.
Any ideas of how much to spend on different areas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

MikesAngie

Wow, how nice that your ceremony and reception venues are free!! 

We had a slightly larger budget and managed to stay under. The largest part of our budget went to food and some beverages it took up almost 40% of our budget.  We had a cocktail hour with hosted bar and 4 kinds of passed canapés. Dinner was seated and we hosted the wine as well.  

We had gourmet truffles instead of a cake which saved us some money (Cowgirl Chocolates is the best), and homemade Mexican Wedding Cookies as our dessert.

Things that were DIY: all the flowers, including bouquets, bouts, nosegays, corsages, garlands, center pieces and guest table decor; invitations; mantel photographs; table names; place cards;