VERY Tight Budget -HELP any Ideas for Vendors-photographer, hall, caterer, dj

anubikit

We have been trying to plan a wedding for a few years now, and it seems like it never works out.  The major reason is the cost of course.  I would love to have a wedding with 150-200 people and want to spend $5000-6000 for the hall, food, alcohol, dj, photographer, and limo service (optional).  I know that it can be done, but I just would like some feedback on possible vendors.  I know that we may have to cut the guest list down even more, we have already shed 100 people.  At this point I am open to any ideas that you all may have.  I had thought about a dessert and alcohol only reception or appetizer and alcohol only, if that may be cheaper, but again not sure.  Please help in anyway. 

christieep

I would definitely try for a Friday or Sunday wedding.  Lots of vendors will give you a better rate on these days because they don't normally get booked for these days.  Also with a Friday or Sunday wedding your guest list will cut itself down.  Of course you want (most) everyone on the list to be there, but having a wedding on a Friday or Sunday is less conveinent for some guests.  Anyone who really wants to be there will find a way to make it.

That being said, I think you could still do a Saturday wedding on your budget.  You just have to know what you can and can't get for that price.

Alcohol will probably be your biggest expense, I know it made my reception cost go from reasonable to ridiculous.  I would recommend either having very limited choices or finding a place where you can provide your own.

Another way to soften the blow of the wedding cost....buy stuff as you see it along the way.  I am so glad that I have seen three of my sisters and a close female cousin get married before me.  I started getting my bridesmaid gifts last November, bought centerpieces last spring, etc.  This spread costs out over a longer period of time and I haven't yet been blasted by huge expenses in these last four weeks leading up to the wedding.

abbeylynne06

So, is your budget 5-6k TOTAL or 5-6k for just those things that you listed?  Just wanted to check

I would agree that a Friday or Sunday would be best with your budget.  I like the idea of a dessert reception... I would love to go to something like that!  You'd just have to be sure to make it clear to your guests that there would not be a dinner.

If you're set on having alcohol, I would think about offering very limited choices... maybe beer and wine only, or having a signature drink.

SHARPONE

Find a place that lets you bring in your own drinks. We were allowed to bring in our own and take home what was left. (We now have a very well stocked bar Its way cheaper this way, and you can still just do beer and wine or one signature drink if you want. Pick a simple meal, simple centerpieces, SHOP AROUND for your photographer and dj. (I'd recommend Sihasi DJ's - they did my wedding and I was very happy with their service and price.) A lot of companies will have special deals at bridal shows.  Research the companies beforehand, and be prepared when you talk to people. (I went home from a show, looked a bunch of companies up, talked to my now hubby and then went back to the show and booked a vendor with a great deal.) Your budget is doable. Good Luck! 

black_fire_pixies

I would avoid alcohol, I'm saving 800 since my guests don't like to drink. The Toledo zoo has a very inclusive package with their own caterer. There are also several reception locations available.

Merin

Yes it's doable, but you have to be a bit flexible.   Like PP mentioned, consider choosing a Friday or Sunday date.  And/or do it in the "off season".   Choose a month like November, January or March.   Vendors give discounts for those times, and don't be afraid to shop around and negotiate a little!   Do NOT, however, settle for a vendor you're less than enthused about just to save money.  You will regret it!

Skip the limo, it's totally unnecessary.  Have a very simple meal - maybe even go with pasta as a main dish.  Have beer/wine only, or beer/wine with one signature cocktail.  And find a location where you bring your own alcohol - there are several halls around that allow you to do this. 

Also, be willing to cut your guest list a little bit more.  If you can keep it at 150 or under I think you'll be better off. 

Here's my guess of what you could get things for:
hall:  $500 rental (or less!)  
food:  $13pp (including food, linens, service, etc.) x 150ppl = $1,950 
cake:  $200  (150 servings + delivery)
alc:  2 kegs + 2-3 cases of wine + some liquor for the cocktail = $600
dj:  $200   (There's a $200 dj service and he's actually really good!)
photog:  $1,500  (You can get 8 hours of coverage from a very good photog for this price level)
Total:  $4,950

That leaves some budget room for simple decorations, flowers, etc. which I know you didn't mention above, but I'm assuming you would want included in the total.

If you'd like some vendor recommendations, feel free to ask.

rtoth

Choose a location where you can do your own alcohol and food.

My list of vendors all did an excellent job and worked with me on budget!  I was totally in the same boat as you!

Location:  JandJ Studio and Gallery, at the corner of Jefferson and Michigan
DJ: Paul Spoerl, The Entertainment Network
Photographer:  Cindy with PixC Photography
Ceremony Location: Old West End Commons
Dress: Filenes Basement Running of the Brides

I did an hors d'oevres reception, I set up food stations and created a mingling environment with some seating.
We purchased all of our own alcohol- champagne for the toast, wine and beer and one signature drink.  We love the Winking Owl Wine at Aldis, it costs $4 per bottle and got beer at Costco!

beckcour

Our wedding was done also on a tight budget.  We got married in June 2009 and had 160 guests.  We got married at Our Saviour Lutheran church on Alexis.  It was around $400.

Our reception was at St Clement's hall on Tremainsville.  Rental was $700, but when we added all the costs together, it ended up being one of the cheapest halls.  We brought in our own caterer ($12 per person) and our own liquor ($350 for hard liquor).  The hall charged us $5 per person for beer, wine, security, set up and clean up. 

Our photographer was $600.  We took photos before the ceremony and she stayed through the reception.  We got a CD with images.  Her name is Cathy Kautz and she's been photographing weddings for years.

Our cake was made by a family friend.  It costs us $100.

The video was free -- we have two videos, both done by friends.

Our florist was Sherry Folmer and it cost around $350 for my bouquet, a toss bouquet, 4 bridesmaid's bouquets, 12 boutonnieres, 4 mom's corsages and 4 grandma's corsages.

We did the whole thing for around $8,000.  HTH!

akirken

who is the dj that only costs $200?