A $10,000 wedding?

mamaht84

I just got engaged, and looked up the average cost of weddings...its $30,000!!! Is this true? I just want to find out if people really spend this much and if its crazy to aim for a $10,000 wedding. My family is not really in a state to help me, they might help with very minor expenses, I don't have parents (they passed away 12 years ago) and my siblings have their own financial issues...my fiance said he'd talk to his parents after we get an idea of how much every thing costs. I have never had to ask any one for this much money, all this sounds very overwhelming. I just wanted to see if other people had this same feeling and how they dealt with it. Can a wedding still be very nice on $10,000? (the show "rich bride, poor bride", a $10,000 is a poor bride...that seems crazy to me so far)

sayfay1973

It is very doable to have a nice wedding for under $10,000.  It all depends on what is important to you.  I'm getting married in April and it is our second wedding.  We wanted an intimate setting, just our closest friends and family.  So, we picked a Sunday afternoon b/c it is cheaper and are doing heavy hors d'oeuvres instead of a full sit down meal.  We are also just doing wine and beer rather than a full open bar.  We are having a string trio play music.  Simple flowers (gerbera daisies) and lots of candles.  My budget is around $8,000 and will have no problem staying with that budget. Now, if you want a full blown out wedding at the Ritz with all the trimmings and 300 guests, then you are out of luck!  But, you can still have a very nice wedding for under $10,000.

jessica0602

ditto sayfay.  if you're flexible with the time of year and time of day, you can do really well on $10K!  how many guests are you looking at?  that will help you right off the bat to narrow your venue choices down.

bkallen

$30,000 average sounds about right but you can definately do a wedding for $10,000 or under! Ditto: Think abut the things that are important to you.  Maybe look into having just a cocktail reception rather than a full dinner reception. Also look into places that allow you to supply your own alchohol - not only will you be able to find cheaper deals (buy stuff as it goes on sale and stock it until the wedding!)  But you can further customize the drinks you have.Most of all - do lots of reserach before making any dcisions.  For example; don't always assume choosing a buffett is cheaper than a sit-down meal - as the  caterer have to order more food for a buffett. And some places the Per head price might seem high -but consider what they're including for the price and what it would cost you otherwise.A close friend cut alcohol completely out of her reception since most of her friends and family do not drink- so why waste the costs? Another couple of close friends did theirs at a local VFW.  All kinds of friends and family pitched in to help make a buffett and decorate.  It turned out beautifully.

bkallen

sorry about all the typos!

angel33284

I think the biggest problems with most brides is they they book a crazy expensive reception hall and then have no money left for anything else. When I see brides on here who have booked the Merion and the Cescaphe and then they are looking for $1500 photographers it makes no sense. There are many halls that have good food, but maybe not the greatest decor like P & P Caterers in the NE. But their prices are good and you can have your full guest list, plus hire the good vendors you want. $10,000 weddings are very doable. You just cant fall in love with a hall and decide you're gonna spend $150 a head. (unless you just want to invite 30 people. LOL)

kpenne01

Don't fear just yet.  You guest count is a big factor.  The number can greatly impact the total cost of the reception.Also, there are always ways to save money.  The time of day, week and year can alter the cost of the reception.  Another  count to consider is the number of people in your bridal party.  This may not sound 'right' but the more people in your BP, the more money you'll spend on gifts for them and the rehersal dinner.Also, there are many ways to save on other things like making your own centerpieces, programs and escort cards. Your dress is another place to save.  You can buy one from a sample sale or trunk show.  Also, I don't know anyone that has done this, but I've heard of brides that find a bridesmaid gown that they love and jsut order it in a white, ivory or other light color. You'll also need to think about what is really important to you.  Would you rather have a top shelf open bar or serve the filet mignon. 

kpenne01

Oh, and don't forget that you can negotiate with everyone!

coreybride127

Also...if you are near South Jersey...there are a lot of nice places that do wedding receptions in South Jersey for under 80$ pp (some way less than that too) that are 20 mins or less from Philadelphia. I live in South Jersey and my budget is $8,000 for 75 guests on a Saturday night in July, buffet, full open bar, DJ, photographer (8 hours coverage, rights to the photos);  to save money-renting a bus instead of a limo, our centerpieces are going to be handmade from books (i'm a librarian), and we are DIYing our bouquets, coursages, and boutienerres, and may skip favors. Rehearsal dinner will be in my parents' backyard. My dress was from a going-out-of-business bridal store.Do your reseach and compromise on some things that don't matter that much and you''l be fine.

tlc828

I am also trying to do it for 10-12k ... 12 being the TOPS! I am getting married at Spring Mill CC in March, so that is 20 bucks or so cheaper than normal times. I  love it there. Just dont set your sights on some crazy expensive site! And cut the cost down by doing a lot yourself. And cut the guest list, that is the first thing that will make it cheaper! good luck to u!!

fragrancegal

Of course it is possible 2 of my friends, a cousin and I all did it.  Like someone said you aren't having a huge reception at an elite place.  you just need to be smart and price compare.  Off-season and Friday nights/Saturday afternons help.  A nice brunch reception will keep costs down as well.  Remember you don't need $100 centerpieces or life-size ice sculptures.There are a lot of places in and right around the northeast that fit your budget.  Another option is a nice dinner at a restaurant though if you want dancing this wouldn't work.

venus554

FI and I are getting married in Philly for less than 13K. You can do it, you just have to be willing to cut down that guest list and not pick the fanciest hotel in Center City to get it done. BTW: We're getting married at Bartram's Garden next October, with 70 guests.

thatmuseumbride

I'm (sortof) in the same boat, where FI and I will be paying 99% of it. We haven't picked a date yet, or really settled on a budget, but everything that I have learned so far is to settle on a budget, pick out what is most important to you on your day, and then start to plan. There are a ton of budget helpers out there (I got a sample one from a class I took on saving $ on weddings last month), so there are ways to save. Just don't be afraid to be creative and think outside the box.