budget of 5000(less if possible) Can it be done??!!

twissy94 · September 2011

Ok, so we decided that we do not want to go into debt planning this wedding but still want to have a nice celebration. We will be paying for everything ourselves, but I am starting to realize more and more how difficult this is and especially in the South Florida area. Has anyone done a wedding, food/DJ/fphotographer around a similar budget? And if so, can you please give me some of your tips.

Cutting the guest list is NOT I repeat NOT a problem for me and we can do it with 50 ppl max. So any and all input is appreciatied.

Thanks!

orianita3 · September 2011

OK, I'm definitely going to be watching this post as I'm hoping to do the same. I went to a venue that is known for being affordable this weekend and I was quoted almost 7k. And that does not include photgrapher or DJ......

FaithCaitlin · September 2011

It can be done!

Photography: most photographers have packages that can accomodate most budgets. However, for good quality, expect to pay about $1k.

I recommend Stacey Poirier or Kristen Wynn Photography.

Cake: PUBLIX. I know it's hard to believe but seriously.. their cakes are delicious, they look good, and they're affordable. I am looking at paying $250-300 for a cake for 100 people and a rather intricate design.

DJ: DJ Billman. He quoted me $650 for ceremony and reception. He's been in the business awhile and does a good job from what I've heard.

Dress: David's Bridal. They don't treat you great but they run good sales and their dresses are affordable.

Invites: Michael's sells DIY kits- all you need is a printer and ink. I'm assuming you have a computer if you're posting on the Knot!

Michael's also has good coupons.

Floral: Publix has some nice bouquets if you are happy to put them together yourself-- while it's stressful, DIY floral can be gorgeous!. Or, skip floral for everything but your bouquet and find some other type of centerpieces.

What you don't need that will save you a considerable amount of money: FAVORS, more paper items (you don't need programs, escort cards, etc), an open bar (serve beer and wine only OR, have a morning/afternoon reception with no alcohol).

Where You'll Run Into Trouble: Food and a venue. Start looking at local parks, places of worship, and halls. Go to restaurants, find out their catering prices and start looking into real caterers.

More Tips: Keep your guest list short, be flexible with your date (can you do a Friday or Sunday instead of a Saturday?), have breakfast or lunch instead of dinner.

Have no shame in telling your vendors "$________ is my budget and I can't go any higher for this area".

The girls on the Knot know pretty much everything-- so ALWAYS ASK QUESTIONS! We will try to help!

Welcome and Congrats!

quiggels219 · September 2011

My brother recently did a wedding for 3000. He did have some freebies because my aunt and cousin are in the wedding business - aunt does cakes and cousin does hair so they received those as gifts.

For the venue they used the club house at her parents apartment building in Ft. Lauderdale which was free (there was a security deposit but they got everything back). Do you know anyone with a club house? So many communities have nice ones with kitchens. I did my sweet 16 at the one in chapel trail. My best friend lived there and we used her for a discount. Try to think of people who could help you with this - a lot may have deposits but you get them back as long as nothing breaks.

Dress: She went to davids bridal during a sale and got her dress for a great price.

Photography: Her brother is kind of an amature photographer and has a really nice camera so he took all the pics and then they also put disposable cameras at each table so the guests could help with the pictures!

Flowers: They went to the swap shop and bought roses in bulk and made their own centerpieces. They also used candels and vases from Michaels they got on sale with a coupon. Michaels always has amazing sales you just have to wait for them. They have an iphone app which makes this easier to monitor.

Invites they did themselves from Michaels and they skipped STD's.

Hope some of that helps.,

XxMari518xX · September 2011

A lot of people look for a portfolio to start out. Look for florists, photographers, etc. on Craigslist.

dewreb · September 2011

Our budget was 5000-6000. We got a reasonably priced caterer (Paella Tropical), we used cupcakes instead of cake (Sweetness Bakeshop - LOVE LOVE), found a photographer who was just starting out in the business and therefore had lower rates (Kristen Wynn Photography - though her prices have increased since we hired her), and most importantly, did a LOT of DIY (I did my own hair and makeup, made the bouquets and boutenieres, made our centerpieces and other decor, etc, etc). We also got married on the beach during off-season, so our venue was 50% off. Another huge thing is that we found a venue where we could bring in our own alcohol, which was a huge money saver (we just had beer and wine, which we got at Costco). We also did a simple hotdog roast on the beach for our rehearsal dinner. We didn't have a DJ, we just used an iPod. If you really want to do it for $5000, you will be able to...you just need to prioritize what's important to you and try to not splurge on things you don't care as much about.

I seriously had my dream wedding with a small budget - it can be done!

You can check out some of our wedding pics at kristenwynnphotography.com - "Saign and Becky" on her blog. - We really had a beautiful wedding on a budget!

Pamela718 · September 2011

I think you can totally do it.

Have the reception at a restaurant. For music, use an ipod rather than a DJ. Put together your own bouquets and centerpieces. Dresses go on sale all the time. Publix makes amazing cakes. Do your own make up and hair. Have a friend officiate the ceremony.

You'll be able to do this. It'll just take some creative thinking and organization.

HTH!!

twinkle82576 · September 2011

It can def. be done. My budget was $5k (We've prolly spent closer to b/w $7 - $8k - but we were willing to bend our budget a little).

Always look for sales and deals, and don't be afraid to negotiate prices.

My photog. and florist are both friends that have some experience in the business, but not wedding experience. Mine will be the first wedding for both of them, and I'm 100% confident in both of them. I didn't get their services for free, just discounted because they're newbies to the business. Look for ppl. looking to expand their portfolios, this can save you thousands.

My dress is from David's Bridal. Not super exceptional service, but they have gorgeous dresses and prices that cannot be beat.

DIY as much as possible. Yeah, I hate DIY, but it saves hundreds of dollars. I DIYed my STD's, invitations, menus, seating chart, table numbers, valet tags, programs, and card box.

Keep it simple. You are not trying to compete with anybody elses wedding. Do what you like and makes you happy. More is not always more.

We're having an early Sat. wedding at a restaurant. It's more affordable number one, because it's a lunch reception, and number two, because it's in a restaurant (the restaurant is closed to the public while our event is happening).

I can probably give you a hundred more tips, but this should get you started. You're already on the right track being willing to cut your guest list. Our original list of 80 ended up at 65, and it's the perfect small, intimate affair.

If you need any vendor tips or other advise, don't be afraid to ask

HTH! GL!

mich2412 · September 2011

I agree with all the girls!!! Only thing I have to add is that if you know anyone with a nice house that can accomodate your wedding, I would definitely ask or have your parents ask if you can have the reception there. Home weddings are gorgeous and FREE!!

twissy94 · September 2011

Wow! Thanks ladies, this is sooo encouraging

FaithCaitlin thanks for the itemized list.

Dewreb: will look into the referal of the cupcakes.

All these tips are very helpfull and very much appreciated. I guess I got overwhelmed by the tasks at hand. But it is good to know that even though I hadn't the slightest idea on how to pull this off, there are ladies that are full of knowledge and more importantly willing to share what they know.

You all have just made my day!

Many Thanks! Have a great Tuesday!!!

efont · September 2011

I'm copying Faith. (hope you don't mind)

Photography: most photographers have packages that can accomodate most budgets.(agreed) Cary Diaz photography (who is amazing!) starts at $750 & she is with you ALL day.

DJ: DJ Stephen Peters quoted me $500 on his package. I was able to negotiate a bit because we both work for FIU. He's really good & is back by other knotties. He's got a lot of experience.

Dress: David's Bridal. (I totally agree) Customer service is good at times. There are few people who are amazing. Try to go on a day that they are not too busy. You can find a very affordable dress.

Venue: My venue is affordable & provides pretty much everything - Grand Salon Ballroom. My suggestion is to go for a venue that includes everything or almost everything. I find that it is more affordable then getting everything seperate.

Be a fan of Etsy & have fun with DIY projects.

efont · September 2011

Oh I forgot to mention flowers. Berkleys Florist is a great shop! Good wholesale prices.

sf0822 · October 2011

I'm in need if the same thing. Thank you ladies for you advice.

budget of 5000(less if possible) Can it be done??!!

Re: budget of 5000(less if possible) Can it be done??!!

Choose Another Board

Search Boards