Tight Budget, Big Wedding?!

Re: Tight Budget, Big Wedding?!

• poultryprincess

  

  September 2012

  Its not really possible. You're talking about $53 per person, and very few venues cater at that price. Thats before a dress, a cake, a photographer, a DJ, invitations, shoes... Im not saying it isnt POSSIBLE, but not probable. And to come in at such a low cost you're not going to find the higest quality vendors. 

  
  

  Keep in mind, the average wedding (not the most expensive, but TYPICAL wedding) in south Florida is $24,400 (www.COSTOFWEDDING.COM)

  
  

  Your best bet, if you want to have a fantastic wedding at a lower price, is to cut your guest list.
  
  

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• minionlover member

  

  September 2012

  Have you thought about doing a cocktail reception instead of a dinner reception.  Another option is an afternoon wedding, those tend to cost a little less.

  my read shelf:
  

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• LaMaFa member

  

  September 2012

  I will second poultry that it's not probable to do at that price for that number of people. Some things you can do are to
  -have it off-season (read summer for SoFla) on a Friday or Sunday (lower prices because it's an off-day)
  -cut the alcohol entirely or only serve beer/wine, offer only one entree
  -cut back the flowers, do greenery & woody elements or large headed flowers that you can use less of or cut out flowers entirely and just use birdcages/candles/crystals/brooch bouquet, etc
  -smart DIY, if you go crazy on DIY stuff you can end up spending as much or more than if you had just purchased it
  -get a pre-loved wedding gown, you can find some very inexpensive designer quality gowns if you shop smart
  -expect to end up sacrificing on some things, make a priority of list of must-haves, can downgrade, and can-do-without
  I know brides have done South Florida weddings for less than $10k, but I know they also usually ended up with a smaller guest list than you're at, and it sounds like you absolutely cannot cut it anymore. If there is no one else helping you pay for the wedding but they're adding guests, then you need to be honest- explain that you have a set budget and cannot add anyone else. Sometimes you will get someone offering to help in some way once they hear that. And you and your family may not want to hear it, but if there are some things you absolutely must-have to be happy about your wedding, then you will have to cut your guest list.

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• Mademoiselle D member

  

  September 2012 edited September 2012

  In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_florida-south-florida_tight-budget-big-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:67Discussion:98c7b6cc-db9c-4a1e-93bf-ec6fbb2a37f1Post:597912b3-5163-428a-8168-3c46c14cddec">Tight Budget, Big Wedding?!</a>:
  [QUOTE]Beautiful dress, gorgeous venue, good food/drinks, 130 guest, $7,000 budget. Is that even possible?! My finace and I have our saving but would like to continue saving it towards the purchase of a home. I've been struggling to just start the planning but thankfully a family friend (who is a event cooridantor) has volunteered to help. She has been sending me a lot of information but I have a feeling she is struggling with my budget, as am I. I have an extremely large family and my list is the MINIMUM amount of people, I have had to exlude my long distance family. I would love to still have my dream fairy tale wedding but I know money is tight because practically all of it is going towards the food. Anyone else in the same postion or has been? I would love to hear from you guys. We live in Miami, Florida so if you live in the area please let me know of venues, renters, catering, etc.
  Posted by smvdub[/QUOTE]
  Like Laura suggested, if you had a smaller guest list then you could totally work within your 7k budget but since 130 is your minimum it may be a bit harder. I can relate to you because I come from an extremely large family...my mom has 18 siblings (no lie) and my dad has (7 siblings). I defininately cut my guest list and only included certain family members...the really close ones. Your best bet would probably be either a restuarant which can accommodate about 130 guests or look for a venue where you can bring your own vendors (especially catering). A restuarant would be a good choice because they are typically nicely decorated, provide linens, glassware, flatware, and food. 
  
  Here are some ways to cut expenses:
  - Either have your wedding on a Friday or Sunday since everyone wants a Saturday wedding.
  - Have your ceremony and reception at the same location.
  - Consider having a brunch wedding -- believe it or not, they are a big hit! Or heavy appetizers rather than a sit down dinner.
  - Minimize your use of flowers for centerpieces and look for alternatives
  - If your wedding dress is part of your budget then consider buying a pre-loved dress
  - DIY as much as you can such as invites or even consider electronic invites
  
  I would highly suggest to consider a Sunday wedding if all possible and having a brunch style wedding. There is a beautiful location in Pinecrest called Pinecrest Gardens (former Parrot Jungle). I have seen beautiful wedding pictures from that location and it's affordable! Also, check out Cauley Square, Thallatta Estate, Maxwell Room, or if you are considering getting married in a church then check out if they have a hall you can use for your reception.
  
  Also check out this post I posted on Monday, it will help you out!
  <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_florida-south-florida_mondays-special-post-saving-tips">http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_florida-south-florida_mondays-special-post-saving-tips</a>
  
  Feel free to send me a private message if you need additional advice or I can also give you a cost of my catering.

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• missv19732000

  

  September 2012

  My wedding is costing a little less than 10K (everything including dress, my junior bridesmaids dresses, all accessories, etc.).  That's with no honeymoon and a guest list of 60.  And I feel I was very smart about my choices.  I don't think it is feasible for a guest list of 130 to have everything you may want. Like stated on the PP's, you can do a Sunday, beer, wine and finger foods wedding or you can have the ceremony and reception at a park.  Parks usually only allow beer and wine anyway.  You can have it catered by an outside caterer. There are parks that have indoor banquet rooms that are very reasonably priced, then you can DIY the decorations and invites.  

  82 Invited
  35 are ready to party! 6 have better things to do 41 are lollygagging
  RSVP Date: Dec 19
  Favorite Registry Item/South FL Board

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• kisskiss30

  

  September 2012 edited September 2012

  My husband's cousin had a wedding with 300 guests.  She couldn't say no to any of her family or friends.  What she did was rent a large community banquet hall for $400 which came with tables and chairs.  Her mom and sisters coordinated the food, everyone brought something and everyone had more than enough to eat, family style.  She was able to spend the rest of her budget on her dress, honeymoon and flowers.  Everything looked fantastic and she was very happy.  It depends I guess on what your fantasy dream wedding is.  All I do know is that money shouldn't stress any bride especially when her good intentions are to invite all those who love her.  Everyone was more than happy help.
  
  The venue she used was the Miami Springs Country Clubhouse. A family photographer took the pictures/video (every family that size has one).  Tables were lined with pomanders and candles, church and her bouquet was gorgeous.  A hair/make-up academy did everyone's hair and make-up for free.  All her bridesmaids and grooms were happy to pay for their own attire and flowers.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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• YA1 member

  

  September 2012

  Another good option is to look at parish halls.  I know that Holy Rosary Church is now the parish hall for St. Richards/ Holy Rosary.  This is down south in Palmetto Bay.  The building is a nice spacious blank canvas with tall tall ceilings and comes with tables and chairs.  The property also has a beautiful garden which can serve as your ceremony site. You must use their caterer but he is inexpensive (I am using him for my daughter's wedding at the Spanish Monastery) a sweetheart and his food is delicious.  He also includes the DJ- a great one!  He provides all the soft drinks and mixers for the bar but you bring your own liquor and that saves you a ton of money, especially if you do only beer, wine, and sangria.
  
  Definitely look at preowned gowns like everyone said. Cylinder vases with floating candles, bird cages, just get creative!  Hope that helps!

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• LaMaFa member

  

  September 2012

  LaMaFa's groom here.
  
  I dunno if this will help but when we were looking at venues we found this place called Renaissance at the Gables. We did not like it. However some people do and the most important part is they are affordable. http://renaissanceatthegables.com/live/ I hope this helps. I know its hard planning a wedding with a tight budget. We were trying to stay under 15k (total) but we pushed for the best dj (visions), a knot award winning photographer (robert rios), and future in-laws lack of negotiating as easily surpassed that.
  Note: You ever want Laura or I to talk your ear off, ask us how her parents have been acting during this whole time.
  
  Something else that might help when you get further into wedding planning stage look on retailmenot.com for discount for anything you might buy online. We got a nice discount on our invitations from there.
  
  

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• mailyang

  

  October 2012

  http://ybphotography.weebly.com/

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