Nevada-Las Vegas

budget wedding in Vegas?

Hello Knotties,

I got engaged last month and have started planning a summer 2012 wedding in Cincinnati OH

I cannot bring myself to put deposits down because I have a budget of 4 grand, I'm almost 1500 over and still in the early planning phase.

So anyway, I've always loved the idea of running off to Vegas and keep coming back to the idea. There is a voice in my head screaming screw it we're going to Vegas! I know that most of my wedding party would happily come to Vegas with us but there are two things holding me back from making this HUGE decision of where to have our wedding...

We have two children (2&4) and Iam not sure how appropriate it is to drag them to Vegas, even though we would send them with my parents or sister afterwards

And our budget, I'm not sure if it is possible to host a wedding in Vegas on 4000??? FI and I would be staying alone a few days afterwards of course and our 20 or so guests would pay for their own lodging. Am I crazy or is this possible?

FI says he's fine with either going for it in Vegas or staying here and racking up some serious debt lol

HELP

Thanks in advance!

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Re: budget wedding in Vegas?

  • starryeyed77starryeyed77 member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    I think with 20 person guest count you could do it with the right planning and knowing where you can cut expenses.
  • wallacjewallacje member
    First Anniversary 5 Love Its First Answer Name Dropper
    edited December 2011
    You could do it with 20 guests.  You could have an insuite reception and bring in your own food and drinks.  You could also have the ceremony in your suite which would bring your costs down too.
  • edited December 2011
    You can do it! I'm doing my ceremony & reception in suite at Mandalay bay. For dinner we're going to The Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay since we're burger snobs and totally fits us. We don't want anything traditional so we're making this fun for everyone. I think we're spending about that much money for about 40+ guests and this includes a meet & greet party on a double decker bus. 
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  • mizutamababymizutamababy member
    Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    We got married at a chapel  (Graceland Chapel, which ran us about $1,000 because we did some package add-ons like a unity candle, floral substitutions, etc.) but you can get a much cheaper package depending on your budget/needs.

    Then we had our reception at Lucille's Smokehouse BBQ in Henderson.  For 20 people and unlimited drinks (we just let people order whatever... some ordered alcohol but most regular drinks) it was about $600 incl. tax and tip and everyone loved the food.  It didn't even have to cost that much because we had sooo many leftovers we couldn't eat them all.

    Then factor in your make-up/hair plus tip, dress cleaning/steaming from Debi (if needed), and (if you want) limosuines to the reception (about $300 give or take after tax and tip) I'm sure it could def.all be done under $4,000.
  • caper18caper18 member
    First Comment Name Dropper First Anniversary Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    About taking the kids, my fiance has 2 boys (3 & 6) and we are taking them with us.  We were concerned about taking them too, but really don't have a choice as any family member that we would leave them with would be coming to the wedding.  So we are going to do our best to keep their visit as kid friendly as possible.

    We are going to stay at THEhotel @ Mandalay Bay while the kids are with us (no casino) and they are just going to love the sand at the pool.  Plus it's at the end of the Strip that it will be quieter and dare I say it really isn't a "party" hotel.  

    They're only going to stay until the day after the wedding and then will return home with my fiance's parents so we can stay for the rest of the week to have some time alone.

    I personally don't think Vegas is an ideal vacation spot for kids, but I think that there are ways to keep it child friendly especially if it's only for a few days.

    My 2 cents, hope it helps a bit with your decision.
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  • edited December 2011
    the biggest problem is when people get wind your going to Vegas and want to come- lol- We are renting a mansion, and splitting the costs with people.  Bringing in Masterpiece Catering, and getting married in the Valley of Fire- is it $4000 for everything?  (flights, lodings too?)

    we are sitting at about 65 people and all in are at apx 10k.
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  • edited December 2011
    you can definitely do it. For 20 guests you could budget at $100pp total for dinner. actually thats exactly what I am doing and have looked at Trevi as well as Capital Grille and they have several menus that fit that budget (menus start at 70pp). I just need to make my final decision. my ceremony is at caesers which is 2k.
    There are many places to dine under $100pp so you do have options. The in suite idea is also a good option...or so I hear as I have not looked into it.
    Im bringing my 5yo nephew and i guess my family will take turns watching him. there is plenty of family friendly things the kids can do ie. arcades, lion habitat at MGM, all hotels have something to so that doesnt involve gambling or drinking.
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  • edited December 2011
    I'm a terrible budgeter so I might be wrong but $4K sounds a bit hard to me ... you have to travel, stay, eat, purchase attire etc, host a reception for 20, pay for photography and deal with the odd extras that always come up. Although, consider that I live in a very expensive city so flying out to Vegas, for example, costs me a lot more than it would cost you, so by all means, don't listen to me (so to speak) and do your best research. If it can be done you came to the right place! The board is full of knowledgeable ladies (and mod) that can help you through your options. Best of luck!
  • germesehgermeseh member
    First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Ambrose132, which mansion are you renting?  what is the cost?
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_budget-wedding-vegas?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:e9e1200b-b3ca-4ff6-a95f-54a32d559644Post:e834ed96-7a2a-468e-b899-20d0ff4f834f">Re: budget wedding in Vegas?</a>:
    [QUOTE]I'm a terrible budgeter so I might be wrong but $4K sounds a bit hard to me ... you have to travel, stay, eat, purchase attire etc, host a reception for 20, pay for photography and deal with the odd extras that always come up. Although, consider that I live in a very expensive city so flying out to Vegas, for example, costs me a lot more than it would cost you, so by all means, don't listen to me (so to speak) and do your best research. If it can be done you came to the right place! The board is full of knowledgeable ladies (and mod) that can help you through your options. Best of luck!
    Posted by wiwicaty[/QUOTE]
    I live in NYC as well and the flights to Vegas from here are ridiculous these days. I guess when I figure a budget I must not have factored in those extras. I was thinking the 4k was just for wedding/reception costs.
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  • smokeybaileysmokeybailey member
    Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    What does the $4k have to include?  F&B only or more?  Let us know what you are trying to inlcude in the $4k and we can better help:

    Airfare
    hotel
    tips
    spending money
    ceremony
    attire
    flowers
    F&B
    RD
    wedding party gifts
    favors
    linens
    entertainment (DJ, live music, photobooth, peformers, etc.)
    photography
    meet & greet and/or day after event
    hair and makeup
    jewelry/accessories
    paper including STDs, invites, postage, table numbers, escort cards, etc.
    rings
    parent gifts
    transportation (cabs, limos, etc.)
    dance lessons (yeah, i'm just checking out my budget...)
    cake
    venue costs (if required)

    Bi-oh-rama
    Now with more wedded bliss.


    I don't get married often, but when I do, I do it in Las Vegas.

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    "Lvharpy could be your AE." - direy25
    "smokeybailey is the one shining beacon of light in this steaming turd of a thread." - daffodil_jill
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  • edited December 2011
    there are a few- we went with Casa de Contenta, as it had good reviews. 

    It was $3500 for the week (6 nights)- BUT- it sleeps 14, so you can split what you think is fair with whomever else stays with you there.  (5bedrooms and some roll out beds i beleive)-

    Another Knotie just posted a review for another one we were looking at- the name slips me though  (just google Charlie Vegas Mansions and it will show up)-

    Prices are similar, and they are both very flexible as long as the place looks the same as when you left.
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  • prinzssbrideprinzssbride member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    WOW ladies thank you so much for your comments and suggestions.

    The 4000 would include:

    flights from Indianapolis for myself, FI and our 2 girls
    a suite for FI and I for a week
    ceremony hopefully in a gazebo and a small photo package
    I'd love to host the double decker bus tour for everyone
    reception dinner followed by drinks and dancing somewhere

    This is my second wedding (1st one I was only 20 yikes lol) so I am paying for this one myself however my parents will be buying:
     
    my dress
    dresses for my little girls
    invitations
    flowers
    cake

    I am not including my getting ready expenses or the bridal party gifts in this 4 grand!

    Thanks again you have been very helpful! I think my major concern is I don't know where to start as far as someone to contact in Vegas to  find out when the (off) season is and where to find contact information and pictures for venues.
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  • edited December 2011
    Ok, now that I have more clarification, that 4k will have to stretch a very long way with all of those things you listed. The airfare and other travel related expenses for the 4 of you alone may round out to 1k. I would suggest trying some of the off strip gazebo chapels as they are MUCH cheaper. If thats not your thing perhaps a wedding in the middle of the week, that should really knock down the cost. You may also want to look into a private room at a buffet for dinner as that may also be significantly cheaper. Im sure it can be done. good luck
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  • edited December 2011
    My thoughts -

    The only "off season" in Vegas, IMO, is the dead of summer and the dead of winter, mid-week.  As long as it's not a holiday/convention/special event, you should be able to save some money.

    The "wedding porn" sticky at the top shows all the venues we're using or have used.  You will possibly save money by being off-strip or in a smaller chapel.  You can also get married in a hotel suite (Mandalay Bay does this), so you can have a quiet, intimate ceremony:

    http://www.mandalaybay.com/things-to-do/weddings/suite-romance-plan.aspx

    Sign up for smartervegas.com and any players clubs for hotels you like.  You're going to have to eye promotions frequently until you find something in your budget.  You may not be able to afford a suite or an on-strip hotel.  You might consider looking into how much it costs for you guys to travel (flight/hotel/cab/other expenses) then back into your budget for the wedding itself.  Don't forget you'll have to take a cab to get your marriage license as it's not on the strip.

    You may want to consider cutting your guest list.  If you invite 10 people, you can probably host them more appropriately on your budget than with 20.  Or maybe you should consider eloping then having a party when you get home?

    The Double-Decker Bus is about $300 for two hours, not including special performers or alcohol for your guests.  Getting hair/makeup done will be at least $160 for you if you use any of our "regular" vendors.

    BTW, utilize Smokey's budget list above.  You don't want any surprises when budgeting.

    HTH!
  • smokeybaileysmokeybailey member
    Combo Breaker First Comment
    edited December 2011
    So I priced airfare in the middle of July for 4 and it was $1472.  I'm sure you could find cheaper when it is closer.  I also priced you the cheapest room at the GN for the same time period for 6 nights (arriving Sunday leaving Saturday).  That was $584.  You can probably add $100 if you wanted to stay Saturday night.  So now your travel and hotel is $2K.

    Okay, let's look at your per diem.  Let's assume for a minute that a family of four could eat, drink and be merry for $100 per day so that's another $700 so now you're up to $2700 and you haven't figured in any other costs.

    Let's say that you find a midweek ceremony package with a few pictures.  The Golden Nugget has one for $299.  Includes 8 photos, 3 rose bouquet and boutonniere in a chapel for 30 minutes (no gazebos here).  That does not include service or tax or a minister's fee.  So it will actually be around $488.  So now you have spent $3087 and we haven't even touched your reception.

    I did an insuite rehearsal dinner for 30 people.  It ran me about $1000 for food, $500 for beer and wine, and another $65 for a groom's cake.  This doesn't include my entertainment.  Your room budget above doesn't take into consideration renting a large suite so you can do an insuite.  Let's say you add a large suite for one night, we'll call it $400, go with an iPod and skip any extras, you're now looking at about $5k.  And, honestly, that is super tight. Dinner at a buffet could be cheaper or you may be able to do a prix fixe menu at a restaurant.

    We didn't figure in any cabs, limos or other transportation to and from the airport (at home or in Vegas).  No gambling. No side trips.  No souvenirs, etc.  You get the picture. 

    In my planning I did not find Vegas to be any cheaper than an at home wedding for us.  It was more convenient, had more options and WAS cheaper for our traveling guests.  We had room rates around $100 in Vegas while the best I could do here at home was $189/night.  Plus there is more to do in Vegas after hours.  Vegas simply makes it easy to elope.  No blood tests or other screenings.  No waiting period, etc. 

    I think that it is a bit of a misconception that you can run off to Vegas and get married for less (while doing something comparable).  Honestly, how much is a buffet in your home town?  Probably less than any buffet in Vegas.  There may even be a Lucille's, Maggiano's or Joe's Stone Crab near you.  If you are going to Vegas to save money, then elope.  If you are going to Vegas to party and take advantage of what Vegas is about, increase your budget.

    Bi-oh-rama
    Now with more wedded bliss.


    I don't get married often, but when I do, I do it in Las Vegas.

    image

    "Lvharpy could be your AE." - direy25
    "smokeybailey is the one shining beacon of light in this steaming turd of a thread." - daffodil_jill
    "The almighty smokeybailey has spoken." - some bitch on the Las Vegas board

  • edited December 2011
    I do have to agree with Smokey. Eloping to Vegas can be quite costly. Our ceremony for 4 at Mandalay Bay is $1500 (Shark Reef), photographer is over $500 for photo strip tour, air fare for 4 (a 11 yr old and 18 yr old) will be $1600. So without housing, food, etc that alone is $3600. 

    I would look at Chapel of Flowers which has a lot of stuff in their packages. They have garden weddings and it seems like good packages. I would make sure you explore your options but it is true-Vegas is not always cheaper. 
  • edited December 2011
    Do LV just 10 max guests... No kids(sorry) for 4k that seems like the best way to do it.
    Personally, I would say stay in your hometown, just think outside the box for cheaper ways to do it? You budget is just not practical for LV and all your needs. You really should have 1k in reserved money for emergency's... 


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  • prinzssbrideprinzssbride member
    First Anniversary First Comment
    edited December 2011
    Thanks again ladies! I know I can have a nice wedding here in Cincinnati for 4-5 thousand but really have my heart set on Vegas especially since coming to this board! So basically I need to decide if I want to cut my guest list, increase my budget, elope, or just have it here and visit Vegad another time. I have a lot of thinking to do.

    Thanks again
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  • edited December 2011
    Im planning a wedding with 5k as we speak!

    Here is a breakdown of what I am spending:

    15 guests
    Wedding chapel, Including flowers& Extra photography: about $600
    Flights for hubby and I: about $600
    Rooms for hubby and I (2 nights): about 400
    My dress including alterations: $500 (got a steal of a deal on a dress)
    F&B for guests at Sage restaraunt in Aria Hotel: $1,000 (over budgeted)

    You can totally have something fab for that amount. I am definetley a diva and will not settle for anything less than amazing. I am actually suprised how everything is coming together and I am getting so excited!!

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