Young Couple With No Money!! Please Help!

Hi Lauren,
I was in a similar situation when I got married.
First thing I suggest is to get the book "Bridal Bargains : Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget". I just checked and is $6 for a used one on Amazon.com. Then, get organized. First, determine how much money you will spend on the wedding. Then make a budget, and stick to it. Some suggestions that did wonders for me:
1- Location of the reception: public park, it was beatiful and incredibly cheap and nice (and outdoors).
2- Keep it small: no more than 40-50 people.
3- Print your own invitations. I got a software, and I did it myself in my computer.
4- I got my dress on the web, from a gal, under 500 and was beautiful.
5- get silk flowers for the bouquet etc. It is not only cheaper, they last forever.
6- Get a friend to do the photos for a small fee. Get another friend to be the DJ.
7- and finally, if you are really short in money, just do a small reception, not a full meal, or keep it on salads and fruit.
Best luck to you!

Lauren,

Hints for elegant not expensive weddings.

1. Wedding Dress -
Our Laundry Delivery service included a flyer in our weekly delivery: Sale - Unclaimed Wedding Dresses
I called to inquire about the flyer, as my business is Wedding & Event Planning. My partner and I encounter many young couples, as you`ve described yoursel, and I thought this would be a great avenue to pursue. I met with my Laundry Service and was astounded to find the quality of beautiful gowns left behind and never claimed. The Bride drops off her dress to be cleaned ,boxed & perserved... And for whatever reason never retrieves the merchandise. You wouldn`t believe the number of Gowns my personal Laundry Service is holding. So, a very good starting point would be to contact several of your local Laundry/Cleaner Businesses and simply ask... FYI: We picked up several Gowns, estimated original costs of $2,500 - $3,500 for a mere $200 each. Although we are not in the Bridal Gown business, we simply purchased these to "give" to young brides in each of our own families that simply can`t afford the price of a new gown.

#2. Outdoor Weddings
Another cost saver is to hold your wedding in an outside venue. (Park, Floral Garden, Terrace, and even in your own backyard) Backyard: Constuct an arbor, drape tulle over top, add clear twinkle lights and tie large tulle bows at the corner of each supporting pole, for color, purchase several bundles of flowers from your local grocery store, or anywhere you can purchase in bulk, and tie coordinating bows on the bouquets. These could also be used for your own bridal bouquet. Seating: Invite each of your closest relatives to bring a card table and 4 chairs, (round table and/or square) go to your local fabric store, select a pattern you like (floral, solids, etc.) purchase enough fabric to drape over tables and purchase either floral/or solid (opposite whatever you selected for the table covering , enough to cut in strips and tie bows on the backs of the folding chairs. Centerpieces - Clay pots filled with plants. Go to your local nursery and purchase a flat of blooming plants, use small clay pots with a saucer to catch the water...(guest could take these home as a wedding favor.
Food- depends of the time of day for your wedding - keep this in mind when selecting the time of day. Appetizers, fresh fruit, etc. Are always easy and inexpensive.

For outdoor weddings: Please keep in mind-
Time of Year, (heat, rain, cold, etc.) Have an alternate back up plan (tent rental from local Party Rental, Fans, etc.)
Depending on the formality of your wedding, you could even go with a "backyard" theme wedding.

Good Luck.. I hope some of my suggestions help.

I did my own flowers. You can look in your phonebook under florists wholesale and usually get flowers for around 18 dollars for 24(that`s for roses). I found soaps from the dollar store and wrapped them in tulle. Also, don`t be fooled into spending 75 bucks for a veil. You can go to a wal mart or a craft store and buy a veil that is already edged and layered for $7 just get a comb from a hair salon and bunch the veil up and thread comb through. I also bought cheap muslim from the fabric store instead of spending 30 bucks for a runner. So many ideas ou there, good luck!!!!

Probably the first place to start would be the library. That is where I started. There are so many books on how to plan a wedding. Also, there are some books on how to plan a wedding on a budget (which is what I am doing).

Don`t elope! You would regret it!
If you have a Friday evening or Sunday wedding, it will be cheaper on reception sites & caterers.
You can have pretty much anything you want in way of food. If you have a daytime reception, finger foods would be fine. Early evening reception-cocktail fare.
Don`t have liquor, unless you want to do a champagne toast or sparkling cider toast (cheaper!)
If you go with favors, imprinted matchbooks are nice & they are reasonable-www.americanwedding.com has them for about 22c each. 200 would be $42!
Wedding dress? David`s Bridal ALWAYS has a $99 sale!
Have someone make the punch. A friend of your moms or something like that. They would probably be more than happy to do it for free.
As for napkins-just get plain ones at Hobby Lobby, or even Wal-Mart. You may find them cheaper at a place like that. Paper Warehouse is a good place to start for bulk table service.
You can make some really nice centerpieces for a pretty reasonable price. Just go somewhere like the places I just mentioned & purchase something such as small fishbowls & put glitter in the bottom to about an inch or so up. Glitter really sparkles when candles are lit! Put a votive cup in the middle (taller than the glitter) & a candle. Get some greenery with baby`s breath interspersed (florist may give you what you need for free or huge discount when you buy your wedding flowers there!) & put around the bowls. You can get glitter in bulk.These may not cost but about $10-$15 each?
As for flowers-maybe you could carry one or two long stemmed roses dressed up with greenery & baby`s breath & beautiful ribbon. Your attendants could carry one flower dressed up.
Get a white basket for the flower girl & put some pretty ribbon on it.
You could have the ring bearer carry something other than a pillow.
You don`t need to get a unity candle from any wedding place. Just go to Wal-Mart, etc., & get a white pillar candle & 2 matching tapers & some holders. You will be amazed at how much you will save!
Tuxes-These just look so nice! You could get the suit type tuxes. They may be cheaper.
BM dresses-go to Dillards, Penneys, etc, & you may be able to find something on their sale rack. Go about Christmas time. DEB store has great sales right after Homecoming, Prom & Christmas! Most are like $10 or so!
Photographer-go ahead & spend a little more on this. You will not regret it! Have him cover the ceremony. Have him cover just the reception highlights. Have someone who has a good digital camera do the pre-ceremony & extra reception pix! Yes, have someone videograph the ceremony & reception. Or, a videographer do the ceremony & a friend do the reception.
A good way to save on corsages & gifts is to have the ushers light the candleabras before the guests start arriving. I think that is more elegant anyway!
You can get 100 programs for about $17 on a website (I am sorry, I cannot remember the name.) or you can probably go to a printing/publishing place & they may have something.
Invitations-www.willowtreelane.com is pretty cheap. You can find 100 for as low as $35! You can even have them include the reception info on the actual invitation & the rsvp phone number, too. So, that would save you there.
You can still have a very elegant wedding without spending a ton of money!
You really need table coverings. The cloth are more elegant than the paper! LOTS of candles & lights make a great illusion! Find someone with artificial ficus trees & get clear Christmas lights to decorate with & that will look amazing!!!
Well, I hope some of these ideas are of some help to you!
You CAN have a simple, yet elegant wedding and reception for under 5K!
Oh, music for the reception!!! How about just some pre-recorded background music? You could even bring your own stereo.
A good place to start is to go to www.about.com & type in wedding & click search. Or just type in wedding favors, wedding invitations, or just about anything you need. You will find tons of info & websites there!!!
Good Luck!!!

Instead of guests bringing gifts, ask that they pay for the cost of the meal.

Try having a tea reception. The only things served are beverages and cake. Also look into lodges they usually only charge a very small fee for the use of their hall. Use silk flowers they are just as pretty and much cheaper. I don`t know if there is a Davids bridal near you but they have very pretty dresses for as little as 350 dollars and you could always catch one of their $99 dollar sales. To me that would be worth a trip out of state. They have them almost every month.

Dear, I have put some lovely wedding togeather on shoe string budgets. Try parks, they are inexpensive, I got my dress from a second hand store and no one could tell it. Also there are some bridal stores who do have dress as low as 99.00. What state are you in. Myself I am in Kansas. I`d be glad to talk with you and help you out. Just let me know.
Missy
White Dove Wedding Consultant and Services

Hey, get f**kin real ok. You are 18, he`s probably out bangin other girls anyway. Get a life and GET A JOB!

Listen Marc, I am sorry you got hurt sometime in your life where a girl realized that you are a f***ing jerk and decided to go find a real man who can love someone who was not so negative all the time, maybe you need to seek some counceling for all that anger you have built up and maybe focus on finding someone who is on your level, and leave the couples that really are in love and want to be together and be happy alone. And good luck on that counceling little Marc;)

Ummm...Emma? That was a pretty BAD suggestion you had! I would be soooo offended if I got an invitation to a wedding
& it asked `No gifts please-only cash so we may pay for our wedding.`
I would be very offended, as would most, if that was asked of me! I would not attend.
You just cannot do that. TACKY! If the couple simply cannot afford a wedding, they should wait til they can.
To the couple who have no money-do yourselves a favor & wait til you are a little older. A little more mature & then, you
Will more than likely have some money saved if you start now.
To the guy who insulted this couple-shamey, shamey, shamey!

I have got to agree with Jeremysgirl. If you have always dreamed of a big wedding wait. But if you haven`t go for a small low budget. My husband and I got married at a city hall and then had a small public wedding and we still want a bigger one. DO NOT under any circumstances ask people for money, this is a NO NO NO!!! That is what your money dance is for. We had 75 people at our wedding and had 1600 dollars after it was all said and done. We spent approximately 10,000. Good luck! Remember the most important thing is for you two to be married. It only happens once in a lifetime so do it right!

Lauren, Have your fiance check w/the Post/Base Chaplain to see about using the Post chapel. Should not cost anything. Have a military wedding. No need for tuxedos. Most posts have a rental center where you can rent everything from candelabras to tents. Shop at your local dollar store. You will be surprised what you`ll find.

Hey! If you two are ready to get married then just do it. Go for whatever makes you and your fiance` happy. I am getting married next May too and I am having the same problem. I would think about a theme, like a beach wedding or a hawaiian wedding. That is what i am considering. I mean like one lady said even if is in the backyard you can make it BEAUTIFUL!!!! Let me know what you decide though.
Good Luck and Happiness

Angel Baby

You should just get married in court, have a little receotion with friends and family, in court i think you can have a room size, so plan for that, don`t think to big, but make it nice because you can only have one wedding, something to remember. But girl keep it simple

Use what the college has to offer!
Is there a Home Economic`s department? A printing dept?
They might do some of the work if you are willing to purchase the supplies needed. BARTER!!
Carry wildflowers and 2 Roses and give the 2 Roses to the "MOM`s" at the wedding. It is such a romantic touch and makes them feel special as well.
I work with low income people so I have many in-expensive ideas to help. You have friends and family - use them to help make things for your wedding. Many things can be done in advance. E-mail me and I will work with you for FREE!
At shmily@adelphia.net I LOVE to share my info!

Hi there!
If neither of you are against it, you could try having the wedding in a public venue (park or something) with a justice of the peace. Then, plan a small reception at your home, church or the same park. If you don`t have a computer, use stamps (Can buy at Michael`s). Just use a picture of you two, the park, whatever. Then, cover the invite/announcement with velum (not sure if I spelled that right, but the kind of see through, foggy, white paper). Then, use some stamps and embossing tools. I`m doing some thing like this for my invites.

Another thing to try would be to see if someone else is using your church for a wedding on the same day and split the cost of the flowers, decor., etc.

Also, you can probably find used/discoutned wedding dresses in resale shops or in the paper. All you would probably have to do is clean it and maybe put some of your own beads or something on it to make it your own.

A good alternative for a bridal dress is to go to a regular dress shop and buy a non traditional dress. I`m 5`3" and didn`t want to look like a giant merangue (sp?) in a "traditional" bridal dress. So I went to a department store at my local mall and found a beautiful and simple off white lace dress for $80.00. Queen Victoria started the whole, you must wear a poofy white dress trend. Before that most women wore a colored dress, usually their special occasion dress. Not some thing that you can only wear once. What better way to enjoy and remember your special day than to have a wedding dress that you wear to celebrate other special occasions.

Another choice is to wear a bridesmaid dress, whether in white or another fun color. They are often very reasonable in price and can be picked up for less than $200.00. Good luck.

If you have no money, why don`t you wait a few years until you can afford it. Are you afraid he won`t wait for you or what? if you really love each other, then wait and do it properly. That way, you can have everything you always dreamed of.
As for marc... F***ing immature as***le.... Go get a life.

Hi, I just went through the wedding proccess. I thought I might be able to give you some pointers about saving money in your wedding planning. First of all, weddings cost money--so you`re going to have to be willing to spend a little money. As far as a venue, have it at a state park or a city park--you`ll have to inquire with the state or city about rental fees which will be low. I had a friend who married in front of a lighthouse in a state park for $25. Also, you might have the wedding in a loved one`s backyard or at a church hall if you belong to a church. As far as the food, make it a potluck or have your families cook for your reception. The cake-- have a bakery or someone you know make you a simple one or two teir cake or perhaps a single heart decorated with silk flowers or ivy from Walmart and let the rest of your guests eat sheet cake from a bakery or from a loved one`s oven. Rings-a simple gold band at Kay`s is pretty inexpensive. Watch for sales. A wedding dress--rent or buy used. A veil--borrow from a friend. Shoes--wear white dress sandles or comfortable shoes from a discount shoe store. Usually shoes don`t show that much. Jewelry for wedding--borrow. Do your own hair and makeup or have a friend do it. Music--make your own cds and have a friend act as d.j. Have your wedding and your reception at the same place. Because you are on a limited budget, you`ll have to skip out on all the frills, but in the end that doesn`t matter, because what matters is the special feeling between you and your future husband on your wedding day. Make sure that you, your future husband, and your guests have fun and feel comfortable and included in this special event. Good luck wedding planning. Be creative. Throw out any tradition that you can`t afford and substitute for the parts of the wedding that you can`t live without. Some of the best weddings, I `ve ever been to was where the couple didn`t have a lot of money so they did everything themselves and they were creative. They also skipped things like having a lot of attendants. They only had a best man and woman. They also had their aunt and uncle pay for the catering for the reception as a wedding present. One more thing, I took a whole year to plan and I am glad I did because our wedding basically went very smoothly and our guests had a lot of fun. Take plenty time to plan. The more you plan, the smoother your wedding will go. Make sure everyone involved knows their duties and any financial obligation they might have. So remember be creative, substitute for an expensive frill with a cheaper option, throw out any tradition that is costly--like hiring a limo, and enlist the help and duties of loved ones and trusted friends. Congratulations on your engagement. I hope this helps you. Let me know if you need anymore help. :)

Also, don`t buy any books on wedding planning and wedding advice. Check them out from your local public library.

I also had another idea. If you cannot afford a pro photograhper, why not hire a photography student who is majoring in fine arts and photography at your college or if you are not in college (cause I can`t recall if you said you were in college) hire a photography student from a college in your town. I`ve had friends in college who majored in photography who were excellent photographers, even better than an average wedding photographer. Make sure you interview several students with your future husband or a parent. Look at their portfolios of work and sign a contract with whomever you choose -once you agree on a price and the obligations. There are several websites that talk about what to discuss with your wedding photographer. I highly recommend that you check these out and check out all wedding websites to help you plan for your wedding.

HI,
I just got married too and I totally understant the "on a budget" thing. I see that someone already mentioned the "Bridal Bargains" book and I agree that it is a must read, however I would also suggest a great web site that I used a lot www.shoestringweddings.com. It has tons of information on how to save money as well as free craft articles. Any bride on a budget should check this site out-trust me it was a BIG help!
Best of wishes
Khyle

Where ever you get married and what ever way you plan your wedding, have a fantastic day, I hope the sun shines for you both and everything goes to plan, I am getting married next year and will be using some of the tips people on this page has so kindly given to you.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU BOTH. FROM TERESA (sep 17th 03)

Church and reception- go to church and maybe they will let you use the church and fellowship hall for free.
Reception-snacks instead of meals
Wedding gown-get a friend to either use or give you a gown
Flowers-use silk, you can use them at your house later
Photography-now days, most churches have camera setup maybe the church will do it for you, if you get involved in church.
Candid shots-get several throw away cameras and pass them around during wedding for candid shots.
Get a video done-it is alot better tham still pics. Good Luck, Peg

My husband and I just got married in Aug 02 we had a small wedding. I got all my dresses made by my mother-in-law 300$ for three dresses that includes mine. If you know someone who can sew maybe ask them to do your dresses if they don`t mind. We did our own meal you don`t have to get it catered and it`s still can be nice. We had our reception in the basement of the church and the party at my mothers place. It is possible if you have a yard. Decorations buy them at the Dollar store if you have one where you live. That`s what I did and you know what my wedding was a blast even though I didn`t spend thounds of dollars. It`s your wedding do what you want not anybody else wants. We spent $2500.00 on our wedding and that included everything. Oh and your cake make it yourself it`s not hard or get someone in your family or his to do it (cheaper). Look you just have to really look at what you both want. Talk about it and look around for deals that`s what I did and I did this within 3months so if I can do it you can start buying now.
I WISH YOU AND YOUR FIANCE THE BEST OF LUCK!

Hello, Lauren.
I understand your predicament. Please email me, as I create all wedding accessories by hand, and I specialize on beautiful ceremonies with a tight budget. I started my business shortly after my husband and I were married, seven years ago. While my little home based business consists of only myself, my mom, my husband and three-year-old son, I can offer you great savings on all of your accessories. For example, I create lovely cascading bridal bouquets for as little as $10 plus shipping. When you add $5 for the throw bouquet, you have only spent $15 for both sets of flowers in comparison to anywhere from $75 to hundreds. Please email me, and I will send pictures for you to consider. I really enjoy helping people, and I offer very honest business transactions. I look forward to hearing from you soon! :) Kim

I know what you are going threw. I am getting married and no one in both familys have money. I have gotten really tired of not getting the things that I wanted, so I opened a wedding shop to sell items for weddings. You can get so much stuff really cheap. If you need any help with you wedding invotations or all other accessories e-mail me and I would be glad to help you with them. They will be cheap, so don`t worry about that. And when I say cheap, i mean that. You can e-mail me at AADAYTOREMEMBER@AOL.COM Hope to hear from you and anyone else!

Try your local vendors for sponsorsip. Many will donate items needed if you the post the name of their company on your wedding program.

Attend as many bridal shows in your area. You will get great decorating ideas and a chance at winning gifts for your wedding from inviations to your honemoon or you may receive discounts. W won 2 night stay @ local hotel, & U won pearl earrings by attending the bridal shows.

Look in the newspaper, bridal magazines, and internet for the next Bridal Show in yor town.

Good Luck!!!!!!

Hey,
I, too am in your shoes. I am getting married in two months, and we have a really low budget. My fiance is also in the military and we are having our wedding in the chapel on base. Our reception is going to be at a friends house. As for a dress...I am just going with a simple white dress. In 10 years, for our anniversary, we are going to renew our vows and do the "big" wedding. Since you`re not getting married till May...every month put aside a little money in a special account that under no circumstances can you touch, and that will help out a lot!
Best of luck to you.

Cathy

Hello everyone... This is Lauren again... I posted the original message almost 4 months ago!! I can`t believe people are still responding! Wow! Have y`all given me some great ideas. I hadn`t even thought about using silk flowers.. How obvious! Just so you all know, my fiance and I got married on July 12 at the justice of the peace and we are planning our "Refreshing of Vows" to celebrate our one year anniversary. I have rented a beautiful private garden and bought a dress. Now I am working on the food, cake, etc. And I already posted a message about this, but does anyone know where to find a harpist in the D/FW area? Anyway, my new husband and I are extremely happy and excited about our `wedding` next summer and our new life together. To all of the well-wishers, thank you so much for all of your help and support! And to Marc, f*** off.
Thanks again,
Lauren

You can throw a champagne and cake reception in your back yard or a friends back yard. If you really must serve dinner or lunch to your guest you should signup for a free consultant at Lovegevity.com...their network of consultants nationally will definately be able to hook you up with alternative-cost-cutting ideas and vendors.---Good Luck & Congrats!

What I did was search on eBay and yahoo auctions for prectically everything! I got my wedding dress there, and all kinds of stuff! You can`t beat it!!

I am planning on getting married too And we also have no money. I am borrowing a dress from a friend. Making my own invitations. If u have a computer its a whole lot cheaper!! I am going to the dollor store and walmart for my flowers and make them myslef. My friend has a digital camera so we are going to use her camera for pictures.iliked the idea someone gave for using candles and white christmas lights for the reception and we are going to have a potluck for the reception and i know alot of people have money tress at teh reception i think its a cool idea espesially if u dont have much money for your hunnymoon

I am planning on getting married too And we also have no money. I am borrowing a dress from a friend. Making my own invitations. If u have a computer its a whole lot cheaper!! I am going to the dollor store and walmart for my flowers and make them myslef. My friend has a digital camera so we are going to use her camera for pictures.iliked the idea someone gave for using candles and white christmas lights for the reception and we are going to have a potluck for the reception and i know alot of people have money tress at teh reception i think its a cool idea espesially if u dont have much money for your hunnymoon

Hay lady
I was in your shoes too. I browwed my dress from a family member and my husband wore his dress blues
And then his mom had our party at her house we had a cake of course punch and ments . If u love someone you will do the best u can and we didnt have a honey moon. We marrird in 1983 and until death do us part this year 2002 at the young age of 39 so love him and it wont matter how your wedding looks or goesi was only 17 so go for it and dont worry about it if u turley love him im sure it will be great and yes it was a small church wedding.

Hi
Try consignment shops for a wedding dress also, talk to friends/family members someone can probably do your flowers as a gift and buy supplies from dollar stores, flea markets etc. They are real cheap. And buy disposable cameras and gaive them to guests and ask them to take lots of pictures and hand them back in at the end of reception. Instant wedding photos. Also go to party supply stores they usually have items on clearance . A friend and I have done stuff like this for weddings, baby showers, bridal showers and we always save the bride, or party host a lot of money. Also instead of rice , we have used bird feed and you can go to dollar stores and get little bottles of bubbles and tie a ribbon around them and instant party favors and everyone can blow bubbles as the bride and groom exit the church or reception. As for food go to a wholesale store such as Sams Club or Cosco buy everything in bulk.
Hope this helps some

Here is an idea I used for my wedding. I bought votive candles at Dollar Tree, they are 4/$1. At Wal-Mart they have glass fish bowls in the wedding section that are 77cents. Just put some glitter in the bottom of the bowl and put in a single votive and there you go. For about $1 each you have beautiful centerpieces.

Hello?~ :O) My name is Laura Johnson and I am located
In the Willmar area of Minnesota. I am a professional
Photographer.

I shoot Weddings, engagements, family, friends, seniors,
Children, holidays, pets- sometimes, new home construction,
Real estate listings, scenery, etc. If it isn`t listed here, then
Make sure you give me a jingle and ask?

With most my portrait purchases, you receive free portraits.

Laura Johnson
401 Highland Road, SW
Willmar, Minnesota
320-235-8317

Www.geocities.com/ljohnson204/frontpage.html

PS. Depending if you are in Minnesota, close to me, I am sure we could work out something for your wedding photos. Give me a jingle and I will send you an idea.

Hello Everyone,
I am getting married August 9th 2003 in Reading Berkshire, UK if anyone in my area has any good tips for a low budget wedding I would love to hear from you. I already have a lovely wedding dress, but need to hear from people who would maybe willing to help put a buffett together for my the reception, also would love cheap but effective ideas to decorate the reception hall, any ideas would be great, would also love to hear from other couples in the uk geting married in 2003, good luck to you all, please post a reply or email me. Thanks. Uk_gold42@yahoo.com

Do you have a wedding gown yet? I have a brand new, never worn or altered gorgeous gown. Bought at a bridal boutique going out of business for a fantastic price. Would sell for $200. Creamy white, illusion neckline, many appliques, sequins and seed pearls on bodice, which has a modified basque waist. Full train with scattered appliques, sequins and beading all through the rest of the dress.

Teresa

You say your getting married in the UK?
To save money, get married in the local registry office. It will cost £97.50 which includes the ceremony and the certificate.
I know this is accurate coz my Fiance and I booked ours for february 1st 2003!
I`m also doing mine on a shoestring, but I wanted to keep it small, so what we`re doing is having the ceremony, and in the evening, we`ll go out for a drink, and those who want to join us can do. That way we`re celebrating it, but we arent renting a hall for the reception or anything, and no-one feels pressured to join in if they don`t want to.
I`m making my dress rom scratch to ensure its exactly as i want, and i`m having silk flowers

Hope this helps
Best wishes to you and hubby to be.
Crystal

Thought I`d throw in my 2 cents: I`ve learned that you have to be willing to Shop with a capital S. I think I called about 40 places to find my wedding/reception site, but it was worth it. Don`t buy wedding magazines and books -- check them out from the library. Just because Martha Stewart has a huge staff slaving away under her doesn`t mean she doesn`t have a lot of inexpensive, easy ideas. I highly recommend her wedding books. Use your connections --for example I work at a grocery store and found I get a $50 discount on wedding cakes there as well as my usual 5% discount. Factor in a small cake with sheet cakes on the side and the whole cake comes to $175, a relative steal. If you have friends who are florists, musicians, artists, etc. Enlist their talents, but don`t back them into a corner, guilt them into helping, or give them too big a job -- for example if you have a buddy who knows a lot about music, don`t ask them to be the DJ as they`ll have to work for four hours at a wedding where they should be a guest. Look for sales and buy things as you go. Remember the dollar store. See if a relative has an old wedding dress you can wear. I`m sure that I have some other ideas, but I`m running out for now. Happy planning!

I too am in your shoes, I am doing all my own decorations, all the party favors (if you need ideas I can give you some really good ones that look great, and only cost about $.35 cents a person), but one thing so you don`t have to buy food for the reception, make it a potluck that way everyone brings a dish, its fun, and that way there will always be a variety!! You may want to check with community service halls, you can usually rent those for around $50 and you can hold both the wedding and reception in the same place, thats what we are doing, also call church ministers, some will take donations or even do it for free, it never hurts to ask, the one we got takes donations, if you get all your wedding decorations/party favors at walmart in the crafts section you can put it all on layaway that way you can pay for it little by little!!! Let me know how your wedding turns out, I still have a month to go until mine!! Best of Luck to you!

Hi Missy
Do you still have your wedding gown for sale? Where do you live and what size is it. My daughter is getting married in Aug.. And we are looking for a gown..
Any one know where there are consignments shops or ventage shops in Victoria BC.

Thanks for your help
Rhonda

Come on you people. The wedding day is suppose to be the happiest day of your life. Just get some money from the bank, even if you have to spend a million $, but at least you will remember that day forever. I doesnt mean that if you dont have money you have to have a simple wedding, make the wedding as you always dreamed of. You can borrow some money from someone. It is not that hard.

Hi, one way to have a cheaper wedding if you are in the military is to get everythything you can on base. I went to the commissary and I bought the cake($50 that fed 75 ppl) and I had my dress altered on base, I bought many decorations at the BX/PX, and my husband wore his Dress Blues. We had the wedding on base for free! I bought all the food at the Commissary, and some of my friends made all the food.The whole wedding cost us about $1,000!

Hi. I am in a similar situation. My fiance and I have been together for 7 years now (he is 23 and I am 22). Now that I am graduating college we are ready to get married but we do not have a bunch of cash to spend on the wedding. We are lucky enough to have found a non-denominational church that will marry us for only a small donation ($100 or so) and we can have the reception there for free (we just have to clean up afterwards). I am making everything - boquets, centerpieces, decorating reception site (which is the church gym - only b/c it`s extremely big and already has a dance floor due to the concerts they have there). We are having finger foods at the reception and my Grandma is making them all. She said she will probably spend $200-300 on all the food and drinks (for 125 people). My friend who is graduating with a Graphics degree is taking the pics while my current boss at the Telecommunications Dept. On my campus is going to videotape the wedding. We are using the computer to DJ the wedding (we appointed a friend of ours to be in charge of it). I am buying everything wholesale - dresses and decorations (mostly from replies on this message board). Ebay is also excellent for decorations and favors. We are ordering our cake from a respected local grocery store (Publix if you have one where you live) and it only costs $200. Our whole wedding will cost us $1,500 and it is still going to be beautiful and elegant. If you try to keep everything SIMPLE then it is easier to do things cheaper. Also, going to the library and checking out books is a good idea. There are many things you can do yourself in those books. The idea for my center pieces came from the Martha Stewart magazine and are extremely simple to make but they are gorgeous once finished. If you are truly ready to get married there is no sense in waiting just because of money - money is not what makes a couple stay together. My fiance and I would have been married four years ago if it hadn`t have been for college. Do what feels right in your heart and don`t base your decision around money

Loren,
We are getting married in July. Here is what I did. I booked a park/playground in a small town (for free), I plan to put 4 potted plants on the
Steps of the gazibo, we asked everyone that is invited to bring a dish and it is being coordinated by a friend of mine, I am using plain paper plates,
Plastic forks (bought in bulk), we are being married on the gazibo and having the reception there too. We found a band that plays blue grass/mixed music
And plan to make it as simple as possible. I am going to WalMart on that morning to get fresh flowers to carry and wrap them with ribbons. I got my dress for
$300 at www.hazels.com do not panic it says western but it has all styles long and short. I found dresses for my girls in the Chadwicks magazine or go to chadwicks.com the cost
$69.00 and are very pretty. I need a cake, I may just make my own a plain sheet cake but may have Kroger make it. I am going as simple and cheap as possible yet nice.
We told everyone to come in shorts and sandles so we can play horseshoes, vollyball or whatever as well as dance. We are keeping it very family oriented with a few close friends.
Good luck. If I can help in any other way, drop me a line.
Anne

Rhonda,
The only place in Victoria that I know of that sells consignment wedding gowns is House of Savoy in Oak Bay. I am going to sell my gown and was going to try to bring it there or attempt an ad in the Colonist. Hope this helps.

You don`t have to have a full meal at your wedding. Have a bbq or just serve hors d`oeurves. Go to the countryside, and pick wildflowers for your decorations....they are beautiful and FREE! It might be fun to do together. And if you go with that sort of theme, ask your guests to dress less formal, and just find yourself a beautiful white sundress....it doesnt HAVE to be a "wedding dress". Why don`t you think about having a pot luck wedding, where everyone brings a dish. You`ll end up with a huge range of food, and your guests will think it`s fun (and I`m sure they understand that money is tight). You can supply the alcohol and save on the food. As far as the church goes, save that way by having a minister, JP, or whatever marry you outside where your reception will be. It will suit the theme. Good luck!!

I am the mother of the bride. My daughter had a beautiful April daytime wedding and reception. We used all family members for the bridesmaids, flower girls, and ring bearer. Since they are all young and living on a budget, we paid for all the dresses. This is what we did. Purchased a beautiful used Mori Lee wedding dress for 275.00. Bought yellow bridesmaid and white flower girl dresses at David`s Bridal. Flowers for the church cost 600.00.The flowers consisted of 3 big arrangements for the altar area. Pew markers every 4th row. The pew markers consisted of a big yellow ribbon with greenery hanging from it. Two big arrangements for the area where she was making her entrance. Paid the pastor 150.00. (The pastor will guide you through the ceremony. Get a cheap book to find out who walks when). Paid the sound boy at the church 50.00 to play wedding CDs. For the procession, that`s when the bridesmaids walk, we played Pachelbel`s Cannon in D. We played the Wedding March song by the Starsound Orchestra when my husband walked her down the isle. Selected family members to take pictures. We have tons of great pictures. We used those cheap cameras you turn in with the film. Used church flowers to decorate wedding table and cake table at the rec hall we rented. Rented a rec hall at a state park for 2 days for 100.00. It had beautiful trees all around it. Tables were included in rec hall rental. Used white plastic lace tables cloths. Walmart sells it by the roll and then you cut it to fit. Also it doesn`t slide off the tables. This was important because we had lots of kids there. To decorate the tables, we used small greenery still in the pots from the nursery. Covered the pots with yellow tissue paper and tied a white ribbon around the top of the pot and fluffed out the tissue paper. We bought the tissue paper at the Dollar store. We bought steaks and paid someone to barbeque them. We had a snack table that consisted of things like shrimp platters from Walmarts, etc. Lots of soda, we didn`t have alcohol, so that saved a lot of money. I would hire a DJ for music. They announce the first dance, the father daughter dance, etc. The only thing my husband and I didn`t pay for was the tuxedos. Total cost of wedding was a little over 4000.00. Keep it small. The food is what cost so much. Kids do not care what they eat. You want someone to be in charge of the food because you and you`re mother will be too busy. No matter if you hire a photographer or not. Make sure to get pictures of bride and groom with both sets of grandparents and both sets of parents. I know someone who paid a lot of money for a photographer and didn`t get those pictures. The mother of the bride is so upset. We eloped when we were 18 and have been married for 30 years. You can do anything you want for your wedding, just stay within your means. That`s the best way to start a marriage. Best Wishes to you, Cindy

You can get some great books from the library! I`m reading one now called "Weddings for Dummies"...I know, it`s funny, but it really is great. It explains everything you could possible want to know about weddings. For cutting costs, you might want to consider renting a wedding dress? I know a lot of people might hate that idea but if you`re really tight for cash it`s an option. If you are going to buy a dress, I`d suggest buying on off the rack because they`re a lot cheaper. That`s what I did. You might want to make your invitations, bombonieres or even centre pieces. It`s a lot of work but you`d save a lot of money. Also, if you`re getting married in a church you can save money on flowers by finding out if anyone is getting married before you & splitting the costs of flowers. Perhaps you might consider having a small wedding at your home or your finance`s? You might even be able to get the priest to come to your home to do the ceremony & then just have a small reception afterwards that way you don`t have to rent a hall & church which can be quite pricey. You don`t have to have a formal dinner, you could just have appetizers & drinks especially if it`s early afternoon. I would also suggest you start buying things now if you see things on sale for your wedding so you won`t be bombarded with expenses at the last minute. Sit down with your finance & create a realistic budget of what you can afford & then work from that.

I`m getting married next May 2004 & I`ve already done a lot in the way of planning so feel free to email me with any questions.

Best of luck!

SInce he is in the Military, you could probably have it at a Chapel on a Military Base. Usually, you can have something small at the NCO or Officer`s Club on base, or at a small hall at the Chapel. Good Luck!

Hi I have a problem I am gitting married but I don`t have alot of money I am 18 and my fiance is 23 but he is doing the best that he can but it is not enough so we are going to have a small wedding but I don`t know what to do I don`t have anyone to help me because my mom is not going to help me and his mom is in haiti so I really don`t have anyone to help me so I am asking for some HELP really really Bad so please let me know what you think

Lauren--
Don`t elope!!! You can have a very nice wedding right under your nose-and you may not even know it!! Look right outside of your parents backyard--or his parent`s backyard (location)
Since you are getting married in May--(depending on your size) you can buy a very inexpensive beautiful white, sleeveless dress (long)--get a pedicure, and throw on some strappy heeled sandals (attire)--- You can make your own bouquet (silk roses in dozen 2.99 at Hobby Lobby--add a satin ribbon--tie in bow a there you go--a bouquet)---wash your own hair the day of and pin it in the back (let a few tendril curls fall)--After the ceremony--you don`t need to go ALL OUT-cake and punch is very nice--A DJ is not needed--just go through yours and your fiance` cd collection and find a bunch of love songs--if you know someone with a burner have them burn love songs on one or two CD`s for you----Now invitations--if you know someone or you have access to go to invitation website and "steal" some of their ideas-(with the help of Print Shop) you can create your own invitations with the cost of stamps . Have brothers and sisters help you and have his brothers and sisters help also.

Kim,
Can I have your e-mail address? What kind of bouquet do you do? Silk or real flowers?
-Lilly

Hiya everyone

I posted a while back, saying that I was doing my wedding on a shoestring on Feb. 1st 2003. We did it! It cost us £600 (not quite sure about the conversion..) and it was perfect, I couldnt have hoped for a better day.

The moral of the story is, it`s not how you get married, it`s WHO you marry

Love to all

Why not have an evening wedding, that way you don`t have to have a meal. Pictures could be taken beforehand, and out of town guests who may not be invited to the supper won`t be bored for 2 hours.

You can have a cheap wedding if you do a lot of things yourself. Have your family and friends help you out. Besides saving money you won`t be as stressed out.

I`ve been planning my wedding and most of the things I found on the internet that I thought were cute I can make myself. So get all your bridesmaides to help you out. I`m making the favors, table cards, some of the table settings, and the guest book. I even learned how to make boutonnieres so if it comes down to it I can make those too. Luckily, my sisters dad is a chef so he is going to do the food for us and he knows how to do ice sculptures so he said he would make us some of those too.

Just ask around you will be surprised what you friends and family will be able to help you with. And a lot of the things you think you need to buy are so simple to make. All you`ll need is a little fabric and a glue gun. : )

Hi
Well this is a time when u pull all the resources you can have a wedding for 130 guest in 5000$ all you have to do is make some adjustments pull some strings .
For instance rather then going for a gown that will cost you 1000 ,2000$ get a evening dress instead something we would see a brides maid wear , trust me these days people like making it simple my gown is just 100$ i have my aunt sewing it for my all i paid for is my dress .
Someone you know has a computer have then scan a picture and attach a little poem to the picture n use it as favors . Instead or making cards create a web site . Order the food from these tex mex vans food on wheels as the call it . I am making my own wedding cake . Normally museums , or historical park can me as cheap as 700$ to rent . Try that .
Get all the family to bring out their chinas and wine glasses mix n match them as table settings . Well there is a lot you can do , e-mail at never_the_mind@hotmail.com
And maybe i can help you out a bit more .

Tasha , Didn`t I just see that on TLC channel .The show is FOR BETTER OR FOR WORST and it aired on 7/21/03 as a rerun.I know, I`ve watched it twice.The whole premise of the show is a couple gives up all of their wedding decisions to six of their family and friends and they have to get put together a wedding in 7days with only $5000.00.

Tasha , Didn`t I just see that on TLC channel .The show is FOR BETTER OR FOR WORST and it aired on 7/21/03 as a rerun.I know, I`ve watched it twice.The whole premise of the show is a couple gives up all of their wedding decisions to six of their family and friends and they have to get put together a wedding in 7days with only $5000.00.

If you want to cut cost on a wedding try to do it during the week or on a sunday. You can do anything for ur wedding its your day. I heard of people having just different types of deserts with champain. What you want to do is set up a budget first then go from there.

Rob a bank - this should see you ok for a nice wedding - chase manhatten seems to hold a lot of cash sometimes

I know how you feel iam getting married in 2006 and i have no money ether my parents are buying my dress
Go to your libary & look for books on weddings how to buget your money before the kids get it put some money away in a bank account and keep puting money in it & buy the things you need for your wedding
That`s what where doing good luck and congraudulations kat

I`m getting married in 2006 too! We are doing the same thing you are doing.We are also making a lot of the stuff ourselves and buying non-perishable supplies now. When are you getting married (month, day)?

Lauren,
I say do whatever your heart tells you. To all the people who tell this woman things about her being "only 18"...giving the impression that just because she`s 18,that she`s just a kid and doesn`t know what she`s doing,or that a marriage at this age won`t last.Well, I have news for you all....I`m 23 (still young,I know) but my husband and I have been married for 5 years(since I was 18) and we are STILL TOGETHER!!! We have a beautiful 19 month old son and we have a good life together. And in this day, 5 years of marriage for anyone,is a good amount of time. I believe it depends on the individual
Person`s maturity level if they could make a marriage work. So, please, next time you hear someone young speak of getting married,just congratulate them and wish them good luck; you never know you might see that same person 30 years down the road and they are still with the same person after all those years.

I am getting married soon, also me and my fiance both were just laid off from our jobs....LOL....life is fun isn`t it. Anyway, we had a very teeny tiny budget to begin with (about $2500, not including the facility which is being given for free from dad, however it is a pub and not very romantic) so i decided to have a really fun wedding and got for a cheap theme...Halloween!!! you can make decorations fairly cheaply for holiday weddings since you can get supplies almost anywhere...even your own back yard!!! ( i am covering little fallen trees and branches with black glitter to decorate with, also I made an instant cemetary with funny sayings on the tombstones, I only paid $15 for enough styrofoam for PLENTY of tombstones and around $13 for some of that indoor outdoor grass looking carpet for a "base"...I made the tombstones able to glow under blacklights by covering them with RIT whitenner (looks really eerie) Be creative, and use your computer to surf the net for easy to make decor, that is all I did, and I haven`t spent more than $200 for the decor so far ( I do have a bunch of pumpkins to buy closer to the big date though). As for food, try fancy hors deurves (can`t spell that....lol) you can buy them frozen from a food wharehouse store and just heat em up for your guests...another one of my ideas to save money..also friends and relatives could all help out with making food. I am in the process of making my own invitations, I actually bought vellum and cardstock on ebay for less than $20, shear ribbons to tie em up for $.77 a roll and some cute halloween stamps to decorate the things with....I am also thinking about putting a "secret message" in glow in teh dark paint to surprise anyone who happens by them in the dark. The envelopes were bought for around $12 for 200 (100 each for invites and response cards, but only white or off white come that cheap at office supply store) but I will decorate them myself. I think it adds a creative and personal touch to the occasion. OK I am going to shut up now b4 I take up the whole darn message board, bcuz I could go on forever!!!

Good Luck!

I am also getting married next May . But for the food you could have finger food or what we found was a pizza place will lower their prices almost lower then half , plus who doesn`t like pizza.