Cheap wedding idea's?!?!? just got engaged - and looking to be married early/mid april?

Question

We live in Wisconsin. his family all lives here, but mine does not. i have 2 grandmothers that live in California who can't travel. so we are getting married in california - but i need to make it as inexpensive as possible... any ideas?!?!? thanks! xoxo

Answer 1

'Do it yourself' as much as you can. You can save a ton of money by making your own things. Invites: go to wal mart, and buy a plain invitation kit. It should be around 14 dollars for 50 of them! Comes with envelopes, reply cards and reply card envelopes. Print them yourself. Buy some vellum paper (hobby lobby has packs of 50 for 4 dollars) and attach the vellum paper to the invite with ribbon (the color of your wedding) the invite turns out beautiful and no one knows it was homemade!

Also, use fake flowers instead of real. It can save hundreds.

Answer 2

definitely check out theknot.com  they have great message boards there.  check out the local boards for cali and ask there what they suggest.  they're mostly great people, but as many brides do, they ccan get a little catty...so watfch for that!  with the diverse culture in cali, you have tons of options for themes...so find a place you like and run with it!  there are many arts colleges there, so take advantage of the students!  find a venue, get some culinaary students to cater, photography students for pics, graphic design students for invites, etc.  they don't charge as much because they don't have much of a portfolio.  you hiring them for your wedding builds it!  it's a win-win!  use flowers that are in season...they're a lot cheaper.  keep in mind there's a big difference from in season in WI and in season in cali.  you'll have a much wider selection there!  aside from that, with his whole family being here...what do you think of a simple cceremony in cali with parents, siblings, and grandmothers?  then rather than have everyone travel to CA or chance not coming...what about having a big party here (sorry...i say here like you live down the street from me as i am also in WI)?

Answer 3

California has so many pretty places...You will want to have the wedding close to where your grandmothers live, but where's that?

Here are a few ideas in California that you can use in most cities.

Beach/lake, park, Garden, Vineyard, Mountains, Yosemite

Good luck, you will find the perfect place!

Answer 4

There are a lot of things you can do...don't skimp on the pics though....you will regret that.....I am getting married in 2 weeks and I made all my favors and decor, which you can do....get ideas from theknot.com  you can get all handmade things on etsy.com (like ebay but handmade items only)

you can look at my etsy at www.etsy.com/rmebraat and see some of the stuff I made, which I am sure you can make yourself...Just be creative and look around for some deals...I got my dress at davids bridal and they also have gently worn dress places....also I just read an article that even target has started a wedding line, so you could even look into that (supposedly they have dresses for like $50) and you can even add or have someone add to it, to embellish it the way you want to make it unique.....After my wedding I will post pics from the photographer on my etsy page so you can see that it doesn't take a lot of money to make a nice wedding...We were on a pretty tight budget too.....Also talk to people from the knot in the area that you are getting married, thay can maybe help you find a good deal on a nice place, and from my understanding getting a wedding planner helps, because they know how to cut costs too because they have vendors they work with....From everyones advice that I got, the one thing you dont want to skimp on is the pictures and I have to agree with that.....get a bridal mag from the area....all kinds of deals in there too..talk to airlines and hotels for a group rate....Sorry my reply is so long...Hope it helps....Good luck and CONGRATS!!!!!!!!

Answer 5

Go with candle centerpieces and dont have a dj.Tell a family member to take pictures instead of hiring a photographer.Family members can also help out with the food.Christmas time is coming up,so ask for gift cards,that way you can use them towards your wedding.Good luck and congrats.

Answer 6

Yes, as previously said, check out http://wedding.theknot.com/!  

Also, you can cut down on the flowers you use.  It is in fashion to use a single, long stemmed flower in lieu of a large bouquet.  I am saving money by having a cascading bouquet of a less expensive flower, with my roses (I used carnations!).  My girls, are going to have bouquets of three, long stemmed flowers.

My dress is inexpensive!  I found it on http://www.unique-vintage.com/.  it is a new dress, in vintage style, and it is gorgeous!

I bought the bridesmaid dresses on http://www.Amazon.com and saved almost half of what I would have spent the first few places we looked.  

http://www.Ebay.com is good for the small details, like your cake server set and guest book!  

The best advice I could give you is to google and compare!  That way you know if you are getting a good deal!

Answer 7

California should be beautiful for your wedding, congratulations. Try this site and sign up for their free mini-course with tips on how to save money.

WeddingPlanningOnABudget.com

Also, its YOUR wedding so you can leave out whatever traditions you dont want or care about.

I know that staples has a nice do it yourself wedding invatation kit for under 40 bux.

also you can do something like pretty bowls with floating candles for table centerpieces at the reception instead of flowers. Also you can re-use the flowers at the ceremony at the reception. And you can make your own reception favors

Answer 8

Easter Sunday, they'd give you a great discount.

Answer 9

well, your wedding day is a day you'll remember for the rest of your life, if i were u i'd make a loan and make the wedding that i had in mind

Answer 10

Congratulations!  Perhaps you should have your wedding & ceremony in the same place, a hotel where your out-of-town guests can stay overnight.  It can be a smaller hotel.  Try the website www.theknot.com.

Can't think of anywhere off the top of my head, but try going off the beaten path (not L.A., San Francisco, etc.) as it might be less expensive.