What is a realistic baseline budget for a small wedding? for Questionland Seattle

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What is a realistic baseline budget for a small wedding?

I'm planning a wedding for september 2012 and am trying to wrap my head around the cost(s) associated with such an event. We want to keep it small and simple. Around 50ppl. We have a venue in mind that'll cost between $800-1100. Everything else is flexible.

whitneyft asked in Personal Finance 10 months ago | Report

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I'd gird me loins and be ready to spend another $2k. Lots o' variables, of course. Booze and food cost a lot of $ and the folks at my wedding were largely fat drunks.

Tom answered in Personal Finance 10 months ago | Report

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We had ours on a Friday (which made the venue relatively cheap) at a children's science museum (which made it super-fun for kids and adults alike).
Connect with your friends! We hired a budding caterer friend to do the "light refreshments" (no sit-down dinner) and she knocked it out of the park. DJs (no dancing, just background music) were also inexpensive friends. We rented our own tables and chairs, I drove the equipment van to the venue myself, and had family and friends help set it all up. This all took some time to get together but not exorbitant fees. Our officiant was a close friend, a ULC minister (seriously, why wouldn't you go this route? He knew us better than anyone) . We hosted beer and wine but the reception ended quickly and everyone was invited to a local bar where they could buy their own drinks. Not surprisingly, parents opted out of the after-hours.
We had about 150 people and spent around 4 grand total (including invitations and such as well as hotel rooms for the officiant and photographer, who worked for free.)
I guess my point is, use your connections. People love being a part of something like this and I'm sure you know some talented (and reliable) people.
Get your best mutual friend to ordain his/her self as a ULC minister: http://www.ulc.org/

SM answered in Personal Finance 9 months ago | Report

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My partner and I spent about $3,000 total for everything. We never purchased anything at wedding shops but went to craft stores for candles, etc instead. Just remember not to get caught up in the small things that won't matter the day after. This will help keep costs down considerably. And when you go to the venue, do not tell them it is for a wedding. They will automatically add around 20% to the bill. We always told places we were holding a function and if they asked for more details, we just said it was a family event. Hope that helps.

myjourney answered in Personal Finance 10 months ago | Report

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Flowers can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding - though, of course, there are lots of other decorating options. Since you will have time before next fall, and if you do decide to have flowers, why don't you consider growing some yourself?

sahara29 answered in Personal Finance 9 months ago | Report

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3,000 is about what we spent too. It really is all the last minute details and getting caught in traditons and other people's expectations that will get you. If you keep remembering that this wedding is for you and not the 50 people you invited you'll have a better chance at sticking to your goal.

Ley answered in Personal Finance 10 months ago | Report

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What do you consider necessary for a wedding? People can bring food, booze, and you can have plenty of location options for free. You can always have a super fancy wedding on your next go around.

Karen answered in Personal Finance 10 months ago | Report

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