Okaaay!
I һаνе tһе following left tο pay fοr fοr tһе wedding tһаt іѕ September 6th.
DJ- 0
Minister-0
Marriage ticket- 0
Marriage party gifts (4 οf tһеm) 0
candy buffet (instead οf favours) 0
groomsmen golfing daylight οf wedding- 0
wedding bands- 0
clothing fοr ουr kids tο wear tο wedding- 5
rehersal dinner night before fοr ассυrаtе family/friends- 0
Hair/makeup- 0
thank уου cards fοr аftеr wedding & shower-
Rest οf tһе catering bill- 0 (parents аrе paying οtһеr 00)
I аm thinking аbουt skipping getting mу hair & makeup done аחԁ doing іt myself. I аm buying basic blank cards frοm a craft store аחԁ stamping mу οwח thank уου cards. Wе һаνе a contract wіtһ tһе DJ otherwise wе wουƖԁ јυѕt υѕе a laptop fοr music… bυt wе саח′t now.
Wе′re חοt handing out favours, bυt having a candy buffet. Buying candy іח bulk, putting іt іח bowls аחԁ stamping white paper bags wіtһ ουr wedding colours аחԁ top.
һοw саח I сυt down οח marriage party gift costs? I paid fοr tһеіr dresses. I аm really trying tο keep tһеіr gifts аt around 0, חοt tһе budgeted 0… wаѕ thinking аbουt framing a nice picture οf mе wіtһ each οf tһе girls аחԁ giving tһеm аѕ gifts, along wіtһ a mini spa kit (bath bombs, lotions, scrubs, etc).
I јυѕt bουɡһt tһе dress fοr mу daughter οח clearance fοr - now mу son needs khakis, a white golf shirt, аחԁ both kids need shoes.
Wаѕ thinking аbουt һοw tο spend less οח tһе rings- a brushed white gold/titanium/silver band fοr hubby, аחԁ a white gold band fοr myself. Wһеrе іѕ tһе cheapest wе саח ɡеt tһеm? Online іѕ fine, аѕ long аѕ tһеу wіƖƖ arrive οח time.
I аƖѕο need tο bυу tһе following–
tea illumination
spool οf raffia
white paper bags
placecards & bulletin board fοr рƖасе cards
mini plant pots wіtһ grass іח tһеm
tulle
green аחԁ chocolate brown ribbon
ѕοmе fаkе green button mums οr a touch similar
a һυɡе wreath form tο mаkе a wreath wіtһ tһе flowers
аחу ways i саח сυt down tһеѕе costs even more? I οחƖу һаνе Ɩіkе 00 TOPS fοr tһе rest οf tһіѕ! Aחԁ wһаt іѕ tһе ettiquette οח tipping tһе caterer/minister/dj?
Thanks!
Tags: bath bombs, blank cards, bridal party gifts, brown ribbon, craft store, dinner night, gold band, green button, kids need, marriage license, mini spa, paper bags, place cards, plant pots, rehersal dinner, silver band, tea lights, titanium silver, wedding colours, white gold
You already bought the marriage party their dresses, so don’t go overboard–go and buy them a touch simple and inexpensive like that mani/pedi kit.
I personally wouldn’t skimp on hair and make-up. This is a day to indulge yourself with a touch like that and it’ll look fantastic.
See if you can cut the rehearsal dinner bill. Do a touch really simple and relaxed–dinner/bbq at your house or pizza. I have a friend who went bowling instead.
Check out dollar stores and on-line for the rest of the stuff you need–you can get a deal…ebay is fantastic for wedding stuff.
For my marriage party gifts I am going to Walmart, Bath and Body Works, and the dollar store and I’m going to fill up a bag for each of them in things that are their favorite scents! I’m buying the dresses, shoes, hair, makeup, manis, pedis, and jewelry for my bridesmaids. All of the groomsmen will get an FYE $25 giftcard. And that’s about all we have money for.
Cut down on the rehearsal dinner. Have a touch like a pizza party or sandwich trays and save there.
Cut down on marriage gifts! No need if you’ve already bought their dresses. Get them a touch small. No need to go overboard.
Do the groomsmen really need to go golfing the daylight of? I wouldn’t want my groomsmen striking the 19th hole without intake (because you know the guys never eat and then drink whilst golfing)
Check ebay or resale for your sons clothes. Many times boys dress wear is in pristine shape up because it is worn so infrequently. I reckon you can save there.
Get your hair and makeup done! This is your day…quit sacrificing yourself for the sake of others.
If it comes down to it I would skip the candy buffet.
You can cut down the rehearsal dinner by doing just an out door pick nick at a pretty park and getting a bunck of trayed food like fruit, deli meat ect.. from your local grocery store and borrowing some table to place them on maybe from youre church or a touch. Decorate then with maybe pictures of you and fiance alone with a pretty table cloth. Depending on the number of guest this could cut like 100 bucks.
I budgetted about 20.00/per bridesmaid for the gifts. I got them pearl necklaces from an Ancient World Jewelry dealer. They were freshwater pearls and I got a fantastic deal on them.
I shopped the clearance rack at the Gap for my sons pants and found a white shirt at Target. Look for shoes at a TJMaxx or a Target or a touch.
Check Bluenile.com for rings. Or even Sams Club since you just want white gold bands.
I would also go to the Flowerfactory for the rest of the stuff fo rthe actual wedding. Or look at Leisure activity Lobby when stuff goes on sale. They have coupons in the sunday paper. You can get white bags at the grocery store like lunch sacks. Tulle you can buy a bolt of it at the fabric store for less than 10.00.
if you get a ring from Sams Club you could buy candy there as well. Get M&Ms and Licorice and Skittles or a touch….
You could do a Pot Luck type deal for the rehearsal. Or you could make the food yourself? Or even order pizza.
Here are my suggestions:
1. We gave our minister $50, that should be enough especially if you do feed him at the reception also.
2. You bought the bridesmaid’s dresses - that’s enough of a gift for them - most bride’s don’t buy the dresses.
3. Our wedding bands really came from Walmart - we bought both bands for under $100 and ten years later our bands still look fantastic. And we do wear them constantly so they have had a lot of wear & tear.
4. Try Payless Shoe Source for the kids shoes, they have buy 1 get 1 quite often and are very cheap on thier dressy occasion shoes.
5. Try Michael’s for the rest of your decorating things; they have fantastic sales and excellent coupons in the paper on most Sundays.
Excellent luck!
* Shop your local Dollar Store.
* You don't need the candy buffet & favors are a waste.
* You bought the maids dresses? No need for any other gift. Write them a thank you note.
* Find cheaper kid's clothing. They'll grow out of them by next month.
* You have your officiant in place? Are you having a rehearsal? If your officiant doesn't have to conduct the rehearsal she/he might charge a cheaper price. I do.
* Why do you need to assign seating? Use cards for your reserved seating for special guests, parents, etc. Let everyone else find their own place to sit.
* Call a local beauty school to see if one of their better students want to do your hair & makeup. Or Sally's Beauty Supply; they hire retired salon people or people currently in school.
* Kohl's has some nice wedding bands. If you buy them on-line they come with in few days.
Cut out the candy buffet, you don’t need favors
Get your hair done, but do your own makeup. Have the bridesmaids pay for their own hair and makeup.
For your marriage party gifts: Get them the picture and some earings to wear at the wedding. you don’t need to spend alot because you bought their dresses
You should be able to get all the things on you list at a local craft store (michaels, leisure activity lobby, joann fabrics).
Try ebay for your rings. My fiance got a Tungston Carbide ring for 25 dollars!!!
Maybe skip the golf?? Find a less expensive course???
Every place is specific, but in my experience most ministers do not charge a fee for a wedding ceremony. Rather, you give him/her a card expressing your gratitude with maybe $50-$100 inside. It is your money and your wedding, but personally I would not spend your money on paying for groomsmen to go golfing. Be glad the DJ is only $200, that is cheap! I looked into one just for a few hours for a birthday party and the cheapest I was quoted was like $400. You could certainly cut out the candy buffet, it is unnecessary just as favors are also unnecessary. Also, if you paid for your bridesmaids dresses I would not buy them a gift… it is customary for the bridesmaids to buy their own dresses, so you have done enough. I reckon what you have for wedding bands sounds reasonable. That is a touch you should have forever, so I would not skimp on that.
As far as the rest of the stuff you have to buy, there is certainly ways to find that cheap. I wish I could help you buy those things because I know places to go where I live, but Walmart I would suggest. They usually have a nice diversity of fake flowers and wreaths that look nice. If you have a party supply store in your area I would urge there, they usually have all kinds of ribbon and other things that you need.
Excellent luck, I know it’s stressful. Sorry I can’t help more! Congrats!
See if you have a local yahoo group called “Freecycle” post a note for the items you need. You would be surprized at the responses. I imagine you know about OrientalTrading.com where you can get bulk stuff cheaply (the mini pots can be gotten there & painted to match decore. They also have a cute craft topiary thought you could have as a focal top piece as well as the wreath). I’m sure that someone can loan you a bulletin board from thier home office (that would be a wasteful buy). Do you have any local .99 cent stores ( I get fantastic picture frames for a buck & paint to match decore if needed… hot glue a few of them (6-8) together in a unique arangement like in the trendy catalogues with a couple of photos of you & that person in a frame or two…a saying or sentiment in a couple more & call it a day at $10.00 each girl) See if the local Sewing store has odd pieces or scrap tulle on sale. Question the place you are getting your bulk candy from to provide the white bags as part of the price or go to your local restaurant supply shop. Since you are stamping your own Thank You cards, just get a standard ream of paper in a heavy card stock (you can get some really nice & fancy paper) cut each 8 1/2 x 11 in half (paper cutter) & you can get 2 cards on one sheet…don’t forget the envelopes…brings your $40.00 budget to about $15 to $20.
There’s a lot left for you to do, but it can certainly be done with less than $2000!
1. hair/makeup – don’t skimp too much on this. You’ll have your pics forever & you want to look your absolute best! Besides, it will be a fantastic time for you to relax & be pampered. Now if you have friend who’s willing to do your hair (and can do a excellent job) question her. Maybe she’ll do it as a wedding gift – for free!
2. BM gifts – what you’re considering (framed picture) is really nice, but instead of the mini spa, just place a nice hand written note along with you. You already bought their dresses & (as your friends) they should know that your budget is tight. If you really wanna do a touch for them, offer to take them out for a girls night (your treat) in about a month or two – after you’ve recovered financially.
3. kids clothes/shoes – I would suggest going to someplace like target, walmart, or tj maxx to get the kids clothes & payless for the shoes. if you’re son is a small boy, it really won’t matter if the outfit you buy is inexpensive cuz he will grow out of it quickly anyway!
4. rings – surprisingly Sam’s Club has decent gold jewelry as does Kohls. Check there to see if you find a touch inexpensive. Save yourself some time & check out their websites. Since Walmart is essentially the same as Sam’s Club, you could check there too.
5. décor items – all your décor items can be bought at micheal’s craft store or on a website like http://www.save-on-crafts.com or http://www.afloral.com
6. placecards – you can go to michael’s and get place cards that can be printed at home on your computer & then just folded. That way, you won’t need a bulletin board for the place cards – just a designated table.
7. rehearsal dinner – this is really required, especially if you don’t have out of town guests. Traditionally the purpose of this dinner was to welcome out of town guests and give one more “thank you” to your marriage party. If you can’t afford, just get rid of it. OR, you can just cut back on your menu or do a potluck meal.
Hope this helps! CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR MARRIAGE!!!
DJ- $200 - question if there is anything he can do to make it a bit cheaper since thins are gettinga bit expensive. Cant hurt to question!
Minister-$200- justice of the peace may be cheaper ($125 in MA)
Marriage party gifts (4 of them) $150- spend $25 each and get each a cute neckalce and a thank you card
clothing for our kids to wear to wedding- $125- post on craiglist for outfits, someone may have a touch they no longer need and you can get for half the price
rehersal dinner night before for accurate family/friends- $250- have a BBQ or picnic at home or your favorite pizza place, nothing fancy
thank you cards for after wedding & shower- $40
Rest of the catering bill- $400 (parents are paying other $3000)- cash bar, no open bar. Choose cheaper apps, skip expensive seafood
I am thinking about skipping getting my hair & makeup done and doing it myself- if you really can and will like it, do that. But dont if you cant halde it, it will be a busy day. Maybe get the ahir done and have a friend do the makeup
how can I cut down on marriage party gift costs? I paid for their dresses. I am really trying to keep their gifts at around $100- you bought the dresses, a small gift and a card would be fine!
I just bought the dress for my daughter on clearance for $19- now my son needs khakis, a white golf shirt, and both kids need shoes- look at kids consignment shops
Spend it on the bands-thats forever!
tea illumination- dollar store or xmas tree shop if you have one (i can ship you them too)
white paper bags-http://www.nashvillewraps.com/ShowSku.ww?Class=035&Type=392
raffia-http://www.nashvillewraps.com/ShowType.ww?Class=038
placecards & bulletin board for place cards– 96 cards for $9.99 and skip the board, just fold and palce on table as they come in
mini plant pots with grass in them-check local nursery for bulk price
green and chocolate brown ribbon-http://www.nashvillewraps.com/ShowSku.ww?Class=008&Type=027
Hi and congratulations!
Ohhh….I just LOVE trying to help brides save money!
The first three: DJ, Minister, Marriage Ticket is going to be what it is…no way to cut down on those.
~ Marriage party gifts (4 of them) $150
Have you thought about getting small make up bags with their initial monogramed on them? These are cheap! I used Google and typed in “bridesmaids initialed makeup bag” and came up with lots:
http://www.gunthergifts.com/shstincobag.html
http://www.kaboodle.com/review.....smetic-bag
http://weddingshop.theknot.com.....?pId=P1261(KnotShop)
Then, if you want, you can give some “spa items,” but really….if you are trying to cut back…then cut back! If you already paid for their dress….then get them a touch small. The price points for the ones I posted are $4.99; $14.95 & $12/$14 and they are really cute! Choose one and go with it.
~ candy buffet (instead of favours) $150
Why don’t you skip this TOTALLY! Really, it’s a nice thought, but no one really cares about favors.
~ groomsmen golfing daylight of wedding- $100 - Is this their gift? If so, then go with it.
~ wedding bands- $300
~ clothing for our kids to wear to wedding- $125
For these two…..Do you have a Walmart near you? Seriously, my daughter and I were looking the other night at wedding bands, etc. (just out of curiosity…we are both married), and we said…”wow, those wedding bands are really nice.”
Same for the kids clothing. You should be able to find some khaki pants for your son and a white shirt very cheap.
~ rehersal dinner night before for accurate family/friends- $250
This may be hard to cut down on except you have a BBQ at your place.
~ Hair/makeup- $100 - DON’T skimp on this….really! Really forget the favors instead and indulge yourself with this luxury.
~ thank you cards for after wedding & shower- $40 - Again….WALMART! You can get a box of about 25 for about $3. Or…better yet….a dollar store! DON’T spend lots of money on thank you notes.
Rest of the catering bill- $400 (parents are paying other $3000)
No way to cut back. What is ordered is ordered.
~ Tealight, Raffia, Placecards can all be bought at Walmart, KMart, or a dollar store!!
~ Mini plants….look at a Lowe’s or any home focal top store.
~ Tulle; Green and Chocolate Brown Ribbon; fake button mums and a wreath form can all be bought at Walmart, Michaels, Leisure activity Lobby.
Hope this helps! Excellent luck!