Small wedding... what can we expect to spend?

I've never gotten married before, so I'm totally at a loss! About how much should I budget for a small wedding?





I see all these wedding shows and women spending ridiculous amounts of money. We're not rich, so I'm cutting costs wherever I can, but I still don't know how much it will be, not even a good estimate! HELP!





I realize that it can vary, so here's some details:


- around 50 guests


- 5 bridesmaids, maybe the same # of groomsmen


- wedding %26amp; reception at the same place (a B%26amp;B with a pretty garden and seating for everyone)


- local catering - very causal


- decorations by me


- flowers very simple in white and green


- a friend (professional baker) making the cakes for me at cost


- The Dress: I want it to be casual but still pretty of course. I might be able to get something made if I find a pattern I love.





OK that's all I can think of... Any estimates or stories of your own small wedding are greatly appreciated, thanks!

Small wedding... what can we expect to spend?
I just had a friend spend $2000 total and that included 150 guests.


*Make your favors or by very inexpensive ones - most people throw theirs away at some point - sad but true


*Bridesmaid/groomsmen gifts dont need to cost too much - consider a spa day for the girls or little bath kits and maybe get the guys each a bottle of champagne, jack daniels, or vodka


*Catering is what might get ya depending on the food you are serving. If you have already hired them thats fine, if not could you make a type of pasta with meatballs, salad, bread and do a buffet line.


*Decorations by you should cost under $50


*Often you can find somebody who is into making floral arrangements that is in your family or a friend. Pay them *50 and get your flowers from a grocery store(if you talk to the manager they will order them) much cheaper than florist. My friend had Red and White Roses, carnations, baby breath and only spent $100


*Your cake is at cost so that is good


*You can have your dress made or check out any bridal store for low price dresses - often you can find a great dress for under $200 - they always have no name brands that are very similar to designer brands


*Photographer - once again you probably know somebody who loves doing pictures - get them a memory card for their digital camera and have them take a ton of pics for you. You can print the ones you want at walmart and put the rest on a CD so if you ever want them you can print them.
Reply:we recently did a small wedding but didn't have that number of bridesmaids, we just had the one, my best friend!! We spent around $4000 (£2000) and it was beautiful, the majority of the budget was spent on food and drink, we wanted to host a great party with really good food for our guests, that was our main aim, for the guests to enjoy it and for it to be relaxed and informal.
Reply:From my personal experience %26amp; what I have read on here, the largest expense tends to be the caterer %26amp; photographer.





I live in Columbus, OH ~ our caterer is about $12/person, and he was one of the cheapest. Most were $20-$40/person.





Our photographer is around $2,500. We definately could have gotten cheaper ~ but I *really* don't want to cut corners in this area. I have heard of many people hiring a photographer for under $1,000. and loving their photos ~ we didn't want to take any chances, though. We got someone who is very experienced ~ we also love her work %26amp; feel very comfortable with her.





The prices for wedding stuff is so variable ~ the more DIY you are able to do, the more you will save. Best of luck to you, and congrats =)
Reply:There are way too many variables involved to give an amount that would be anywhere close to accurate. There are lots of ways to save money though. Catering is one of the most expensive things and you might think about having a buffet instead of a sit down meal. That saves a lot and works well. I went to a wedding similar to what you are talking about and they set up a buffet of many different types of appetizers. The brides aunts set it up for her and it was great.





Ask friends about photographers they might know about. That is going to be another big expense. You might be surprised what you can find. There are some hobbyist photographers that do a great job. My daughter found one and couldn't have been happier.
Reply:I honestly think that you can do this for about $1000 if you are creative
Reply:I recently had a wedding with about 150 guests. The most expensive thing we had to spend money on were the flower arrangements. They costed $3000 which included the bride's bouquet...bridesmaids bouquets...and flower arrangements down the aisle. I think you're going to be spending the most money on flowers...they're expensive everywhere! Have fun planning your wedding and congrats!
Reply:We are spending approx. 4000.00





48 guests


1 MOH %26amp; 1 Bestman


Wedding %26amp; Reception at same place $18.00/plate


decorations %26amp; flowers by me


Cupcake tower with 7" top layer cake for 1st anniversary


Cake topper $160.00 (big splurge but it was my V-day gift from fiance so not really in the budget)


Dress (simple from Davids Bridal)


Photographer


DJ


Rings (not included)


Honeymoon (not included)





The most expensive things were the dinner (3 choices/ sit down w/champagne toast)
Reply:NOT including my dress we spent $5000 for the same amount of guests but only had 3 bridesmaids and 3 groomsmen. Our venue was a boyscout camp (the cheapest thing). The most expensive thing for us was the photographer, even though he was a friend of my SiL. But this also covered our wedding rings and the 2 night stay at Great Wolf Lodge since we couldn't have honeymoon due to the military. We were also able to go away the week before hand.
Reply:i believe the best estimate i could give is that between 5-7 thousand thats including everything along with tips .the most expesive thing is the catering that ur having...its gonna be at least 30 bucks per person, (if u can find cheaper and the food is good GO 4 IT) plus the grutuity that u will have to pay. which is 8-20 percent depending on the state ur in and the actual place ur having cater. u can also do ur invites ur self


`good luck
Reply:About $5000 - thats at $100 per head. Hope everything goes really well for you. Good luck.
Reply:It will really all depend on the style you choose, the tuxes start around $100 each, the dresses will be more, because you will also have shoes and fittings. The time of year makes a great deal of difference too. But we did my daughters wedding 5 years ago for 150 with a dinner and dance reception for $5,000 or a little more. But she did a lot of bartering. I made her invitations and her wedding veil. A friend made her cake, and we purchased the wedding food at Sam's Club and the staff at the club she worked put it all together for us and served for minimal. My nieces wedding cost about $4, 000 at a B%26amp;B about 2 years ago. Call in some favors, do some bartering and watch for good deals...you can have a beautiful wedding and not cost a fortune, just be creative.