This is the million dollar question – how do I get my D.R.E.A.M. Wedding when I have a limited budget?
Let’s begin by looking at my definition of a dream wedding. There is a major difference between having the wedding of your dreams (read fantasy) and your D.R.E.A.M. Wedding which is much more about checking off those MUST HAVE boxes that will define your own unique wedding day (your vision) – one that you will remember with joy for a lifetime!
Here goes – a D.R.E.A.M. Wedding is one where you are:
- Daring – as in Dare to Be Different!
- Realistic – genuine, authentic, original and true to your “vision”
- Entertaining – create several opportunities for your guests to interact and have fun
- Affordable and Artistic – within your budget parameters yet imaginative and creative
- Meaningful – make choices that focus on the meaning of the day as defined by your “vision”
I’m going to take my imaginary couple who have created their vision as defined by their Top 10 List, which includes in order, the following:
- Budget management ($10,000 budget)
- Extended family and friends including kids (200 people)
- Meaningful, heartfelt ceremony
- Don’t want a stuffy wedding day
- Music and/or entertainment
- Cute décor
- Photography
- Wedding party of 10
- Good food
- Hosted bar
Their D.R.E.A.M. Day might look something like this:
Guests are invited by DIY invites that require an online RSVP through a website set up for the occasion. The website includes a PDF file of the map for guests to download
On the wedding day, the couple gets ready at their respective family homes and then
The couple arranges a first look (11am) to avoid any emotional breakdowns at the actual ceremony
They have asked their photographer (who they found through a local photographic school) to photograph the first look by taking shots as outlined by the couple on their photo shot list during their final meeting – for the price of $1000 (and a chance for the photographer to build their portfolio)
The wedding party joins the couple after 30 minutes for group photos (see shot list) at a pre-determined location and carries hand-made bouquets or buttonholes.
The wedding party then travels to the ceremony site at a beautiful community centre (12:30pm) in their own cars where the men will greet the guests and the girls will touch up their hair and makeup
The early afternoon ceremony (1 pm) includes ALL of their extended family and friends on their wedding list which is then
Presided over (officiated) by a close friend who has become ordained specifically for your wedding day and who is comfortable in front of people ($0)
Using wording that has been agreed upon before the wedding
With personalized vows said by the couple.
The ceremony is recorded by two friends on their iPhones and/or video cameras and live streamed to friends who couldn’t make it ($0)
And photos are taken by the photographer (see above)
The ceremony which lasted for 30 minutes is immediately followed by an old fashioned informal picnic with games and activities for all ages on the grounds of the ceremony site (with indoor space available in case of bad weather)
A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic punches are served along with juice and water in drink dispensers and rented glassware is set up for self-service on a lovely table
Cute DIY drink signage or labels identifies the choices available
A beer and cooler station is overseen by a bartender and includes décor that is eye-catching and fitting for a picnic setting ($8 per person)
Games made by family members or purchased online at discounted prices are set up around the outdoor space
That includes something for everyone of any age
Image 1 | Image 2 | Image 3 | Image 4
Food includes pre-done picnic boxes (with a selection of sandwiches, chips, fruit and homemade cookies and candy) finished off with a great selection of fresh sandwiches from your local deli – put together by friends (while you are doing your first look and photo shoot) – $12.50 per box
The main picnic boxes having been done except for the sandwiches in advance (chips, cookies, candy, fruit, etc)
Music plays courtesy of an iPod and sound system rented from your local music shop and is overseen by a friend hired for the occasion ($100) using a playlist you compiled over the past number of months. A microphone is hooked into the amp for planned and informal speeches and the thank you by the couple signifying the end of the event (5:30 pm).
A mix of seating options are available that range from tables and chairs (from venue) to picnic tables rented for the occasion. Each of these tables is covered with either rented table cloths or sheets from a local thrift store that work with your décor.
Favors including packaged popcorn, oreo pops, rice krispie sticks and cotton candy are available for your guests to take on the way out – presided over by couple or attendant ($1.50 per guest)
The cutting of the DIY cake takes place and is then cut up for service to guests …
The couple departs the reception at 5:30 pm in their rented car ($100) (can you say confetti?) and heads to the hotel where they are spending their first night as a married couple
Their closest family and friends who have received a special invitation, will join the couple at the hotel bar for additional ‘together’ time after they have tidied up the reception site on behalf of the couple
Inexpensive appetizers have been arranged by the couple but the drinks are on the guests!
What can you come up with that fits your vision?
I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Lori x
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Of course 🙂 we have had to compromise on guests due to the size of our ceremony venue, and the size of the top floor of the reception venue where we will be hosting our meal (the bottom floor will be opened up for dancing in the evening). Here’s where it gets complicated 😉 44 guests for the ceremony (including the 10 in the wedding party), 21 extra guests to join us outside the ceremony building for photos and drinks. Moving onto to our sit down meal with the full 65 guests, and then building up to 200 guests for the evening with an evening buffet, dessert table and Dj. Aww yes the dollar conversion makes sense :), I’m really enjoying receiving your emails by the way do thank you!
Hello 🙂 the imaginary day looks pretty, but I think it could be done for a lot less than £10.000. I like that wedding blogs give engaged couples a realistic feel for budgets, but sometimes I think they restrict it too much. A small budget doesn’t always mean that you can’t hire full professionals. Our wedding is costing just under £6000 and we are staying in an amazing hotel, have hired a wedding stylist, have hired a gorgeous car, have full catering in a two floor venue that is fully ours for the day, a professional photographer, a professional DJ, and our actual ceremony is being held in an the beautiful Royal Pavilion in Brighton. Not everyone could have a wedding for our budget but it is possible and I think that should be made more readily known 😀 x
Hi Gemma,
Thanks for the comments. The imaginary day is actually based on a $10,000 budget – not pounds. The conversion factor is almost the same but your budget is slightly less than the $10,000 I was using. Can I ask how many guests you are having at your wedding?
Cheers,
Lori