Close to half your budget the reception is where most of your time, money, and energy will be spent. While a elegant formal dinner on fancy
china is ideal it will run your budget up an extra $2,000 or more.
Place Settings
For place settings I suggest disposable. They are cheap and easy to clean up. The average cost of having someone clean up after your
reception is $25 an hour and lets face it how much energy are you going to have to devote to this task. But a simple solution is disposable. If
you get a plastic table covering and have disposable plates, cups, and silverware then all one has to do to clean up is remove the centerpieces
fold the corners of your disposable table cloth in at each end and have some one hold open a large trash bag. An entire tables mess is
completely removed in less then 10 minutes. This saves hours on washing the serving wear and hours on clean up as well. There are many
retail sites that offer excellent prices on disposable in larger quantities as well. Always order extra napkins, cups, plates, silverware, and
cups. The standard is twice as much as you need and remember you can always use the extras later.
Unless your planning on throwing lots of parties do not buy a punch fountain. This item while attractive is a complete waste of money. Most
party rental stores/sites offer the option of renting one or check your local craigslist and put up a wanted ad chances are there is one out
there you can barrow for little or no cost. Please note when you check on rentals that a brand new one from Oriental Trading company is
only $50 with shipping so if the rental fees are higher than $25 it is NOT a good deal!
Decorations-(be sure to check with your site on rules first!)
Decorating your reception site can become very costly if you do not keep a couple of things in mind. First keep your budget close at hand
and before you buy double check it. Using an outdoor site such as a garden or park that is beautiful on its own requires little decorating.
Fresh flowers are always an elegant choice but can be incredibly expensive. There are several tips to cut back on the costs. First only use
flowers that are in season. Use fresh flowers sparingly in your reception decor reserve for key locations and use candles, photos, fresh fruit,
or candy displayed in elegant containers for centerpieces. Let your guests know they are free to take them home. Check sites such as
Proflowers that sell fresh blooms in bulk that you can arrange yourself; they will usually be cheaper then your local florist.
Looking for lighting accents? Check into discount clear light sets after Christmas, tube lights, or these elegant lanterns from Oriental Trading
Company. Choose white or black and you can use your lighting for other events later down the road.
If using crepe paper and balloons check your local thrift store first and then sites that sell bulk party supplies.
Cakes Servers & Toasting Flutes
A long standing wedding tradition a simple serving set can cost $50 or more not including the glasses. If this tradition is not a big deal to you
as a couple ask a friend or relative if you can barrow a set. If it is important to have these keepsakes then shop around before you buy.
Even same designs can vary from retailer to retailer by $10 or more. When ordering check to see if personalization is free or an extra
charge. Simple designs tend to be more affordable.
Sites For Plastic & Paper Plates, Cups, Table Cloths, Napkins and more...
www.partypro.com Excellent for larger quantity orders.
www.dollartreedirect.com You can try checking your local dollar tree as well.
www.ebay.com
www.orientaltrading.com
china is ideal it will run your budget up an extra $2,000 or more.
Place Settings
For place settings I suggest disposable. They are cheap and easy to clean up. The average cost of having someone clean up after your
reception is $25 an hour and lets face it how much energy are you going to have to devote to this task. But a simple solution is disposable. If
you get a plastic table covering and have disposable plates, cups, and silverware then all one has to do to clean up is remove the centerpieces
fold the corners of your disposable table cloth in at each end and have some one hold open a large trash bag. An entire tables mess is
completely removed in less then 10 minutes. This saves hours on washing the serving wear and hours on clean up as well. There are many
retail sites that offer excellent prices on disposable in larger quantities as well. Always order extra napkins, cups, plates, silverware, and
cups. The standard is twice as much as you need and remember you can always use the extras later.
Unless your planning on throwing lots of parties do not buy a punch fountain. This item while attractive is a complete waste of money. Most
party rental stores/sites offer the option of renting one or check your local craigslist and put up a wanted ad chances are there is one out
there you can barrow for little or no cost. Please note when you check on rentals that a brand new one from Oriental Trading company is
only $50 with shipping so if the rental fees are higher than $25 it is NOT a good deal!
Decorations-(be sure to check with your site on rules first!)
Decorating your reception site can become very costly if you do not keep a couple of things in mind. First keep your budget close at hand
and before you buy double check it. Using an outdoor site such as a garden or park that is beautiful on its own requires little decorating.
Fresh flowers are always an elegant choice but can be incredibly expensive. There are several tips to cut back on the costs. First only use
flowers that are in season. Use fresh flowers sparingly in your reception decor reserve for key locations and use candles, photos, fresh fruit,
or candy displayed in elegant containers for centerpieces. Let your guests know they are free to take them home. Check sites such as
Proflowers that sell fresh blooms in bulk that you can arrange yourself; they will usually be cheaper then your local florist.
Looking for lighting accents? Check into discount clear light sets after Christmas, tube lights, or these elegant lanterns from Oriental Trading
Company. Choose white or black and you can use your lighting for other events later down the road.
If using crepe paper and balloons check your local thrift store first and then sites that sell bulk party supplies.
Cakes Servers & Toasting Flutes
A long standing wedding tradition a simple serving set can cost $50 or more not including the glasses. If this tradition is not a big deal to you
as a couple ask a friend or relative if you can barrow a set. If it is important to have these keepsakes then shop around before you buy.
Even same designs can vary from retailer to retailer by $10 or more. When ordering check to see if personalization is free or an extra
charge. Simple designs tend to be more affordable.
Sites For Plastic & Paper Plates, Cups, Table Cloths, Napkins and more...
www.partypro.com Excellent for larger quantity orders.
www.dollartreedirect.com You can try checking your local dollar tree as well.
www.ebay.com
www.orientaltrading.com
| T.W.T. Custom Bridal |
| Budgeting |
| STANDARD WEDDING BUDGET BREAKDOWN RECEPTION 47% PHOTOGRAPHY 11% DRESS & ACCESSORIES 7% WEDDING BANDS 7.9% FLOWERS 5.9% MUSIC 5.5% TRANSPORTATION 3.6% ATTENDANT GIFTS 3.1% INVITES & PAPER PRODUCTS 3% HAIR & MAKE UP 2.1% OFFICIANT 1.8% FAVORS 1.5% GROOMS ATTIRE (RENTAL) .6% |
The stationary costs for your wedding include: Invitations, RSVP cards, Envelopes, save the date cards, Programs, and any other printed material you may choose to include. All couples have Invitations, RSVP cards, and envelopes. Buying preprinted ones can cost hundreds and the longer the guest list the higher the cost. A more affordable way to go is to buy print at home invitations. And as always shop around for the best deal. Choose a simple design and it will cost less than an elaborate or layered invitation. If you desire an elaborate design, keep the cost down by choosing inexpensive paper. Order early as rush orders and overnight shipping can cost 50% more. Order the right quantity of invitations up front, as printing additional invitations is pricey. Include reception information and ceremony/reception information on the same invitation. Create your own invitations using a wedding invitation kit and your computer. Computer printed invitations made on high-quality paper and decorated with rubber-stamps, wax seals and ribbon are often indistinguishable from professionally printed invites. |
| When couples pay for the wedding themselves and a special account set up by the parents is a thing of the past how is one to afford an elegant wedding on a very modest budget? My idea of a small budget is $2500 and below. But at such a meager budget can one still afford to have an amazing wedding? This is a question I have decided to try and answer. Over the next few months I'm going to plan a wedding and reception on a $2,500 budget to see if it is possible in our inflated economy. For now I will just list tips and tricks I am already aware of and will add new information frequently. I highly recommend The Wedding Channel's Free Budgeting software. 17% Of couples have parents that pay for the wedding. 59% Of couples split the costs with parents. 47% Of Couples pay for the entire wedding themselves. |
| Coupon Codes |
| Reception Tips |
| Stationary Links |
Want to save even more? Sign up with Ebates.com a free online program that earns you cash back on
items you were going to buy anyway. The best part they keep all recent promotions and you can now
earn cash back on Ebay as well. This program is absolutely free to join and you get $5 just for signing
up.
items you were going to buy anyway. The best part they keep all recent promotions and you can now
earn cash back on Ebay as well. This program is absolutely free to join and you get $5 just for signing
up.
Now an Ebates member earn 3% cash back on every purchase.
Great selection of party ware, favors, and decorations. Ebates Member. 3% Cash
Back.
Great selection of party ware, favors, and decorations. Ebates Member. 3% Cash
Back.
INVITATIONS & RESPONSE DIY
50 foil enhanced 5.5" x 7.75" invitations
• 50 silver foil lined envelopes
• 50 foil enhanced fold-over response cards, 4.875" x 3.35"
• 50 response card envelopes
• Compatible with most ink jet and laser printers
Price Compare
Staples: Price: $32.99
Ann's Bridal Bargains: Price: $30.00
Oriental Trading Company Price: $24.99
(small difference in appearance)
| Dare To Compare |
PLACE CARDS DIY
65 lb. Cover stock
Six pearl foil border place cards per 8-1/2" x 11" sheet
White
Micro perforated for easy separation and scored for easy
folding
Compatible with most ink jet and laser printers
10 sheets/60 cards
Each place card is 3.5 " x 4.25"
65 lb. Cover stock
Six pearl foil border place cards per 8-1/2" x 11" sheet
White
Micro perforated for easy separation and scored for easy
folding
Compatible with most ink jet and laser printers
10 sheets/60 cards
Each place card is 3.5 " x 4.25"
Price Compare
Staples: Price: $6.99/60
Exclusively Weddings Price: $13.95/50
The American Wedding Price: $32.95/100
Staples: Price: $6.99/60
Exclusively Weddings Price: $13.95/50
The American Wedding Price: $32.95/100
SAVE THE DATE MAGNETS
Pre-Printed @ Oriental Trading
Personalized Wedding Bells “Save The Date” Magnets
$9.99 Per Dozen
OR
D.I.Y.
With Business Card Magnets that you print at home.
Staples Price $12.49 for 50/Pack
Personalized Wedding Bells “Save The Date” Magnets
$9.99 Per Dozen
OR
D.I.Y.
With Business Card Magnets that you print at home.
Staples Price $12.49 for 50/Pack
STAPLES 4% Cash Back through
Ebates
ORIENTAL TRADING 3% Cash
Back through Ebates
Ebates
ORIENTAL TRADING 3% Cash
Back through Ebates
Which serving set would you think would be more expensive? The
simple one right? Nope its the nicer set from OTC. The simple design
on the left retails for $36 plus another $8 for personalization. The one
on the right retails for $17.99 and personalization is free.
simple one right? Nope its the nicer set from OTC. The simple design
on the left retails for $36 plus another $8 for personalization. The one
on the right retails for $17.99 and personalization is free.
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| STATIONARY |
Please note when booking your ceremony and reception sites make sure the location does not charge extra for coming in the day before
to decorate!
to decorate!
Make your life simpler go to Miss Now Mrs for a complete name change kit.