A Dream Wedding On A Budget: $8K For 150 Guests

Planning a wedding can be a costly affair, and it's natural to want to stick to a budget. While it may be challenging to organise a wedding for 150 guests for under $8000, it is not impossible. Here are some tips to help you achieve your dream wedding without breaking the bank:

- Choose a non-traditional venue: Opt for parks, community centres, museums, or even a friend's backyard instead of a typical wedding venue. This can significantly reduce costs.

- Catering: Consider a restaurant buyout, food trucks, BBQ, or a potluck instead of traditional wedding catering. You could also explore drop catering or buffet-style catering, which tends to be more affordable.

- DIY: Making things yourself or enlisting the help of talented friends and family can save money. This could include doing your own hair and makeup, creating your own decorations, or having a friend bake the cake.

- Prioritise: Decide what is most important to you and your partner. If having all 150 guests is a priority, you may need to allocate more of your budget to the venue and catering. If you prefer to splurge on other aspects, consider reducing the guest list.

- Off-peak dates: Opting for a weekday wedding or choosing an off-season month can result in significant savings.

- Photography and entertainment: Hiring a professional photographer and a DJ or band can be expensive. Consider enlisting the help of a talented amateur or using a playlist instead of a DJ.

- Dress: Instead of a typical bridal gown, look for white bridesmaid dresses or shop at department stores for a more affordable option.

- Flowers: Fresh flowers can be expensive. Consider using fake flowers, buying flowers from a grocery store, or even skipping flowers altogether.

- Invitations and stationery: Electronic save-the-dates and invitations can help reduce costs. Alternatively, look for simple suites that include your wedding website URL, as these tend to be lighter and require fewer stamps.

Venue and catering

The venue and catering are likely to be the biggest expenses in your wedding budget, so it's important to be mindful of costs when planning your special day. Here are some tips and ideas to help you stay within your budget of $8000 for a wedding with 150 guests:

• Consider non-traditional venues: Think beyond typical wedding venues to find more affordable options. Public spaces like parks, community centres, museums, or even summer camps can offer unique and cost-effective locations for your ceremony and reception. Some venues may also offer all-inclusive packages, bundling catering, decorations, and other services, which can save you money.
• Host the ceremony and reception at the same place: Choosing a single venue for both events can result in significant savings by eliminating the need for transportation and additional rental costs.
• Opt for a restaurant reception: Restaurants often have private dining rooms or banquet spaces available for events. By hosting your reception at a restaurant, you can save on rental costs since tables, chairs, linens, and other basics are usually included. Additionally, you can negotiate a food and beverage package deal, which can be more affordable than separate catering and bar services.
• Choose an off-peak day and time: Venues often charge higher rates for weddings on Saturdays, so consider hosting your wedding on a weekday or Sunday. You may also save money by choosing an off-peak time, such as a morning or afternoon reception, rather than an evening event.
• Limit your guest list: While you may want to invite everyone you know, a smaller guest list can significantly reduce costs. Consider limiting plus-ones to only those who are in serious relationships, or set a specific family cutoff, such as first cousins, to keep the numbers manageable.
• DIY and bargain hunting: If you're crafty, consider making your own decorations, centrepieces, and even your wedding cake. Look for second-hand items on sites like Facebook Marketplace or buy-and-sell groups. You can also save money by doing your own hair and makeup or asking talented friends to help with photography, music, or other services.
• Buffet-style or alternative catering: Instead of a sit-down dinner, opt for a buffet-style meal, which is often more affordable. You could also explore alternative catering options, such as food trucks, BBQ, or a cake and punch reception. These options can provide a unique and cost-effective dining experience for your guests.
• Shop around for catering: Get quotes from multiple caterers and compare prices. Be transparent about your budget constraints, and don't be afraid to negotiate or ask for custom packages that fit your needs.
• Prioritize your must-haves: Decide what aspects of the venue and catering are most important to you. For example, if you prioritise food quality, you may need to compromise on the venue's location or choose a less expensive bar package.
• Seek out package deals: Look for venues that include catering, bar services, basic rentals, and service in one package. This can often be more cost-effective than sourcing each element separately.
• Keep the menu simple: Elaborate dishes and exotic ingredients can quickly increase catering costs. Opt for a simpler menu with crowd-pleasing options that won't break the bank.
• Avoid wedding industry inflation: Be cautious of venues and vendors that specifically target weddings, as they often charge a "wedding tax." Instead, look for venues and vendors that cater to a wider range of events, as they may offer more competitive pricing.

DIY

• Venue: Opt for a non-traditional venue like a public park, community centre, museum, restaurant, or someone's backyard. These spaces often come with basics like tables, chairs, power, and lighting, and can be much cheaper than traditional wedding venues. If you're set on a traditional venue, look for one that includes catering, bar package, basic rentals, and service all in one, as package deals can save you money.
• Catering: Food is usually one of the biggest expenses in a wedding. To save money, consider having a cake and punch reception, afternoon tea, or a brunch wedding. You could also opt for a buffet instead of a plated meal, or choose a restaurant with a private dining room as your venue—this can cut down on rental costs since tables, chairs, plates, and flatware are usually included. If you're set on a traditional caterer, look for one that can do drop catering or offers a budget-friendly option like a taco bar or BBQ.
• Attire: Wedding dresses don't have to be expensive. Look for sample sales, second-hand dresses, or white bridesmaid dresses. You can also save money by buying a dress online or from a department store. For the groom, rental sites like The Black Tux offer fantastic options for as little as $100.
• Flowers and Decor: Flowers can be expensive, so consider DIY-ing your bouquet and centrepieces with flowers from Costco, Sam's Club, or your local grocery store. You can also skip the flowers altogether and opt for simple decor like paper doilies, fairy lights, or wildflowers from a local farm.
• Photography and Videography: Photography and videography can be another big expense. To save money, consider hiring a student or a friend who's a hobbyist photographer. You can also skip the videographer altogether and just use your phone or a camera to capture the day. If you do hire a professional, look for a package that includes an album or create your own online album with the high-res photos.
• Music: Instead of hiring a DJ or band, create your own Spotify playlist or ask a friend to manage the music for you.
• Invitations and Paper Goods: Save money on paper goods by sending electronic save-the-dates and invitations. You can also skip individual escort cards, menus, and ceremony programs in favour of pretty signage that doubles as decor.
• Favours and Gifts: Favours are not necessary, but if you want to give your guests a small token, consider something simple like cookies or a late-night treat.
• Hair and Makeup: Doing your own hair and makeup can save you money, but if you want to splurge, look for a hair and makeup artist who can do both to save on costs.
• Wedding Party: If you have a large wedding party, consider asking them to pay for their own attire or DIY-ing their outfits.
• Timing and Location: Costs can vary significantly depending on the time of year and day of the week you get married. Off-season and weekday weddings are usually cheaper than peak season and weekend weddings. Location also matters—a wedding in a big city like NYC or LA will likely be more expensive than a rural or suburban area.

Remember, your wedding is exactly what you want it to be. You can absolutely have a beautiful and memorable wedding on a budget by being creative, flexible, and willing to do some DIY.

Guest list

The guest list is one of the most important aspects of wedding planning, as it will directly impact the budget and overall experience of the wedding. With a target budget of $8000 for 150 guests, it is essential to be strategic and thoughtful when creating the guest list. Here are some tips and considerations to keep in mind:

• Prioritize close friends and family: Start by making a list of your closest friends and family members who you couldn't imagine celebrating without. These are the people who have been there for you through thick and thin, and their presence will make your wedding day even more special.
• Consider the venue capacity: Before finalising the guest list, ensure that your chosen venue can comfortably accommodate 150 people. It is important to have a confirmed venue in place to determine the maximum number of guests you can invite.
• Be mindful of plus-ones: When creating the guest list, decide whether you will allow single guests to bring a plus-one. If you are working with a tight budget and space constraints, limiting plus-ones to only those in serious relationships or married couples can help manage the numbers.
• Account for no-shows: It is unlikely that all 150 invited guests will be able to attend. A general rule of thumb is to expect about 80-90% attendance, depending on the location of your wedding and the distance guests need to travel.
• Create an "A" and "B" list: Divide your guest list into two categories: the "A" list are the must-have guests, and the "B" list are those you would invite if budget and space allow. This will give you some flexibility when managing RSVPs and potential declines.
• Be consistent with guest categories: Decide on a set of criteria for including guests and apply it consistently across the board. For example, if you invite your cousins, ensure you invite all cousins to avoid any hurt feelings.
• Consider an adults-only wedding: If you are aiming for a more intimate gathering, you may opt for an adults-only wedding, which can help reduce the guest count. This is especially useful if you have a large extended family with many children.
• Communicate with your partner: Wedding planning should be a collaborative process. Discuss your guest list with your partner and ensure you are on the same page. This will help avoid any misunderstandings or last-minute additions that may impact your budget.
• Be mindful of budget constraints: Keep your budget of $8000 in mind when creating the guest list. The cost per head for food, drinks, and other expenses will vary depending on the venue and catering options. Be realistic about what you can afford, and don't be afraid to make adjustments if necessary.
• Don't be afraid to trim the list: If you find that your guest list is exceeding your budget or venue capacity, don't hesitate to make cuts. It's important to remember that your wedding day is about celebrating your love with the people who matter most, and sometimes tough decisions need to be made to stay within your means.
• Send invitations in a timely manner: Once you have finalised your guest list, send out invitations with an RSVP deadline. This will help you get a more accurate headcount and make any necessary adjustments to your budget and venue arrangements.

Creating a guest list for a wedding with 150 guests on a budget of $8000 can be a challenging task, but with careful planning and consideration, it is achievable. Remember to stay organised, flexible, and mindful of your budget throughout the process.

Timing

• Off-Season and Off-Day Weddings: Consider choosing an off-peak season for your wedding, such as winter or early spring. Venues and vendors often offer discounted rates during these periods. Additionally, opt for a weekday wedding or a Sunday brunch reception, as these days are typically cheaper than Saturdays.
• Advance Planning: Start planning your wedding well in advance to take advantage of early-bird discounts and to secure your preferred vendors. This will also give you more time to compare prices and find the best deals.
• Daytime Weddings: Daytime weddings, particularly lunch receptions, tend to be more affordable than evening events. A morning or afternoon ceremony followed by a lunch reception can help reduce costs for catering, venue rental, and even photography.
• Flexibility: Be flexible with your desired date and consider getting married on a non-holiday weekend. Holiday weekends are often in high demand and can be more expensive.
• Sales and Deals: Keep an eye out for sales and deals on wedding services and items. Websites like Groupon sometimes offer discounts on wedding-related services such as photography, invitations, and decor.
• Negotiate and Ask for Custom Packages: Don't be afraid to negotiate with vendors and ask for customized packages that fit your budget. Many vendors are willing to work with you to create a package that suits your needs and budget.

Photography

To stay within your budget of $8,000 for a wedding with 150 guests, you may need to consider hiring a less experienced photographer or one who is just starting to build their portfolio. You could also explore the option of hiring a photography student or someone who does photography as a side hustle. Another idea is to ask your friends and family if they know anyone who could offer their photography services as a wedding gift or at a discounted rate.

When it comes to payment, most photographers offer a two- or three-payment system. In a two-payment system, the first payment is the deposit, and the second payment is the remaining balance, which is usually due 30 days before the wedding. A three-payment system splits the final payment into two separate installments, with one paid before the wedding and the other when the final images are ready.

To save costs, you could also opt for fewer hours of photography coverage. Some photographers charge by the hour, so reducing the number of hours they work can help you stay within your budget. Additionally, you may want to consider having a small ceremony and a larger reception, as some photographers charge more for weekend weddings.

• Research photographers within your budget and explore their portfolios to find a style that resonates with you.
• Book the best photographer you can afford and then decide if you want to splurge on any extra services or add-ons.
• Avoid trying to negotiate the price, but do have an open conversation about your budget during the initial consultation.
• Consider hiring a photographer who is based outside of a big city, as rates tend to be lower in non-metropolitan areas.

Remember, while it's important to stay within your budget, don't compromise on quality. Your wedding photos will be cherished memories that you'll look back on for years to come.

Frequently asked questions