Let me start with this: I belong to ALOT of bridal groups. It's probably passed the limit of sane.
There is one question that comes up continuously and that's "How can I do this on a small budget?". (I am going to add that I asked this question too.)
I want to dive in-depth into that question, because it's a very loaded question and doesn't have a simply answer. The short answer is 'Yes', but that's not necessarily helpful. In order to give people a more informed question you need to give everyone a guest count and date (or date range).
Brides and grooms, I cannot stress this enough...NO ONE...can give you an informed response without a guest count or date range. Everyone will just generalize.The informed answer will be different depending on those two factors.
If you have a $28K budget (I'll be jealous...kind of kidding) then you're good as long as guests doesn't go over 200. According to The Knot that was the average cost in the US as of 2021. Even a wedding at $15K with 100 people is easily doable, depending on where you live on. But after that we are considered 'budget brides'. Don't take offense. When you pull your wedding off and it's perfect for you I seriously doubt you'll care about that term.
But for the sake of this post let's go off my budget which is $5K or below (Pick the jaws off the floor).
Factors to take in consideration:
Do you have a large family that MUST be there?
I swear the above question is important. If that family member and you haven't talked in years then they do NOT need to be on the guest list when you are having to cut corners. Toxic family members will just bring unneeded and unwanted drama. This day is about celebrating you and your other half not dealing with their insecurities and drama.
Please understand I know some people will find it hard not to invite every person but budget brides cut corners and honestly having something more intimate and fun is something I would take over drama any day. Remember unless they are traveling from out of town you are paying for
those people to be there celebrating so only invite those that want to
celebrate happiness.
Side note: If a family member is helping pay for your wedding, expect them to want to invite one or two people. Just don't let it take over your wedding.
Are the helping with the wedding?
Simple in my mind. If they are helping with the wedding (be it financially, physically, or emotionally) then they should be on your "A" list.
Family or friend: If they are offering their help then they care about how that day goes for you and the deserve preference over the second cousin twice remove you exchange Christmas cards with.
Can I have it on a weekday?
If 80% of your guest list is from out of town and normally have the weekend off then it's not possible, BUT if you can manage to have it on weekday you can save a few thousand easy! Also, there is less competition for available dates.
How long do I have to plan?
Weddings that are at least a year or more out are easier to plan but not always possible. If you are on my budget, then try your best to plan that far out. You can lock in prices and take time to pay them off.
Okay so that's just the beginning steps. But locking in this information above is necessary for ANY one to give you information on how it can work.
Deep breaths...We got this!
