So after I already started this blog, I went to my local wedding expo in Tacoma, Washington. I went for fun and some inspiration because most of the vendors at these places are pricey, but that didn't stop me from entering in drawings for prizes there. With that being said, the venue that I was looking at the most had a booth for a free drawing for free room rental. I had nothing to lose but money to save so I put my name in. A week later, I received an email saying I won the drawing! I thought it was spam mail so I called just to make sure, and sure enough I did.
Now I feel like this blog will be misleading for people who really want a low budget wedding without any hook-ups. I guess the message I really can spread is that go to a wedding expo even if you think you won't find anything because you never know!
Winning this venue has saved me $500-$800. I decided to have one room for the ceremony and reception to save money. After going to visit the venue, they informed me it would be $300 extra (on top of the 500) because having the ceremony and venue in the same room needed more for a fee for labor to move the room around. I was going to argue that the room layout would have everyone at their seats already because I didn't want to move anything or rent an extra room. Luckily with the win, I don't have to worry about that anymore!
If you are interested in what venue I chose, it is the Tacoma Landmark Catering & Convention Center. www.tacomaslandmark.com
My journey to a low-budget DIY wedding and sharing tips discovered along the way!
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
How low is low?
Well hello!
So, "what's this blog all about?" you ask? I decided to start this as my own wedding planning is beginning. I've had enough time to think about what kind of wedding I would want because we have been together for almost 6 years. I am a huge user of Pinterest so naturally I have seen all the pins about "budget" weddings. And that is how I ended up here: to start a real "budget" blog about my quest for the lowest price without sacrificing what I want most for our wedding.
I don't have any friends that are "starting up as a photographer" or people who can help cook a bunch of food, or anyone with an awesome venue they could hook me up with. After browsing all those budget blogs that is what every one of them would have that made their wedding budget small. The only thing I was practically "given" was my wedding dress that my mom said they would buy me because they bought my sisters. Ended up finding a gorgeous gown from David's Bridal for $550(It was on sale from $899). I will be paying for my alterations though(not sure how much that will be but I think it will be from 150-250).
After researching and talking to people about their own weddings, one thing for sure is that the most expensive things are FOOD and VENUE. I don't know about your budget, but I really do not want to spend more than $5000. To keep the major costs down our guest list will be limited to around 30 people. Luckily we have a small family and small group of close friends so no one will be left out. Of course, if I can make it lower than $5000, it will be that way! I plan on making the decorations myself (and with help from friends), and I am a bargain shopper so I expect that they will be fairly low priced. I am not going to order fancy flowers from anywhere but I think that going to the farmers market and buying a few gorgeous bouquets will be perfect. I guess this would point out that I am not going to be devastated that I don't have a specific type of flower :)
So, as I research and try to figure out all the details I will keep it posted!
I don't have any friends that are "starting up as a photographer" or people who can help cook a bunch of food, or anyone with an awesome venue they could hook me up with. After browsing all those budget blogs that is what every one of them would have that made their wedding budget small. The only thing I was practically "given" was my wedding dress that my mom said they would buy me because they bought my sisters. Ended up finding a gorgeous gown from David's Bridal for $550(It was on sale from $899). I will be paying for my alterations though(not sure how much that will be but I think it will be from 150-250).
After researching and talking to people about their own weddings, one thing for sure is that the most expensive things are FOOD and VENUE. I don't know about your budget, but I really do not want to spend more than $5000. To keep the major costs down our guest list will be limited to around 30 people. Luckily we have a small family and small group of close friends so no one will be left out. Of course, if I can make it lower than $5000, it will be that way! I plan on making the decorations myself (and with help from friends), and I am a bargain shopper so I expect that they will be fairly low priced. I am not going to order fancy flowers from anywhere but I think that going to the farmers market and buying a few gorgeous bouquets will be perfect. I guess this would point out that I am not going to be devastated that I don't have a specific type of flower :)
So, as I research and try to figure out all the details I will keep it posted!
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