Wedding Budget - Trying to do it all for 3,000...

I'm Cassie, and I'm trying to plan a wedding for less than 3,000. I'm brand new to these forums but you can bet you'll be seeing me a lot. Pray for me, I hope it can be done. Our wedding will be fairly small, with 65 guests on my guest list. What I have going for me is that the food is taken care of by my fiance's aunt. She loves to cook for large crowds. I'm trying to find an inexpensive venue. Everything I've looked at is either a DUMP when I get there in person, the best deal I can get is on a weekday morning, or is booked solid for the next twelve straight years. I'm so frustrated.... Does anyone have any good ideas? Anything in the Atlanta/North Ga area...

I also would like a wedding under 3000 but am willing to go to 4000. It sounds like it could be done for you though. I unfortunately have 140 on my guest list originally 190 and trying to go lower. I looked at hotels and they are way too expensive. I've also tried golf course clubs they are better priced (250 for the space)but limited on number of guest and the ceremony will have to be outside. I like that they will allow us to use the course for photos for free. For me a wedding outside in july in texas is a bad idea. As a last result we are looking into city buildings like the library, senior center, and others you didn't know existed. Here we have a library with a big room for functions and they include tables and chairs, some with kitchens. They don't allow alcohol or smoking but they are only 25.00 for 4 hours. We also have a senior center that rent out for functions. They also include tables, chairs, and full kitchens. They have a nicer look but are more like 100.00 a hour. These places also make you pay for security and staff after hours. Rec centers are good too but I don't know thier prices. The only bad thing is you will have to get all your linens, decorations, plates, serving utensils, glasses and whatever else you may need. I haven't made my decision yet so let me know what you decide and why.

Check local parks for pavillions or meeting rooms, private clubs, community centers, churches, and halls. These places are fairly reasonable.

wow. you're in such a tight budget! i've never heard anyone plan a wedding with that before. i hope you'll do well! good luck! the search for the [url=http://www.bestforbride.com]wedding dress[/url] continues here!

If you have a family member with a big yard or a park near by try that, your budget is tight and leaves you little to work with. I wish you all teh luck in the world, I'm having a hard time with my budget and believe me the stress level gets no better. lol

golly, tell me how it goes...I'm trying to do a shoestring but lovely wedding and the VENUE is $3000 alone.

I second the fact it's a very small budget. But that just leaves room to make it more unique and creative - right? For 65 people, I'd strongly consider a friendly backyard of a well-off guest. You'd be suprised as to what a few donated/used items wrapped in 100 bucks in xmas lights can do for a reception. That would leave lots of money left for the rest of things... creativity could make it happen... if you are willing to forego a lot of the 'traditional stuff' that many people feel 'has' to be at a wedding... you can do it.

I too am trying to keep my budget around the $3000 range! I am having everything at a family member's ranch so that cut costs there. My mom has done several flower arrangements for other weddings so she's got that covered. If you could find someone like that then your flower costs would be very low. My big thing is my dress. I am getting married next summer so I have time to wait for those $99 sales that come around. As I figure out other ways to save big I'll let you know and I hope you'll do the same for me! Good Luck!

I would use the internet to your utmost advantage. I know there is a site that offers amazing dresses that are being sold that in many cases were never worn... the bride may have changed her mind and picked a different style or perhaps she had two dresses to incorporate a costume change! It's called previously owned wedding gowns.com I think. Also - there is a site called weddingcolony.com that helps brides find vendors who are looking for business. I bet you can find some resourceful vendors through there. Good luck, you can definitely do it. Just give yourself the time you'll need for the research and planning. there are so many resources out there for you to take advantage of!

i also trying to under 4, our date is 10/30/2010 so far i brought all my favors on clearance sales, making my own invitations of scrolls, my dress is being made, i am having a middle age theme, grooms are being dressed as templar of knights, bridemaids in maiden dresses but where i want it all to happen at ther want $500.00 down to hold the date, then $2500.00 for the cattering plus 59.00 a head, now im looking around, im picky it must look like a castle

A fancy theme wedding for 4k or under is going t be very difficult... unless you are looking at a really small guest list. Even then, it'll be tough. Good luck though, and let us know how it works out.