Things we didn't splurge on -
Centrepieces (approx $6.00 each)
Invites (DIY)
Flowers ($200 for everything - silk flowers)
Veil - $40 off ebay

Liz
E+S 07/28/07
http://private.james-roberts-photography.com/proofs/Elizabeth_Steve_072807/

 

Also, I loved my flowers. They were more than we expected but so worth it. On the day, I loved my bouquet - it was exactly what I wanted.

The food - food is hugely important for my family and we did it up right. Also, at the end of the day I was starving and delicious food was exactly what I wanted.

I wish we had splurged more on the photographer and videographer. I love looking at my wedding photos but now I wish we had had gone with a different photographer. And I wish I had a video of the day that I could watch whenever I want.

I am happy that we didn't spend much money on:

a ring pillow - DH didn't want his brother (the ring bearer) carrying a pillow, so we bought a wooden box at dollarama and my mom sewed a little pillow for the inside. It was perfect

The invitations - I bought the print yourself invites from another bride and had an "invitation bee" where my girls came over and we ate and drank and assembled the invitations. It was great fun and great memories.

~Stef and Rob~
May 25th, 2007
waiting to TTC #1

I cut costs buy using lots of cheap flowers such as carnations with a few expensive ones mixed in. I also went to every Dollar store in town and bought $100 worth of cream coloured candles. I think my whole decor cost including Flowers, table cloths, & candles was $800.

If i could do it all over again I would probably have spent a little bit more on our honeymoon and a little less on my invites, shoes, and DJ. Spend the extra $$$$ on a nice long relaxing honeymoon.

Married my sweetheart October7/06, having his baby April/09

Best money we spent was renting tables and chairs. We were going to lug them ourselves from our church hall which would have been free, but it was sooo worth the money to just pay someone to bring them and pick them up, along with the tent.

Another great buy was we spent $60 on impatiens and petunias and planted them in pots. They were the decor for the reception, we had pots on front and back steps and around the tent. They grow super easy and spread, so they looked lovely. Our centerpieces cost less then $100 total, for 12 tables. We used mason jars with carnations in our colors, with a couple of daisys. They were simple and fun. (I posted some pics at the bottom)

Our friend is a pro cameraman and he offered to video our wedding. I am soo glad we did. I love watching it. And it brings back so many memories, because the day went by so fast. It might be a good investment.

We did our own food, but kept it simple. Salads and cold meats, etc.  Quality was key, rather then a million dishes we had 7 or 8 really yummy things. Our dinner for 120 people was $400. We did this so we could provide free beer and wine, etc.

Keep repeating your idea of small and casual to yourself. Small can be lovely. Its the atmosphere of love that counts :-) I agree with Shoegal with her remarks. I didn't spend much money on shoes or jewellry or anything on limo, etc. They were not missed.

The one thing that caused the most stress and really added up was gifts for everyone who helped. (we didn't have a bridal party, but we did have lots of friends who helped) I kept thinking the gifts were not enough, and spent more money then I should have. I wish I had had a better plan. In the end, the people we gave gifts to commented more on the heartfelt notes I wrote, more then the gifts.

AUGUST 18TH, 2007

Can't believe its over....

Videographer

Food

My dress

Best money saved:

-invitations and other stationary, I did a lot myself and I'm glad I did!

-not having the jazz band stay all night, just during the co cktails

-not splurging on all kinds of lighting effects --- once the DJ got the party grooving, no one was caring about that.

________________________________

Mrs. Peach!

Happily Married since August 19, 2006!