Weddingbee boards

I'm curious to see how everyone has done with their budgets.  And to help those still planning say how you saved money.

Budget Recap for October 7, 2011

150 invited guests, 131 actually rsvpd

Bridal party: 4 bridesmaids, 5 groomsmen, 2 ringbearers, 1 flower girl

                                 Budgeted                        Actual                      Difference

Beauty:                        $500                           $185                            $315

Cake:                           $0                                $0                                $0

Catering:                     $15,300                       $12,176                       $3124

Ceremony Music:          $400                            $200                            $200

DJ:                               $1300                          $750                           $550

Dress & Attire:            $2,905                         $2255                          $650

Favors & Gifts:             $1410                         $1160                          $250

Flowers & Décor:           $1310                         $928                            $382

Stationary:                   $925                           $268                            $657

Jewelry:                       $1400                          $1800                          $400 over

Officiant & License:       $650                            $407                            $243

Other:                          $125                            $110                            $15

Photography:               $4000                          $2500                          $1500

Rentals:                       $0                                $0                                $0

Transportation:            $0                                $0                                $0

Venue:                         $825                            $500                            $325

Grand Total:                     $31,550                               $23,239           Under Budget: $8311

Biggest savings:  We had a wedding on a Friday night which instantly knocked 10% off.  We also had our wedding at an all-inclusive venue (cake, centerpieces, ceremony space, taxes & gratuity).  We used friends referrals...going rate for a DJ around Philly we found to be $1300ish...we ran into friends and found one for $750.  Our friend made us our wedding invitations as our gift and a relative made our cookie favors (they own a bakery).  Photography we cut back on the extras, I didn't need a photographer with me all day, just an hour before the ceremony and up to the cake cutting.    And I DIYed lots of details.  Moral of the story, utilize your friends and family, cut where you can, and relax it will be amazing!

Wow.... my budget is only $6,000. So far, I'm under, and I think everything looks really nice.... if I had half of your budget, man, just think of the possibilities! lol. I could afford a honeymoon!!! XD

I'm SO impressed. Great job and thanks for sharing! It seems like it's so easy to go over "just a bit" on everything that you showing that coming in just a bit UNDER everything can garner a huge savings. 

thank you.  it was a huge relief to us.  it is so easy to get carried away with all of the extras. i know i did a few times. but if you just reel it in a bit, you can save money and your sanity while still having a beautiful wedding.