Weddingbee boards

$5,000 for the additional items should be enough if you are willing to think outside of the box and get creative.

Here are a couple tips to cut costs in each of the areas you listed:

Cake: Have a small cake made by your baker, or a larger cake, with only one real tier.  Have them decorate all the tiers, but just cut into the one for the cake cutting.  Have the on-site cordinator whisk away the cake. Then have sheet cakes in the back that your venu can cut up for serving. 

Also, have you checked with the venue to see if they offer dessert/cake?  It may be more reasonable than brining in an outside cake and having to pay a cake cutting fee.

FI Outfit: Are you renting or buying? We're buying a suit an our local outlet stores for the same price it would cost for my FI to rent a tux, and he'll get to use it again.

Flowers: How crafty are you? Or do you know someone that would be comfortable doing your flowers for you?  Are you looking for centerpieces as well as bouquets?  Search google for "creative centerpiece" ideas and you will get TONS of ideas.  Still want fresh flowers?  Buy directly from a grower.  Check your local farmer's market for the booth (there's always at least one!) and ask if they sell directly on the farm.  Costco is also a good choice.   Little known fact, you can call ahead and talk with the flower manager and they can order you the colors you're looking for.  Another great source is GlobalRose.com.  I cannot say enough good things about them!  I have used them for several events and have always been more than happy.  In fact, I tried a different distributor for my friends wedding last May and was left thinking, I should have ordered from GR! :-)

Gifts: Who are you getting gifts for?  Your FI, your parents,  your bridal party?  The last gift I received for being in a wedding party wasn't very expensive, but it was incredibly meaningful.

Photography/Videography: Craigslist baby!!!  I reguarly see "free" or low cost options on Craigslist.  Photographers who are trying to break into the business, or refresh their portfolio.  Remember to always ask for references, and examples of their work.  We were lucky enough to know a commercial/portrait photographer who is ready to break into weddings.  We worked out a trade: He gets to use our images, we get our images.  It's a win-win!

Our cost per person is about $54.  It looks like yours will be around $75; toatally doable!

Get creative (or talk to the people you know that are!)

Ha!  I just saw that your post was from 7months ago - sorry for not noticing! :-)

What did you guys decide?