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My venue had a lot of random furniture and was able to make a number of seating areas for cocktail hour. Is that an option for you? Also, you may try Ikea- they have some side tables for $12, I think.
I'd check out garage sales, resale stores, and Craigslist... I don't know what your wedding esthetic is, but you can find furniture at a great price there. Use slip covers if you need things to match.
The only problem I'd see is that you'd probably need someone you know to set it and take it down after the reception.
The venue is completely empty. We have to bring everything in ourselves anyway and we do have a DOC who will handle set up and tear down. I've been searching all morning. The side tables are a great idea. And actually I know target has some too and I have a gift card. What about like benches for seating...is that weird?
have you tried the freecycle for your area? I think if you google "freecycle 'city, state'" you should come up with a yahoo group for that area. You might be able to find a couch there for FREE!!! I signed up for the ones in my area and i've seen couches on my list. Just be diligent and watch as often as possible (I don't). You pretty much have to be the first to reply to snab it, but it's always worth trying, right? Oh, and you can also put a "wanted" on the list, which would probably be helpful, too.
Otherwise, how about having family/friends bringing yard chairs (lawn chairs?)?
If you have the option of benches, I'd say go with that! Drape a pretty sheet (yard sales, salvation army, Goodwill, etc) over 'em if you want.
You may be able to find a nice big ottoman that could be used for extra seating or to set trays on for drinks or appetizers. I think you could probably work a bench into a seating area and have it fit, it just couldn't stand alone.
A lot of the pictures that I've seen of lounge spaces have lots of colorful pillows too.
Freecycle is a great suggestion!
The side tables that I mentioned---they are actually $8! http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60151312
They have coffee tables for $20.
Oh, and check out the second-hand stores! You'd be AMAZED at what you can find for cheap at those places!
Pillows, blankets, sheets... furniture... ;) And you might also find a FB page for local yardsales. I know in my area, they list what's going to be sold at them, too.
Another option is the "Bulletin board". You can usually get them cheap at service stations and convience stores. They have a section in it specifically FOR funiture. The prices are usually reasonable, too.
You could also ask people if they have any furniture that you could borrow for the weekend. Get slip covers in the same colors and it will probably run you 400 total!
From your post, I'm assuming your parents are paying for the wedding? And you just have to pay for whatever is "over-budget?" That seems like they're just going to do what they want and make you pay for it. Not really a "budget" at all!!
I think you need to stand up and tell your mom that you will no NEED a seating area, and that you are not paying for one. (Seriously, NO ONE wants to sit down except at their dinner seat maybe!)
I second Ikea or Craiglist. I found a beautiful black leather sofa and matching love seat for $250 total.
However, I would consider just telling your mother it's not in the budget and that is that. Especially since you'll have to pay whatever you go over on. Just let her know you can't afford it and that's that.
@lampshade127 - Thanks for the link! Those are perfect.
The rental company that I am getting the tables/chairs from also have plantation benches (just long white benches for $35.00 I could get two of those and put in the cornor maybe? That why it could still look nice.
@MightySapphire & Treasure43 - Telling her its not in the budget is not working and really not an option. When I showed her things she came right back with what I could cut and sacrifice on, which were things I didn't want. I'm thinking I can do this for cheap now so hopefully it doesn't have to turn into an issue.
If you guys don't want to do it and don't have the budget for it...what will happen if you just ignore her and don't do it?
@JoJo Bananas - She would know and then tell me its the only thing she asked for and then not give me any money. Its not something I really care to fight her on. If I had NO options then I would be more adament, but it seems like I can possibly get away with this on the cheap so I don't want to risk making her mad.
i would just go to rent a center or some place like that and rent the couch or whatever else you need for a week. that way you know its good quality and you wont have to pay all that money getting it from a company that does wedding events. i know theyre stuff isnt 400 a week...and slip covers/decorations can make the majority of things awesome!
I LOVE lounge area's! We're not doing one though because we don't have the space. I do know they are really expensive however...
To keep cost down, look at benches or stuff from CL... stuff maybe that you can buy and then sell? This was one of my favorites...
In my experience, rental "furniture" for weddings is usually really cheap in quality, but very expensive to rent. You're probably much better off putting something together yourself.
This couple had pictures of them framed on the end tables. It was a really nice and personal touch... and cheap :-)
Since she is ignoring you, ignore her in return. She can complain and insist all she wants but if she expects you to pay for it, and you are not able to, then there won't be any seating area. Guests are fine with just the chairs at the dinner tables.
This is YOUR wedding, not hers as she already had hers, and she is being way out of line. If she refuses to let you pick anything yourself, then scrap the plans and start over from scratch with your own money and whatever you can afford.
@Ember78 - This has been her only request and I really don't have a problem with it. Thats not the issue. I was just asking for peoples input on cheap alternatives to an otherwise expensive thing. I know this is MY wedding but she will still be my mother after the wedding and if this is all she wants and its going to make her happy, I don't mind.
@MrsPinkPeony: My parents were the same way with the wedding and it is tough.
It sounds like you have some great suggestions on here with ways to look at cheap furniture. Plus you get to keep it after the wedding or maybe sell it and get some money back!
Also, you may not be able to do formal furniture/lounge areas but what about patio like lounge areas?
This may sound crazy but have you considered pews? I know that where I am long pews from churches that are being remodeled or whatever are really easy to come by and fairly cheap ($50-100) You could do two pews with a bunch of throw pillows and maybe use some of the cheap end tables! Or even borrow a long low coffee table.
I don't know what your theme is, but what about doing a total departure and setting up a floor lounge (think Moroccan-style). The colors don't need to be exotic (simple black and white can be very effective), and you can reuse everything for your own house.
I'd suggest: large floor pillows in one color, flat mats in another, and a few wood or silver trays (try Ikea) as "tables". Put a few lanterns and covered candles around, instruct a bridesmaid or family member to go sit in order to encourage people to use it, and keep everything for entertaining at home after the wedding.
Obviously getting the IKEA furniture would save money, but how would you store it/get it there/get it arranged and back out at the end of the night?! I think a huge part of why it costs so much to rent that type of furniture is the fact that it really is a huge service to bring everything in and take it back out again. Yikes!
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I need some ideas. My mom mentioned that she wanted a little "seating area" ya know kind of like a lounge area. Thats all nice and fine but renting like 1 bench-like couch thingy is like $400.00! That was my rentals (table/chairs) budget!!! She REALLY wants this and no matter what I say about how expensive it is she says she's "sure its in the budget" BUT ITS NOT! I showed her everything, outlined line by line and she still says its in the budget. I know if I go ahead and book things and the time comes where I'm actually over budget by like 2000.00, I will have to pay for that regardless of the fact that she's the one that causd me to go over. My parents one rule is that anything over our budget I pay for, which I simply will not be able to do. So basically my question is, does anyone know of any simple ideas or anything to create a cheap little seating area? I'm open to any suggestion.