Orange County weddings, or any wedding for that matter, can cost thousands upon thousands! How about a wedding and reception for 50+ people for $4000 or less!? Do couples on a budget deserve a nice wedding? YES. It is possible with extra effort, especially for a do-it-yourself couple. I will give you some shopping tips and even a few hidden gems... people I found in or around Orange County, CA.
Wedding/Reception Shopping List be sure to make a list and check it twice, cross off what you can live without (this varies from couple to couple):
- Quick wedding? Skip the save the dates and send the invites only
- Do you need to have that many bridesmaids?=$ dresses/bouquets/gifts
- Do you want to serve a meal?= Cost. Simplify: Hors d'oeuvres, drinks and of course, cake
- DJ or Sound System?
- Decorate by Season- let nature be your example, beauty of a location can be enough: Add some fresh rose petals on the sand- voila. Park? Find a focal point between two trees or a scenic view. Buy yourself from the grocery or discount floral shops: Easter Lilies in Spring, Daisy's in Summer, Sunflowers and dry floral arrangements in Fall, Roses and Poinsettias in Winter (about $4 or so at places like Walmart)... you get the idea
- Buy Vintage or used locally- www.craigslist.com, www.pennysaverusa.com
- Browse eBay- make sure if you buy internationally that you give yourself a lot of time- i.e. Custom Wedding gowns from $100 take time to make and ship through customs, allow time for any alterations you may need to make also.
- Browse Venues, and check the hidden costs (insurance fees for hired vendors? Fees if alcohol is served? (Cheaper to serve non-alcoholic bubbly like Apple cider or Sparkling Grape.) Park or beach- contact the city for further information; small gatherings-depending on the use may be free- If you can this is ideal, especially if you can hold a quiet reception gathering at a home or yard (be sure though to follow noise laws, contact your city. :)
- Do-it-yourself or bridesmaids can help.. make bouquets and boutonnieres- Save a lot!
- What can you borrow
- Invite closest friends and family only
- Give yourself enough time when setting the date to save money easily for your wedding
- Who do you know that can help set up, tare down, and serve if needed? Friends or people you know you can pay a minimal amount to help?
- Wedding Cake- for display and bride and groom: Do it yourself. Reception guests: Costco or grocery made, have cut for reception.
- Food delivered or made to go
- Wedding Ceremony can be simple with few relatives/friends and have a reception for closest friends and family- think Las Vegas, small church ceremony, or simple courthouse marriage union (you can still dress beautifully where ever you say I do!).
- GOOD TIP!! Put a local ad out for what you need/willing to pay $____
Example:
Approximate number of people attending: 50
- Venues, parks, beaches, home etc. $1,000.00
- Do myself: Invitations/Programs/Thank You Cards $60.00
- Decor $200.00
- Floral Decor $100.00
- Dishes/cups/flatware $100.00
- Food/Drinks $400.00
- Bouquets/boutonnieres $60.00
- Dresses/Grooms-wear $500.00
- Wedding Cake Supplies and Mixes $60.00
- Grocery Cake $60.00
- Ceremony Music $150.00
- DJ 3 hours or Harp player $300.00
- Set up/Tare down help $200.00
- Toast Server $50.00
- *Extra: Jewelry $40.00
- *Extra: Veil $20.00
- *Extra: Honeymoon Sweet $450.00
- Total $3,750.00 / Budget $4,000.00
Now write details of things you need for your wedding ceremony and search for good deals! Try to stay within your means. Imagine your reception and do a detailed list for this as well including foods/drinks. Does it match your budget? If not keep trying, searching.
Local Orange County Stores:
Bargained Vintage Dress $100
Walmart
Costco
Smart and Final
Ralph's or Albertson's (Catering/Cake/Floral)
99 Cents Only Store
Thrift Stores: Salvation Army, Good Will
Good Deal Wedding Dresses:
Jessica McClintock Outlet
Thursday-Monday only
5458 Moreno Street, Montclair, CA 91763
909-985-2770
Good Deal Suits/Tuxes:
Three Day Suit Broker
Friday-Sunday only
18349 South Euclid Avenue, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
714-549-3329
Good Stuff Online: Search, Search, Search :)
www.eBay.com
www.orangecounty.craigslist.org
www.pennysaverusa.com
www.jessicamcclintock.com
www.3daysuitbroker.com/
Free wedding website for you and family + tips:
www.brides.com
Good Stuff People I found in/near Orange County:
Good Event Coordinator/Planner: She's a great help! She will work with you within your means and has a great eye for decorating! Loved meeting her!
Michelle King (Style on a Shoestring Event Planning)
styleonashoestring@gmail.com
626-394-6820
Good DJ: He is a people person- definite love for music!
Jaimes Palacio (Fly By Night DJs)
Good Photographer: She has a real artistic approach!
Deserie
http://photos2bdesired.com
deserie@photos2bdesired.com
951-544-0061
Good Decor: Canopies and Gazebos, gorgeous to say "I Do" under!
www.ocgazebos.com
Good Cakes:
http://www.cakewhimsy.webs.com
Congratulations and may God bless you! Enjoy your planning- stress less, a wedding is fun and love is the goal, not what colors match perfectly... keep this in mind if you feel yourself stressing. Feel free to share ideas, comments and your favorite vendors or venues... brides gotta help each other out! Hope my tips help. Any questions? Let me know! Alysa
