Minimizing The Wedding Cost?
With the current economy I’m sure many couples out there are planning to minimize their wedding cost. I was talking to a friend who’s thinking of having his ceremony and reception at the banquet location to cut cost. I’ve seen this done at golf courses, hotels and fine dining restaurants but I have yet to been to one where it’s in a Chinese restaurant. What do you guys think of this idea?
Also, now that I’ve got more time to plan the wedding I’m looking for ideas and suggestions to cut cost even further. I know there’s a lot of DIY ideas out there but aside from doing DIY or cutting back on items such as pre-wedding/engagement photos, are there other ways (such as the ones mentioned above) to trim down the wedding expenses? I find it a bit of a challenge to cut cost for Chinese weddings as there are many traditions or customs we follow such as the gift exchanges that I can’t avoid. Did you have the same experience? What worked for you?
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Comments
Hi Jan! Yes, I have seen ceremonies done in the same space as the chinese banquet. Even on Rich Bride, Poor Bride (Slice network). I wonder if that episode is online though.
I agree though, it’s not as common because it’s usually more crowded in chinese restaurants. I know you said you’re postponing your wedding…but until when? 2010? Were you able to get your deposit back?
I am decorating the venue myself, dressing up the windows with fabric I bought from fabricland when it’s on sale. It cost me $40 instead of $500+ to hire a decorator.
I am making my own fake cake with styrofoams (from scoop-N save) and fondant I bought from Michaels with a %50 off coupon, and I will buy simple sheet cakes to serve as dessert.
I am my own flourist. I bought silk flower bouquet from Michaels (again 50% off) that will be my bridesmaid’s bouquet. They look so real. I am gonna make my own bridal bouquet and boutonniers with costco flowers.
I am going to set up and take down the chair covers. I searched and searched for cheap chair covers and found $2 per chaircover and sash for DIY setup and take down.
I bought favors on ebay for $40 for 100 people but paid 60 for brokage fees (I am still not over it).
I bought centrepiece vases for 4 dollars each from michaels when it’s 50% off. I am having orchids for centerpieces (not cheap) so I have to really find affordable vases.
I bought my candle votives when it’s on sale after christmas from superstore for 20 cents each I think (normally they are about 1 dollar each)
I bought my card box from pier 1 import after christmas for 5 dollars. It’s a gift shapped wire box used for holding ornaments.
I bought my bridesmaid dresses for 20 each when it’s on sale after christmas.
I am going to rent my dress.
I am having the reception right after the ceremony so no cocktail hour in between. Also they will be at the same location so no need to rent a limo.
I am not having a photo album from the photographer.
No rehearsal dinner hopefully.
Not planning to buy expensive wedding shoes. Seriously who can see them under the dress.
Not having traditional chinese wedding customs. We are not traditional, and most people don’t really care or even pay attention. The only people who want it would be the parents but then again it’s family, so I find it funny to bend over backwards finacially for that reason. My parents don’t care because we are paying for it. IF I were to do it, I would make it as simple as possible. Don’t care for the bling bling nor the gold. I don’t want to pay too much to impress when most people don’t really care.
there…phew… my saving plans. But it’s still so expensive!!!!
oh…. no rsvp cards. I am going to have a wedding website at mywedding.com
hihi ara
i’m nowhere near getting married yet, but with the changed legislation in HK, a few of my friends arranged to do their vows/ceremony where they were having the banquet. it was not odd at all, as it allowed relatives/people who were going to attend the dinner only to see vows exchanged and it made the dinner more intimate in some ways. (some did it a bit before the actual banquet, some during the banquet).
about cutting costs, i’m not sure if having a mini gift for the people who attended dinner is a tradition in canada, so i’m not sure if this is helpful, but in hk some of my friends gave out sheets of papers used to fold stars and asked guests to write down a msg for the couple instead of the customary chocolate/small gift. they passed around jars to collect the stars after and it was a nice gift to the brid and groom and the guests were able to leave a special msg for them.
and you’re right, there are SOOO many customs for chinese weddings, especially in hong kong!