I am planning a January 2007 wedding and as a college student, I'm limited in my funds. One of the things I was hoping to cut on was music.
As far as the reception goes: instead of having a live band or dj, is creating a playlist on an ipod acceptable? Or on a laptop? Any other ideas that might save us a little money in the long run, music or otherwise?
The Video Pros
Video Forum Moderator
Feb 16, 2006, 9:35 AM
Post #2 of 6
(2429 views)
Re: [difficult386] Music saving tips
[In reply to]
Make your memories PRIORITY and put your money into hiring a good Photographer and something for entertainment.
If you have the music, consider hiring a local highschool student who DJs for their school. Most often schools have the sound equipment and usually use a laptop for the music. For just a couple hundred or less, you'll have great sound, a microphone, and a person to announce and keep the music flowing. If worried that they may not have the music, bring your own set burned to CD in the sequence you want played and have them play from your CDs. The sound will be better, the young DJ will probably have basic special effect lighting and all will have a good time.
Money saving tips:
1) Cut back on cost of cake and beverages (i.e. Don't spend more than $5 per slice on cake, consider no alcohol at the event). You want your friends to have a good time, put it toward the entertainment. They won't care what you had as cake.
2) Choose a venue that allows you to bring food in or hire your own caterers to provide the meal. Community centers and larger churches often have kitchens adjacent to the meeting area.
3) Choose decorations for the reception that you can use later in your own home. Copen Cabana DJ Audio Visual Production providing Custom Wedding Coffee Table Photo Book with DVD Services http://www.knowareland.com
Nancy Tucker
PRESIDENT - WEDDINGS BEAUTIFUL
Feb 16, 2006, 10:34 AM
Post #3 of 6
(2428 views)
Re: [The Video Pros] Music saving tips
[In reply to]
Dear Copen Cabana,
All of your answers are good however, sometimes we forget the important part the DJ plays in the reception. They are not only there to play music but if you have the announcements of the bridal party, first dance, cake cutting etc. A good strong voice to do those parts is very essential and doesn't always apply to young shy college students who don't know how to work a wedding.
Re: [difficult386] Music saving tips
[In reply to]
The largest problem is that we are trying to stay within 2000-2500. We are planning for about 60 people. Any ideas on how to cut reception costs overall?
TWQadmin
FORUM EXPERT
/ Moderator
Feb 16, 2006, 3:55 PM
Post #5 of 6
(2407 views)
Re: [difficult386] Music saving tips
[In reply to]
I think The Video Pros gave you a few good pieces of advice but have a look at this page too:
Save Money on Your Wedding Top Wedding Questions Forum Moderator - "Write your sorrows in the sand, your blessings in stone".
TWQadmin
FORUM EXPERT
/ Moderator
Feb 16, 2006, 4:28 PM
Post #6 of 6
(2404 views)
Re: [difficult386] Music saving tips
[In reply to]
1. Once you've picked out the perfect wedding gown, go online and see if you can find a better price. There are several reliable, online bridal retailers that also operate their own bridal salons--so you won't have to worry about fly-by-night operations and poor customer service. (And yes, they offer brand name gowns.). Check out Top Wedding Dress Sites
2. Do the same for your shoes and accessories. Many of these online shops have free shipping and no sales tax--so that's money in your pocket. Try Top Wedding Accessories Sites
3. Instead of hiring a professional videographer, get a friend or hire a student from your local university to do the handiwork. Have a few people taping to ensure that you get some goos footage. Whatever did we do before video?
4. Store bought favors can get pricey. And most of the cost associated with these little tokens of appreciation is labor. So make them yourself...it's not that hard and can be lots of fun! Get your bridal party or family members involved and make a night of it.
5. Instead of buying expensive, personalized thank you cards, buy boxed thank-you cards. You can find beautiful ones at a card store, bookstore, or stationer. Or, again, make them yourself. Visit a local craft store. Intheir wedding section they may have a lot more ideas.
6. Use potted plants instead of expensive floral arrangements. Not only will you save money, but you'll get to take the flowers home and watch them grow through the years.
Music saving tips
