Need help with Budget fall Wedding

[Telephus44]

Just because I don't know how formal "sort of formal" is... for my wedding, I didn't want paper plates or plastic forks because I thought it was too tacky and not formal enough. I found that the place I rented my tent from ALSO rented plates, bowls, wine glasses, silverware - I got 100 wine glasses, water glasses, silverware service, and plates rented for around $200.

Again, probably not the most frugal, but it was much cheaper than getting them from the caterer or buying them, and it was one of the few things in my wedding that was important to me.


Another great centerpiece idea I heard (we didn't do this, but my florist had done it) was to buy large vases and just fill the top part with flowers, and have goldfish swimming below in the vases. The DJ "gave" them to winners of various contests and apparently they were big hits! You are buying less flowers, and you can buy vases and goldfish cheaply enough.

[Buckeye5]

You could also, use clear colored marbles to put into the globes with a candle. that too, is inexpensive. you buy the marbles at Walmart, or they probably would have other colored marbles to go with your fall theme.

[Buckeye5]

Also, if you sew, you can make your own chair coverings to slide over the back of the chairs. Some places also, rent those and it dresses up the table area.

[leezza]

You can try this site: http://www.semihomemade.com/holidays/

I have watched this gal on the food network and she always has good idea's that are low cost but very nice.......

When I got married we did the following:
Hubby wore his uniform (military)
I borrowed a tea length ivory lace dress from a friend the same size as me so all I had to buy was a silk slip, shoes, and matching ear rings, (saved big bucks here) and my friend was very happy to have me wear her dress.
I only had a maid of honor (who wore a beautiful sun dress that she already owned) and we both carried a bouquet, (shopped around and found a good deal).
Our cake was a large sheet cake that was decorated very nicely.
And our food was lots of finger snacks and a 6 foot sandwich from Subway.

The best thing about having a low cost wedding is: that you don't have to be stressed after the wedding wondering how you are going to pay all the bills........but that's just me.......

Good Luck, and if I think of anything else I will post it.
leezza

[kabin63]

We had bird seed to throw at our wedding. No need to clean up. Yay! I have another idea for the candles, but may not be formal enough for your daughter. I wanted to make a candle and used old antique coffee/tea cup that I had around the house. Birthday candles and parafin wax. Melt the parafin wax and pour into the cup. Place a birthday candle into the middle and let set until hard. You may need to top it off with a little more wax, but this is very cheap to do and it might be elegant if done with some ribbon. Anyway, just another thought.
Best wishes to the happy couple.

[Amanda W]

I've made the BLT bites that Sunshine posted above. They're great. Here are two other of my favorite appetizer recipes.

Bacon and Tomato Cups
Time: 30 Minutes
Yield: 30 appetizers

INGREDIENTS:
8 slices bacon or ½ cup bacon bits
1 small tomato, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
½ cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough, separated into 10 biscuits

DIRECTIONS:
In a small bowl, combine the tomato, mayonnaise, bacon, cheese, onion and basil; set aside. Split each biscuit into three layers; press each layer into an ungreased miniature muffin cup. Spoon tomato mixture into cups. Bake at 450° for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm.



Mini Swiss Quiches
Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
YIELD: 24 appetizers

INGREDIENTS:
1 (15-oz) pkg. refrigerated pie crusts
6 oz. (1-1/2 cups) shredded Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons sliced green onions
1 tablespoon chopped pimentos
2 eggs
½ cup milk
¼ teaspoon salt
dash nutmeg

DIRECTIONS:
Allow both pie crust pouches to stand at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes. Heat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 24 miniature muffin cups with nonstick cooking spray. Unfold 1 pie crusts; press out fold lines. Place crust on work surface. With floured 2-1/2-inch round cookie cutter, cut 12 pounds. Repeat with remaining pie crust.

Press 1 round of dough in bottom and up sides of each sprayed muffin cup. Place 1 tablespoon cheese in each cup. Top each with a few onion slices and pimiento pieces. In 2-cup measuring cup, combine eggs, milk, salt, and nutmeg; beat well with fork. Pour mixture into crusts, filling to within ¼ inch of top. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly; lift quiches from cups with tip of knife. Serve warm.

[lovemycubbycakes]

Thanks for all the tips, The recipes sound wonderful. I will try these in the coming weeks.Thanks so much Ladies!!


Tina

[lovemycubbycakes]

What an awesome Idea, Sounds very victorian looking.
Thanks, Tina

[yankeegal]

congrats on the upcoming wedding. Another inexpensive idea for favors are wedding cookies. Craft stores or bake shops usually have all types of cutters-wedding cake, bride and groom, doves, etc.. You can make the cookies way ahead of time, freeze them, and then decorate and personalize them which ever way you want. Put each in its own bag and tie with ribbon. These are becoming a popular favor option.