General Wedding Planning Advice Needed!

[EngagedForAllOfEternity]

Hello everyone,

Have been engaged for aaaaages and finally just got round to planning the big day. Trouble is I don't know many brides and the ones I do, had a pretty substantial budget compared to mine & FI's. I'm feeling a bit lost/confused and the mountainous 'budget-savvy' wedding blogs are only heaping on more confusion. Can any of you help me?

How much cheaper are venues off-season, generally? And are florists, caterers etc also cheaper?

The venue I'm looking at doesn't have any kitchen facilities, is this an issue I should mention to a prospective caterer? Or will they come with a van/tent and all necessary kitchen stuff to set up out of the way somewhere?

Flowers - I am keen on lots of foliage as opposed to flowers. Can I buy these in a garden centre, or a shop? I've been looking but can't seem to find what I'm after.

Finally - any good advice on keeping costs down? I was thinking of putting on some snacks post-ceremony made by myself/family, to save on catering costs - has anyone done this? How did it go?

Thank you in advance for your help! Really appreciate it. :-)

[Busybuzzybumblebee]

No advice as such as pretty much the same stage as you but I did find a caterer via fb, put a message in my local site saying what I needed and what the budget was and got a lot of feedback, so seen a few and managed to get one for 400 for 90 people, it's a buffet though as having a late Cermony and then a buffet so saving massively on food.

[LongHairDontCare]

Don't have much advice as only just started planning mine for early 2017, but everything is cheaper midweek winter from what I have found!

[annielostit]

Not a bride but a mil tb.
Soon as you say wedding add a third.
Think what you want to spend and be realistic about it.
What do ppl remember about weddings.
Ask at venues what they offer for your date and what you can bring yourself.
Ask catering companies what they can offer, don't let them dictate the deal. How they can set up for you - what's included. Table covers etc etc
Think who you want to invite, not who the world & his wife wants there. It's your day.
Nice jars with a bow ties on with short cut flowers is OK for tables add a glitter sprinkle, no one notices. Cheap in asda etc.
Add snacky things if you've time & help. Dip trays etc.It's a stress if your short of it.
Hope this helps a bit.x

[annielostit]

Google catering in your area, look at menus and ring around.x