Andy has been lobbying for a cheap backyard wedding but I want a band and room to dance... so here are the priorities for him and me, that we're willing to spend money on.
Him:
Food from his fav restaurants. He is going to pick up food from restaurants and bring it to the reception. (help!)
More then a 100 guests. (I'm okay with just a 100 guests or less)
Me:
A dance floor
A band.
So after that, we figured out what else would cost what. His parents say they'll help with alcohol, flowers and rehearsal dinner. I lobbied to nix the rehearsal dinner so we have more money for the wedding, but he insisted on a quiet time when family and close friends can mingle with each other. Then I was like... fuck the flowers. I'll get a bouquet for myself and, a basket of petals for the flower girl, and we're fine.
We can do $100 for invitations that Andy will make, and I can make home-made favors on the cheap.
So after figuring out the budget, not including the wedding dress/groom tux, and the stuff his parents are helping with.
We still reach the number of $8000. That's $4000 for each of us. That's still a lot of money.
GAAH.
So now we're both at saving and figuring out how to finance our budget.
We love you all. And we would love to throw a party for you all.. but neither of us want to go in debt or take a large chunk out of savings for it!