Victoria,

Did you sign a contract with UBC or are you still able to change your mind and find another place to get married? You picked a SUPER expensive venue so if you can’t change your mind then I can’t suggest much in the way of savings there.

Our photographer cost $1800 for full-day coverage, and they were amazing.

You don’t have to pay for your bridal party’s outfits, unless you want them to wear something expensive. I took my girls to try on dresses at David’s Bridal, then we found the same dress for 1/2 the price at Target (online). We did pay for both of their dresses but after taxes it was $190 for both including shipping and tax.

My hair and makeup was $160 for just me. My girls paid for their own, if they wanted it. One got both done, one got neither – she did her own makeup and curled her hair and looked great.

If you want to save money on your wedding you have to be willing to cut back on all of the costs. Make compromises. Remember, it’s one day. When it’s over you’ll wish you saved here and there.

I wish I was being tongue in cheek. We were told catering would likely be around $100 per person including servers ad gratuities. We are forced to use the catering company the venue is partnered with. We’re getting married at a UBC property and even with the 10% discount for faculty and alum it was $3k. I haven’t talked to the caterers about alcohol and whether we are allowed to supply it ourselves but I’m betting they’ll say no. Even without those costs, photography is between 2-4k on average, bridal party suits and whatnot will likely be another $2k (and I only plan to spend $300 on the dress but we have to dress 6 people plus me and the groom), then makeup and hair appears to be around $200+ for the bride alone!

Hi Victoria,

Absolutely – I will do a series of posts likely, but our food for 75 guests was just under $2,000, including gratuity and tax. I can’t imagine what you’ll be feeding 80 guests for $8K! (unless you meant 180? still sounds a little on the pricey side but maybe not).

We also got married at a fairly inexpensive venue. The whole weekend cost $1600. It sounds like your venue is a little more on the normal-pricey side.

I’m hoping you are being tongue in cheek about a $7K drink budget! We bottled our own wine ($300 for 90 bottles), bought all of the beer, pop etc ($400) and then offered two signature cocktails in dispensers which was more than enough ($80). So the whole bill was less than $800. You could always do a twoonie bar or a cash bar, or just offer wine and beer.. or whatever works. We wanted to provide alcohol but it’s definitely not necessary.