I am getting married on the cheap. I need suggestions for?

a cheap way to get pictures of us and small entourage (about 15 people -- mostly family. ) I also would like to have a nice lunch but haven't been able to find a caterer. Seems like everyone I call only wants to deal with the huge weddings gala event stuff. The cheapest photographer I could find was $850. I just want to have a economical and happy day instead of all the hype. Any siggestions or ideas are most welcome. Thanks!

I would check craigslist or an art school in your area if you are looking for an inexpensive photographer, I found mine on craigslist. She has been a professional photographer for quite some time, but is just now getting into weddings so she is giving us an amazing deal!

As far as lunch goes, you may want to do the catering through a grocery store in your area. I am not sure if you have them in your area, but the more "upscale" grocery stores such as Kowalski's and Lunds and Byerly's have a really nice variety of fancy sandwiches, hot and cold appetizers, salads, and a small selection of hot entrees in their delis.

This is something that my fiance and I are considering as well. We are having an afternoon "tea reception" with tea sandwiches and appetizers, as well as a variety of iced and sweet teas.

Good luck, hopefully this helped! :)

Unfortunately, if you want great pictures . . . you'll have to pay for them. You could have a friend do it, but why risk it? You'll just have to determine what the most important things are, spend the money there, and do cutbacks on other stuff that you don't really care so much about.

try craigslist.com

Depending on where you live, you might find a photography class or a studio that offers classes. You might be able to arrange something with one of the students? They won't be professionals, but they'd probably have a decent camera and some basic skills. And they'd be cheap.

Just a thought. Our library advertises stuff like that.

check you local papers and craigslist.com for a student photographer. they can be very good and in need of a portfolio. they will not chatge much. its win win for both. as for lunch don't go with the traditional wedding caterer instead call your local restaurants. many do catering. i believe even applebees does. you can get a friend of a friend of a friend (keeps it from getting awkward like if you were to ask a friend who would like to attend instead of help) to come set up during your ceremony if needed

If you give me an idea of your location (state) I might be able to find you something less expensive. In alot of cases with photography you do get what you pay for, but that is not always the case. Always ask to see a portfolio (and keep in mind they will only put their absolute best shots in that) then ask for 2 references from recent weddings (give them time to contact the people and ask if it is ok to share their information with you) then interview the references, ask what they liked about the photographers style and what they didnt, how long did the photographer take to do their photos, ask to see their wedding album, ask if they were able to get their negatives, and ask how long it took for them to get their wedding photos back from the photographer.
If you DO choose to go with a student - talk to the teacher of the class and have them recommend someone near graduation that they think will do a great job and will behave professionally. The teacher should have a good idea who would suit your needs best.

For an inexpensive caterer you should look into grocery stores with a deli that you already like the food from. Other options are sandwich shops (like Subway, Quiznos, or Blimpies) they generally have "party subs" that you can cut down to single servings and not have to fuss.
Feel free to email me for further assistance.

I too need a cheap wedding yet is hard because I come from a real old country christian family. Anyway, here is where i have been looking:

http://wwww.fireyourweddingplanner.com/?...

Hope that helps some.

Also from that site I was told that with photographers do NOT use a wedding one cuz they jack up the price! Go with a baby photographer or some other professional one. Will still cost but less! ;) Hope that helps!

Look for a RETIRED photographer in your area or a photography TEACHER. They will often do photos on the side for very little. They often have TONS of background in photography and do it now as more of a hobby than a career.

I had a huge outdoor wedding and I didn't have a photographer I read in a magazine about how no two people take the same pictures and that what one person thinks is a priceless moment another person just finds boring.I came to the conclusion that I wanted all those pictures,from corney to aw-inspiring and everything in between so each couple received a disposable camera(about $3.50 each at Wal-Mart)before everyone left they dropped the cameras in a specially decorated box.I got much better photos than a photographer would have taken,instead of a wedding gift my bridesmaids each took some of the cameras and had the prints made after the wedding the whole wedding party got together and used our printers and scanners to make copies for everyone in the party and we made matching scrapbooks,we had a blast and made even more memories. Also instead of having a bachelor/bachelorette party we made the most of our time and made all the food for the wedding ourselves as well as the decorations,it was alot of work but we had a blast doing it and everyone said it was much nicer than if we had hired someone else to do it and it made our wedding even more special. Alot of people start their marriage in debt,don't let that happen to you have a beautiful but meaningful wedding that you will cherish forever,if you need any help you can e-mail me directly. CamaroAustin@msn.com.I will be happy to assist you in any way possible to make this day as wonderful and spectacular as it can be.

How about placing disposable cameras on the tables with a note asking your guests to take pictures of the wedding party and then leave the cameras on the tables when they go home. Then you develop them at WalMart cheap and out of all those pictures you should get enough good ones to make a nice wedding album.

As for the food, instead of contacting caterers maybe you could try the local sandwich shop or deli. You'd be surprised. A sandwich shop near me doesn't advertise catering at all, but loves to cater small parties and offers a lot more than just sandwiches. And they are inexpensive!

Best wishes on your wedding!

There are lots of great ideas posted, finding a student photographer and using disposable cameras are definitely worth investigating. Also if you have any family/friends that are handy with a camera - ask around maybe someone know someone that is a hobby photographer.

If you and anyone else you know own a digital camera you could even save the cost of disposable cameras - you would only need to pay to develop the good photo's and you'd get some great candid shots. Having your family and friends involved in taking the photographs is a lovely personal touch.

Goodluck in planning your perfect day.

Ask someone with a good camera to take pictures!!
Find a restuarant you like and take your family and friends, doesnt have to be a catering service.....
the importante thing it's to be a nice day to remember!!

I don't know where you are located but if you are on the east coast of NC, I may be able to help you...if that's your location, email me!

Pictures: I would go to the local college or community college and go that route...it will be a lot cheaper. The thing with the disposable camera...you're gonna get a TON of junk pictures...especially if there are kids there and they aren't monitored...you may get a few really nices ones...

Food: Put the word out that you are looking for someone to do a small luncheon...have your family put the word out too...you may be able to find someone who privately does it. They may LOVE to do things like that and may only charge you for the cost of the food...Note: If they have a nasty kitchen, just say NO. And make sure they know to dress appropriately also for your luncheon...someone who looks less than desireable, may scare the guests regarding eating the food...so...be diplomatic and if you have to, decline the services...Best advice: Go to THEIR home to talk to them about the function...look around...let them know that you have a couple of other options too...so you can gracefully RUN.

Good luck!

I hired a photography student for 2 hours for $50.00. Which included prints and most of the negatives. Good luck.

Seriously - check out craigslist.com and see if anyone is advertising. OR figure out what you are willing to spend on a photographer and put an ad under 'services wanted'.

I found a photographer that doesn't make you buy a package - she gives you the pictures on a CD and you take them wherever you want to have them printed in quantities and sizes you choose.

I love that part of it and she'll be doing my wedding - - up to 8 hours - - for $900.

A good photographer is not cheap.

I don't know where you are from, but if you want a small catered occasion, then a upscale deli would do your catering for you. You could also find a small intimate restaurant that has an all occasion room for parties and you could book it there where they would have the luncheon for you and your guests. It would probably cost you approximately $25 a person. If you want to get a better price for a photographer, try your local college and place an ad on their bulletin board that you are looking for an amatuer photographer to take wedding photos. See what happens. Also ask around for someone who is just starting out and would give you a better price.

Check out your local colleges for photography students. I know a couple that spent about $200.00 and got some really cool "arty" pictures. This kid was all over the place under tables and getting close-ups of interesting details. Some of the coolest wedding photos and the cheapest that I've ever seen. You could also put disposables on everyone's table and hope for the best.