Wedding, reception, photography w/ open bar and view of fireworkd on 4th of July 2009... LESS THAN $5,000?

Hi. i'm getting married in California or Nevada on July 4, 2009. We want a late afternoon ceremony and an early evening reception (to see some fireworks). We would like to have photography, a beer and wine bar, and a nice dinner for our guests... 3-4 hour reception. We're looking anywhere in Northern California or maybe in Reno/Tahoe. We have 50-60 guests and would like to pay no more than $5,000 out the door.

Any suggestions? Thanks for your help!

Doable, but not easy. Your bride will have to find a VERY inexpensive dress. You will probably have to do the decorations and flower's yourselves. Also, consider the print-it-yourself invitations you can get at Target or Michael's.

Good Luck

well, first, yes, it's completely doable. like you said, there will already be fireworks. if you do heavy apps and wine/beer, i can't imagine it would be more that that.

we're doing a prime rib meal for 100 ppl for about that.

That's gonna be a tough one. You probably need to figure at least $8 per person for the beverages, minimum $10 for food, cost of cake min $200, flowers $500, dress 100 if she gets it at a davids bridal sale, photography min $500 and venue rental....? Tahoe is a resort town and prices are jacked up for that kind of thing. You could probably do it if you just had Cake and drinks and maybe small appetizers late in the evening just in time for the fireworks.

best wishes.................

The bottom line price is just barely o.k. What about the rental of a place to have the reception? Better plan extra for that. Catering? Did you figure in some bouquets for wife and attendants? There's alot to consider with a wedding.

You can probably get the hall and catering with open bar for aorund $5000, but that won't include the DJ and photographer. Photographers are pretty expensive. You may find a place that will have a pcakage deal with all that included but I doubt you will find it for under $5000.

You can ask for a buffet verse a sit down dinner that should save you money. Instead of a full open bar you can have open beer, wine and soft drinks. You could call around to photography schools or ask around to see if anyone you know has any friends who are photographers, DJ's etc. I know that saved me a ton of money!! IN order to save money adn stay under budget you are going to have to make a ton of phone calls and don't be afraid to ask for a deal!

Good luck!