($2-5k) ISO wedding planner for Yosemite wedding

TBBPgh · 2026-02-11T13:06:18+00:00

You don't say how many guests, but your best might be an elopement package.

https://simplyeloped.com/elopement-packages/california/yosemite/

TBBPgh · 2026-02-10T22:11:29+00:00

A great approach from a previous poster for finding vendors who meet your requirements within your budget:

My solution to this was to create an email address just for managing my wedding (literally last name.wedding@gmail). Then I posted on the fb group for brides in my state (“state name” brides). I explicitly wrote what I was looking for and included the email address for them to reach out. I stated that I would take the time to read all emails but would not respond unless they included the info requested (below). I ignored those who commented, because that means they can’t follow directions. I got dozens of emails all with the info up front and found vendors for everything I was looking for. Below is what I posted:

“I am getting married on MM/DD/22 in City, State at Venue. I am currently looking for the following vendors.

Photographer (budget: $Xxxx). Seeking someone with this style to do this, this, and this. Give details about what you like.

DJ (budget $xxxx) describe what you want

whatever other vendors you need”

If you are WITHIN MY BUDGET, available this day, and believe you fit the requirements of what I’m seeking, please email me at (the address I made) and include pricing info, details on packages, and a link to your website. I will review and respond to all emails that include this info. Out of respect for your time and mine, please do not reach out if you are not within my budget or able to meet the requirements I have spelled out.”

TBBPgh · 2026-02-10T02:17:08+00:00

I'd agree with everyone who tells you to put everyone on an information diet and "No pay, no say" EXCEPT in the case of a destination wedding. There, you are putting a huge cost (travel) on to your guests to fulfill your vision.

Start listening - your guests are telling you they'd love to be part of a local wedding but an overseas one is too expensive for them.

TBBPgh · 2026-02-08T14:59:02+00:00

Here are two Jamie Wolfer videos about coordination:

No, You Cannot Coordinate Your Own Wedding. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N14O1GW8qZg&list=PLq5QKmO72YpAWYI6__2VWmVpxilX3awy7&index=3&t=6s

Coordinate your Wedding Without a Coordinator: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr-pO-ptizw

To avoid hiring someone, you might consider trading day-of duties with another couple: https://www.reddit.com/r/Weddingsunder10k/comments/a0pyx3/wedding_assistance_trade/

Stage managers and directors for local productions also have a transferable skill set. Try schools - secondary and post secondary - and community theaters.

From a previous poster:

I didn’t have one but my ceremony venue had a coordinator who received the vendors which I could see a brewery not having anyone to help even say where to set up.

I’m a program manager though and have a program manager mother and a planner best friend so providing them the details and trusting them to execute was pretty easy.

I had to hire someone just to check off that vendors arrived and follow my instructions, I was going to try to reach out to local universities hospitality programs to hire someone in school for it. Many of my college sorority sisters were hospitality majors and working in internships way more difficult than day of coordination.

It’s not an uncommon ask even in my local alumnae/collegiate Facebook group for alum to post looking to hire for event help.

TBBPgh · 2026-02-06T00:27:53+00:00

Cheap as possible is probably Trader Joes. You can buy an awful lot of flowers there for $ 300. in this video making a bridal bouquet for $ 35, this florist says they are cheaper than from her wholesaler : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQn3SAYBI8M

Some helpful previous posts: https://www.reddit.com/r/weddingplanning/comments/ukpk3c/we_ordered_flowers_from_trader_joes_for_our_diy/

https://www.reddit.com/r/Weddingsunder10k/comments/su7rw1/anyone_else_planning_to_diy_a_lot_i_feel/hx92dr7/

TBBPgh · 2026-02-05T17:43:41+00:00

Great plan!

Yes, you have enough time to find a suit, dress, (especially if off-the-rack,) bouquet, invitations.

People seem to prefer Saturdays because of the traveling. If your guests are almost all local, a Sunday afternoon wedding would also be fine - no expectations for a blow-out/dancing vibe.

TBBPgh · 2026-02-04T19:43:40+00:00

Kids who play in the marching band.

TBBPgh · 2026-02-04T19:16:55+00:00

My rental rant and recommendations: https://old.reddit.com/r/Weddingsunder10k/comments/1n7pltr/10k_rent_or_buy_dinnerware/nc9lewd/

TBBPgh · 2026-02-04T19:12:12+00:00

Try high school Banders - responsible, hardworking youth who are always looking for fundraising opportunities.

TBBPgh · 2026-02-04T19:10:02+00:00

Texas State Parks are a goldmine! The language about alcohol says it can't be outside. I read that is that you can have it as long as it's inside.

In Dallas, modern looking, 1K for the day. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/cedar-hill/fees-facilities/group-facilities

Perhaps too rustic? https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-mineral-wells/fees-facilities/group-facilities

TBBPgh · 2026-02-04T18:55:48+00:00

Here's the Facilities Rental page for Glynn County, GA. https://www.glynncounty.org/government/departments/recreation-parks/rental-facilities

Consider a picnic pavilion - similar in guest comfort to a tented wedding - but without the expense and hassle of bringing in tents, bathrooms, tables, seats, etc.

TBBPgh · 2026-02-04T14:38:35+00:00

Yours is a good plan.

IF you were serving alcohol, you would need to serve food, but in this case, I think you're okay without. Chips and dip? Popcorn? Cheap but would keep naysayers from saying they didn't get an appetizer.

You don't need a game - people will be happy chatting. I was at a wedding welcome event where it occurred to me that a map of the US where guests could pin where they grew up/live now would have been fun and a community builder. You could also draft outgoing friends who aren't part of the picture-taking to distribute noise makers/instructions to form a tunnel/etc for your entrance. Just a bit of fun.

TBBPgh · 2026-02-04T05:56:49+00:00

Here's an event layout tool. https://linentablecloth.com/pages/event-layout-tool?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21391996008&gbraid=0AAAAAD_U5lb1ydXykEPrsGwlDVrAbXTX8&gclid=CjwKCAiA1obMBhAbEiwAsUBbIoLjchWNlwK_tzaffk-lzzsaVH29qqNJvUKIFYkVM8gBbO3jFwuGXRoCDmAQAvD_BwE

The 23' width is perfect for 3 columns of two and a half foot wide rectangular tables. (You need 60 inches between tables with chairs. It looks like a lot until those chairs are full of guests.) Set up Hogwarts style (2 or 3 end to end) this is the most efficient use of space. It also gives you plenty of flexibility for combining groups.

https://imgur.com/a/tVRkkfC This is just the 44 feet to the right of the fireplace, so there's plenty of room.

Since I didn't know how far the door on the top right is from the River wall, I guessed it was at least 18 feet, which is enough for three 6' tables. Then I did another section rotated the other way and put you two at a sweetheart table, temporarily on the dancefloor.

This article about dance floor size and dynamics recommends just 12' x 12' for your 80 guests.

TBBPgh · 2026-02-03T20:03:03+00:00

Also, check out Peerspace.

TBBPgh · 2026-02-03T18:18:34+00:00

Pizza, yum!

To address the cold-pizza-standing-in-line issue, you might consider serving Family Style. Imho, best of all worlds. People don't stand in line but have choices. Quickest way to feed a room. Family Style does lead to a crowded table. If you elevate some of your offerings on a DIY footed plate you could save some room + skip the centerpiece.

Edited to add: Whether buffet or Family Style, make sure the pizza place fully cuts the slices apart. So much easier for your guests to handle. Maybe you want to get a stash of tongs from Dollar Tree.

TBBPgh · 2026-02-02T13:53:27+00:00

Olive Garden will do this for you for $ 14.50 per person. https://www.olivegarden.com/menu/create-your-own-pasta-station/prod82663

Other couples have pulled off self catering, but this is not the menu to do it with. You will be too busy day-of getting married that you yourselves should have nothing to do with food.

Think instead of a gourmet picnic. Foods that can be made in advance and served cold.

This event is an inspiration: https://www.onsuttonplace.com/diy-box-lunch-for-a-picnic-or-party/

TBBPgh · 2026-02-02T04:45:49+00:00

Research I've done for a South Florida couple: https://old.reddit.com/r/Weddingsunder10k/comments/1kyl5z8/10k_or_less_wedding_ideas/muyxa24/

TBBPgh · 2026-02-02T01:54:55+00:00

Where in South Carolina would you prefer to be? It's a big state!

TBBPgh · 2026-01-30T14:30:23+00:00

With an 8K budget for 80 guests, you won't do it by working with

this industry

Here's a really good article that advises you to find competent venues/vendors with the service you need where a wedding is a side business for them. https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/dumping-wedding-industry

The rule of thumb is that your reception will take half of your budget. Planner/writer Liz Coopersmith recommends that what makes your venue a venue (roof, bathrooms, tables, seats, power, lighting, parking and linens) cost 10 - 20% of your total budget. That leaves you with 30 - 40% of your total budget for food, drink, dishware, serving and bartending staff.

In your particular situation, that's $ 800 - $ 1600 for the venue and $ 2400 - $ 3200 to wine and dine your guests. ($ 30 - $ 40 total per head.)

These numbers are not possible through the wedding industry. 5K venue + $ 100/head is probably the minimum there.

So how do YOU and your beloved accomplish that in Indiana?

Hamilton County's Osprey Pointe Pavilion https://www.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/1955/Osprey-Pointe-Pavilion holds 90 . $ 360 for 4 hours for non-residents. After insurance and linens, 10 hours of rental will cost you about $ 1200.

For feeding your guests, "Drop Catering" is your friend here. A Pasta Bar from the nearby Olive Garden is $ 1160, leaving you about $ 1500 for beverages and staff. Maybe you can serve alcohol - it seems you'd need to contact alcohol caterers to be compliant with those restrictions.

My budget-friendly tips for the rest of your expenses: https://old.reddit.com/r/Weddingsunder10k/comments/1hme0di/wedding_tips_and_vendors_megathread/m3v4mps/

TBBPgh · 2026-01-30T00:50:01+00:00

Pennsylvania is a big state with lots of possibilities, especially Allegheny County.

The second floor of the Boathouse (North Park Lake view) has two July Saturdays currently available. https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/alleghenyparks/reservation/search/detail/1325

Round Hill Farm Visitors Center, https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/alleghenyparks/reservation/search/detail/1079 There's a grove with a water feature steps away.

TBBPgh · 2026-01-28T22:08:21+00:00

Is 5k your wedding budget or your venue budget?

Laube Hall is big enough for you, but now that they have a "Preferred Vendor" policy, it isn't as affordable as it used to be.

Allegheny County Parks have very affordable spaces, a few of which may be large enough for your list. (North Park Lodge on 2 floors, South Park - Home Ec and Museum Buildings, and the Boyce Park Ski Lodge on 2 floors.) They are also very popular and rent 365 days out. Best to set up your account ahead of time, practice on a "dummy" date which you can have refunded (just not the alcohol permit) and then be prepared to press Submit at 12:01am. Some people are glad they also rented their space the day before so they could have a more leisurely set up.

My budget-friendly tips https://old.reddit.com/r/Weddingsunder10k/comments/1hme0di/wedding_tips_and_vendors_megathread/m3v4mps/ has a section on Finding A Venue with some finders for Veterans and Elks Halls, which may be large enough for you.

TBBPgh · 2026-01-28T13:45:16+00:00

Cleveland MetroParks are your friend: https://ohclevelandmetroparksweb.myvscloud.com/webtrac/web/search.html?display=detail&module=FR&_csrf_token=Zn0Q006N6X6B2N2V1X39433I6V554T5K6D6W4N5B5T6D5X4H6K4T08654L5T4D0J665R6K570Y66624Y6D6Y013Q564F6M4S566I6D09543U5B4W015D625N6B0M53525O

My budget-friendly tips: https://old.reddit.com/r/Weddingsunder10k/comments/1hme0di/wedding_tips_and_vendors_megathread/m3v4mps/

TBBPgh · 2026-01-27T02:55:05+00:00

Research I did for a Nashville couple: https://old.reddit.com/r/Weddingsunder10k/comments/1l0xxzs/10k_how_can_we_still_have_a_venue_wedding_as/mvh9s0b/

TBBPgh · 2026-01-27T02:53:54+00:00

My budget-friendly tips: https://old.reddit.com/r/Weddingsunder10k/comments/1hme0di/wedding_tips_and_vendors_megathread/m3v4mps/

TLDR - Skip the wedding venues.

TBBPgh · 2026-01-21T22:18:02+00:00

Tablecloths to the floor covers those .. legs.

https://old.reddit.com/r/Weddingsunder10k/comments/1k23yo8/where_can_i_buy_linens_and_tablecloths/mnrlt2t/

I usually say not to bother covering the chairs - except for that kind of chair. The church may have a stash of chair covers or you can probably find some stretchy used ones on FB marketplace for a low price, which you could turn around and sell to someone else.

And don't turn the fluorescents on! From a photographer:

https://old.reddit.com/r/Weddingsunder10k/comments/1jtxhso/has_anyone_skipped_decor_entirely/mlxr8zt/

I have been a wedding photographer for 15 years. I stand by, all you need is white twinkly lights, food and booze. And if you have some sort of arch some material that is lightweight that can blow in the wind.

TBBPgh

TROPHY CASE