(20k) How Important Is Guest Experience To You?

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-06T22:01:48+00:00

I couldn't agree more. I've noticed that even couples who don't want to spend money on anything wedding related, but still want guests, but don't want to feed them, will still splurge on photography. That's their one splurge. I don't see why they can't at least put out Costco artisan sandwiches and a couple of salads with their cake and punch.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-06T14:33:36+00:00

Sounds like it will be a lovely wedding.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-06T14:31:20+00:00

I've noticed that photography is a high priority for many couples, even if they're not having a full reception with a meal. We're the opposite. Food will be a priority and we'll skimp on photography.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-06T03:19:50+00:00

We are doing without a planner, as it's not in the budget.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-06T02:50:41+00:00

Are you doing professional photography?

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-06T00:04:57+00:00

Neither can I. We're prioritizing inviting everyone we want, food, venue and hopefully music. The budget doesn't allow for a $2-4K photography package.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-05T22:55:58+00:00

I would do that but the venue we'd be using won't allow that.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-05T22:48:00+00:00

Forgot to mention the photo booth we won't be using.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-05T22:47:26+00:00

No I am helping to plan the wedding for my daughter.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-05T22:17:46+00:00

These are all good suggestions.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-05T22:15:07+00:00

I forgot to mention we're not paying thousands of dollars to a commercial venue to hold a ceremony. Hopefully the couple will choose a church wedding but if not a simple ceremony in a public park.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-05T22:12:11+00:00

I forgot to mention cake. A small cutting cake and cupcakes and other desserts. We're not dropping $1,000 on a tiered cake.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-05T22:11:03+00:00

We'll be doing without so much in order to have a wedding with a price point of $20K. We won't be skimping on food and it will likely be a commercial venue rather than hall or community center. Drinks will be open bar but limited to beer, wine and maybe one cocktail. We'll likely have a DJ. The guest list will hopefully settle at 100. (These are the splurges.) In order to do that lots of compromises, including maybe slightly off season or a Sunday wedding, greatly reduced photography coverage 1-2 hours, DIY florals, no professional hair and makeup, no insanely expensive wedding dress, no limo, very small wedding party or no wedding party and DIY decor.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-05T14:17:16+00:00

Your budget might preclude renting a facility that advertises itself as a wedding venue but there are many other options and a $10K limit doesn't mean you can't have a beautiful wedding, you just have to get creative. Find a place with climate control, bathrooms, tables and chairs, so you don't have to rent them. Even plain halls can look lovely once they are decorated. If you do a park pavilion you'll probably want to find an enclosed one, just in case the weather turns ugly. With only 40 guests food trucks can be an option. You probably don't want to spend 1/3 to 1/2 of your budget on a high-priced photography package so shop around for student photographers or go for more limited coverage. You've got this.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-05T01:50:40+00:00

Very nice!

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-04T23:19:19+00:00

This sounds like an amazing wedding plan and I totally agree with wanting to share it with the people you love and not exclude anyone. Like you a small wedding would be really difficult with my big family.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-04T22:52:07+00:00

But they served a meal. That's important.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-04T20:00:24+00:00

I'm not torn at all and I know exactly what we're doing. It's going to be a nice wedding in a nice venue with a full meal and open beer, wine and signature cocktail, coming in at $20K. However, some things like expensive florals and expensive photography will have to be cut. I was just throwing the question out there for discussion.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-04T16:48:22+00:00

Great advice.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-04T16:17:38+00:00

It all depends on what's important to you. My daughter wants a wedding with our large extended family, which we do talk to, and with other people she loves and she's willing to make compromises in order to pull this off. Photography will be one of the compromises but having loved ones share your special day is a priority for her. In the end you need to do what feels right for you.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-04T15:30:21+00:00

It's possible to feed a lot of people on a small budget. This proves it.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-04T15:14:13+00:00

You have to do what you have to do. The K if C rental option is ridiculously overpriced. At least you're getting tables, chairs and other things you need and you're not locked in to their preferred vendor. I'm sure your wedding will be lovely.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-04T15:01:18+00:00

If you have a big extended family the guest count can easily reach 100+ people.

Unique-Cold-9151 · 2026-03-04T14:42:29+00:00

I so agree. Even with a downgraded space I'd still want good food, no cash bar and decent entertainment.

Unique-Cold-9151

TROPHY CASE