Wedding Budget

We've made a decison

I too have a tight budget so I understand you wanting to cut back where you can.  I don't know how if you have tons of supportive friends and family who would be willing to prepare, cook, transport, serve, and clean up all of that food.  I know I didn't.  It would be waaaaaaaay too much stress on me to try to deal with it.  Instead we found a cheap caterer ($15/plate).  To me, that was a much better option to take stress off of me on our special day.  I want to do nothing but wake up, get pretty, and show up!  :D  I really don't want to be dealing with the last minute stresses...and you know there are going to be many!  Instead of cutting back so much on the caterer, we cut in other areas.  I am getting a knock-off dress made, we have found a cheap hall that is nice and simple, I am making the invitations, and DIY for all the decor.  We will not have a limo, will be keeping the number of guests small, etc. etc.  

So to sum it up: unless you have an OVERWHELMINGLY helpful set of friends and family who would be willing to help you, I would try to find ways to cut your budget in other ways.  :D

Our budget is 5k. I found a few family members that are willing to help with the food, I'll be making our wedding cake, and desserts. If you plan everything out right you shouldn't be to stressed out, get how ever many members to help you with food prep, and assign them tasks to do. If your organized it runs alot smoother.

I agree with mrsgap. I wouldn't want to be stressed out on my day either. Definitely check with your family and friends if they can help out. If you aren't able to get the help then look for an inexpensive caterer. Just keep it simple :)

feel what you all are saying but Fh is so picky about what he eats and who makes it thats why he suggested us finding someone to make the food

I am also o a very tight buget. We look at all are menu options an decide a brunch buffet is the way to go. Yes that means you are not expected to to have an open bar. Brunch buffets range from $10- $15 a plate. Also try host your wedding at a Bed and Breakfast. The staff can help usually for free and it is usually less expensive to host weddings there. You will be just fine and life will go on if a few things are dropped.

Hi hun!!  
Cool to see another Houston bride!!!!
1st of all, $7,000 is a very respectable budget honey.  You can totallllly have a great wedding with all that CASH!!!
I understand tight budget, believe me.  I think I posted this somewhere else but Here's What I've done to cut costs on our wedding.....
1.  *WEDDING IS ON A FRIDAY NIGHT* - instead of Saturday.  Saved us OVER 1800 bucks!  I decided to go with it and make a whole Friday night, swanky, night lounge, candlelight kinda feel for the reception!!
2.  *ALMOST NO FLOWERS* - the only flowers will be a few for the ceremony and my bouquet.  Flowers can be verrry expensive.  Candles and other artificial light (be sure to check with venue on their candle/flame policy.  Each one seems to have a diff one).
3.  *SMALL GUEST LIST* - of only 75 guests.  I feel we can do more for these close family members and very best friends than we can for 150-200 ppl we just "know".  
4.  *NO LIMO* - the venue has a bridal suite.  Why would I need a limo when I'm only going to be wearing a bride tshirt and shorts?  Nope, we're renting a hot convertible for our summer night wedding!!!
5.  *GOING GREEN* - save the dates were done by phone, Facebook, and our wedding website.  Of course we are sending formal invitations by mail later.
6.  *LOTS OF OTHER STUFF* - but I know this is long enough.  Tee hee...GOOD LUCK HUN!!!!!

Oh yeah...I saw your comment on my blog about the venue.  We've booked the Chateau Crystale in SW Houston on Gessner.  We visited it at first and liked it, but didn't love it.  We just walked in w out an appointment so they invited us back to their open house so we could see everything and it was amazzzing!!!  I was the same way about the food as your FI, I wanted a specific caterer and had only planned on booking the venue w/out catering (which is an option with them too).  But the food was ***DELICIOUS***, OMMMMMGG!!!  And so much of it!!!!  So we booked catering too.  So excited!!!

@katieebee thanks for all the tips.... and yeah i liked the crystle too expect that damn HORSE!!! lol hahaha i was laughing so hard.. i was feeling them but i wasnt but i missed the open house a couple of weeks ago so i missed out on the tasting i started to go but just being lazy!! but i have to other places in mind one has everything i will need including a bridal suite and the other doesnt i dont know still searching for my venue and how to save some money  but keep in touch and share a deal matter of fact fav me girl and thanks again for tha ideas

thanks to everyone for the great ideas we will figure it out eventually lol smiley face