New Jersey Wedding?!

[Terk29]

Hey Guys,
I live in Jersey and I was wondering what Jersey Brides have paid for their weddings. Has anyone had a wedding in Jersey for under $5,000 or under $10,000? If so what did you cut, sacrifice or have to do yourself. I am a bit new to this site, so if anyone knows of any previous posts as well that could also be helpful. You guys are the best.
If you don't live in Jersey, but your costs were under these or will be less than these I would love your input as well.
Thanks!!
~Erin~

[soontobemrs]

Hello, congratulations and welcome to OW! I'm a recent Jersey bride and I think one of the major expenses we cut were flowers. I bought all the flowers at a clearance sale at Michael's and my cousin made all the bouquets - She made 5 bouquets and the total cost was $60. Other than that, the most expensive thing was the hall and we paid approximately $8,000.00 for that (included DJ, Cake, centerpieces and food and we downgraded the bar to a Beer, Wine and Soda bar with the option to pay for mixed drinks which knocked off $4 per person). I also went to David's Bridal in Jersey during one of their sales and got my dress, slip, veil and bra for $699 and did not have to pay tax on it. My only suggestion is I would recommend not going to the Mens Warehouse for tuxes inside the Moorestown Mall. We got a good deal on them but they were awful! I just recently got my pro pics so I will post some!

I also want you to know that the ladies and gent on this site are wonderful. If you ever feel like you are forgetting something or need an honest opinion, you will definitely find it here. No question will ever go unanswered..:D

[burnsgirl001]

hey girl! i'm a (south) jersey bride too! yay. its so much fun to find girls that are in the same boat!
unfortunately i probably dont have very much helpful budget advice, since my wedding's not until August 22, 2009 and havent done much yet.
what i can say is, a huge chunk of our budget is going to the reception food and open bar. i'm sure there are more budget-friendly ways of doing things than what we did- booking a place. maybe check out afternoon weddings instead of evening, check out "off" days like friday or sunday. these ladies all have amazing ideas for saving money.
i know when we booked our reception place, we got a dessert spread thrown in for free because we booked in an "off" month (august) becuase they are usually slow during that month. we also got an extra half hour open bar free because we booked within a month of our first meeting. just talk to vendors and see what you can get them to do for you.
anyways, i am soo excited for you!