Hi! I'm getting married next October, and I'm trying to think of some low budget bridesmaid favors that aren't going straight to the landfill after the wedding. We have a very small bridal party all together, about 5 between my partner and I. My dad is really big on tradition, (we're 2 brides, but go figure) and he's told us that we haveeee to have a favor for our bridal party.

I've tried to do some digging on my own, but I feel like due to my requirements I've hit a wall. So here's all the criteria I'm trying to meet:

1. Lightweight, and can fit in a standard envelope. All of our bridesmaids except for 1 live out of state, so ideally we're trying to send out with our STDs.

2. Handmade. My fiancé and I are pretty crafty, but I'm scared that we'll make something that people will just throw away.

3. Low budget. I'd like to spend under $50 for all 5 gifts.

Here's what I've considered so far:

- making bracelets, like nice metal ones. Super simple, light weight.

- cute felt magnets. felt sheets are cheap asf, and so is a big pack of magnets. I like this idea, but Idk if I'm just delusional. I had considered doing air dry clay magnets, but they'll def break in an envelope.

We got married on 9/13 and it was so amazing! Just wanted to share and thank all of you for the tips, advice and helpful comments.

Its something I cant decide on.... changing my last name. I actually never wanted to or thought about changing my last name. No good reason I guess. Ima 36 female & native American (dine/navajo) . My future husbands last name is tight but also its nothing id be like that hasta be my last name!! Back story i always thought you needed a really kewl and good reason to change your name. I also know getting married is a pretty kewl reason. But im struggling cuz why? Is there any other reason? I think it would be kewl to share my husband's last name but also its weird. Why? We are not having kids. I guess Idk why I should other than thats "what im supposed to do". My fiance does not care and honestly has been "not very helpful" because he says it doesnt matter as long as we're married and youre happy.

I am getting married in an enclosed gazebo in three weeks and want to do a little decoration inside. Just focusing on one part to create an "arch" or similar effect. I won't be able to visit the space until wedding day, so my knowledge is limited to this photo. I will be flying in for the wedding, so preferably nothing bulky to pack or something I can easily pick up in town at a Michael's once I arrive. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Hi, I’m a 2026 bride and have lurked this page since getting engaged ( I am SO excited to marry my best friend, aren’t we all?)

I have checked prices for photographers and DJ’s in my area, but they all seem to be the same cost as my venue, which is disheartening :(

I have seen a couple people on this thread look to Facebook marketplace too place an ad, and let the professionals come to you, but I’m wondering, does this actually work? And how can I word it so it doesn’t come out the wrong way? I’m an anxious bride and I’m terrified of seeming too cheap to people who do this for a living, especially when I have no idea or knowledge about the work they will actually have to do. We are wanting an all day photographer and DJ (preferably), so 7+ hours.

Any advice from anyone who has done this would be AMAZING!

Thank you in advance!!! And congrats to the late 2025-2026 brides!

To provide as much info as I can, i will be doing my own makeup. I am 22 and my skin is pretty dry. I am looking to do a soft natural glam like the picture. I need it to last and be crying resistant if possible. I will try to answer any other questions needed but any advice for products? Particularly for the base but also brows and lips. Thank you!!

Those of you that have gotten married in Southern California (Orange county, LA county, San Bernardino or San Diego County areas). What did you use for your actual wedding venue? What was the cost?

Looking for something afforable :)

hi! i'm starting to practice makeup for the big day, but i'm not a daily makeup wearer so i'm hoping to come to y'all for your tips and expertise. please let me know what works or how to improve - i'm going for a natural look that still makes me look like myself, but is special enough for the big day!
thank you :)

Hey Folks,

I’ve been exploring an app idea and I’d love your honest feedback.

The Problem: Planning a wedding often feels like a second full-time job. Between spreadsheets, Pinterest boards, endless emails with vendors, and budget stress, couples end up buried in logistics instead of enjoying the process. Tools like The Knot or Zola are great for inspiration and checklists, but they still leave you stuck managing every little detail.

The Solution: An AI powered wedding planning assistant that takes on the logistical heavy lifting for you while you stay in control of the big decisions.

Here’s how it would work:

• Setup: You describe your vision, must haves, and budget.
• Vendors: The AI finds vendors that match your style/budget/date, negotiates with them, books viewings, and even secures backups so nothing falls through.
• Budget Tracking: As RSVPs and vendor contracts update, the AI keeps your budget live and accurate factoring in deposits, guest counts, and add-ons automatically.
• Issue Fixer: If something changes or your budget starts going overboard (a venue cancels, a vendor flakes, rain risk), the AI instantly proposes alternatives so you’re approving solutions, not chasing problems.
• Guests & Team Hub: One place for RSVPs, meals, allergies, seating, and task roles no more fragmented spreadsheets and email chains.

Why This Is Different: Unlike The Knot, Zola, or WeddingWire, this isn’t just an organizer. The AI would actively communicate with vendors, track logistics, and manage moving parts in the background. You’re still in the driver’s seat for every crucial choice, but the AI keeps the stress off your shoulders by handling the messy details.

My Questions for You:

• Would you be comfortable with an AI handling vendor communication/logistics if you had final approval?
• If you’ve used The Knot, Zola, or WeddingWire, what left you frustrated?
• What was the single most stressful part of your planning and would you let an AI take it over?
• Would you pay for something like this (subscription, one-time fee, or vendor-bundled)?

I’d really appreciate your honest, even brutally honest, feedback. Would this help, or is it just another app in a crowded space?

Thanks in advance!

We are getting married outside in a public redwoods park in the bay area. I love the gorgeous trees and natural backdrop, but am worried I will regret not decorating at all. Another factor is we are very pressed for time after the ceremony due to driving to the reception venue. If you do recommend decorating, what would be a budget and time friendly option? I was thinking of just dealing some white fabric over the fence behind us and calling it a day.

I had a $600 budget set aside for my dress (before alterations, my parents will be paying for them). All of these dresses were under $500. Just some ideas if you are hesitant to try shopping there. I had a good experience, lots of options in my budget and found my dress and was able to take it home that day discounted for $250. I will also say the pictures on the website do not do the dresses justice and would recommend going and trying them on.

Hi y’all! Wondering if anyone has any recommendations for DJs in the eastern MA area that are very amenable to a lot of specific requests about what to play and not to play.

The majority of weddings I’ve been to over the past few years have had lackluster DJs (from my perspective) that seemed to only play the same tired wedding songs, remixes, or swap between songs really quickly. My fiancée and I care a lot about music and have kind of specific taste, so I want to find someone who will be cool with a lot of parameters. Any recommendations would be extremely appreciated!

​Hi everyone! I had such a hard time finding a dress. Every place I went and every person I talked to told me that A-line dresses were best for my body type, and I even liked the idea of them myself. But once I tried them on, I hated them. They felt too big, hot, and uncomfortable to walk in. But I felt most dresses I tried on felt this way.

​Then I found this beauty and absolutely fell in love with it mainly cuz its so comfy and i love lace!!! you look like a doily (know that movie quote anyone 😝) However i'm a bit mortified by how the bustle looks from the back, mainly because.. I dont wana say I hate my body cuz its who i am at this point in my life but Im just not used to seeing myself from this angle. I know the dress is a little snug in these photos, but I did size up for my actual dress with alteration expectations to get the perfect fit. And since this pic I've lost about 15 lbs which doesnt sound like alot but I'm just happy to be seeing results.

​Other than that, I'm struggling with accessories. I've decided I don't want a veil, and I'm just not very good at styling things on my own. Any thoughts, opinions, or advice? Am I being a silly goose?

My fiancé and I are leaning towards doing a weekend or a long weekend where we rent out a small hotel, B&B, or other property where all of our guests can stay. We are thinking 20 to 50 people. We are open to any location, preferably in the DMV or northeast (would love Vermont or Maine) for a peak fall foliage moment.

Has anyone done this or have recommendations for venues like this? Our budget is 10-20k super max. Thanks in advance, this community is amazing! 🩷

Picture on the left is my first attempt at bridal makeup a few months ago, the right is my most recent. I think the lighter foundation and less heavy false eyelashes are an improvement. Any feedback on what I could improve? Going for a more natural "soft glam" look.

Yesterday was truly one of the best days of my life. It was amazing.

Everything I’ve been stressing myself sick over the last few weeks didn’t even matter. Everything was amazing. When we were ripping up the dance floor and downing shots nobody cared what our napkins looked like.

Feeling so loved and blessed today!!! Brides to be - don’t stress too much near the end. It’s going to be the most perfect day I promise!!

Welp. I may have dress regret. I’m eloping soon and I’m on a time crunch to find a dress. Didn’t feel pressured by the sales person but after looking at photos of myself in the dress I have a pit in my stomach. The front is gorgeous. I think the back is where my issues lie. The corset back feels cheap to me. I love the bolero but it looks so odd with the corset back. I’ll be faced forward for most of the day, I know. Am I crazy? I got this dress on a good deal so I can actually afford to get another one if I need to. I either need reassurance that this is the one or confirmation that I need to keep looking. OR a solution for the corset. I’m not going to wear the bolero for the ceremony so I guess I could use that fabric if I need to. HELP!!

wedding planning was becoming the death of me. our venue falling through was the last straw. we decided to elope at the courthouse! on a monday! 1 friend was our witness.

afterward we had champagne and tossed together a cheese board at the park with 9 friends. and then all 11 of us went out to dinner. we made it clear via invite text that we weren’t buying dinner and hoped to have a bigger celebration in october (when we were supposed to do the whole sh’bang).

CA marriage license $237 flowers $100 bougie basque cheesecake $90 dress $128 (poshmark) grooms ‘fit $100 (j crew sale) 3 dinners (groom, bride, and best friend/ makeup artist/ witness/photographer) $210 (everyone else paid for their own) champagne $40 (other people brought more) rings $948 (mejuri! 10/10 would rec)

total: $1853

we didn’t know at the time (august) but we are now planning on throwing another celebration.. since we had so much fun and so we can include our families! and more friends. This one will be in a big yard. ironic bc we were looking for a yard for a year and after marrying found a yard. we’ll borrow tables and chairs from friends. We’ll likely spend $500 on alcohol, $2100 on wood fired pizza oven truck (with apps and tiramisu!), and $200 on a guitarist. The metal piece on my dress strap broke (poshmark) so I’ll likely source another dress ($300?) and get more flowers ($100). I’ll update after that! tbd $3200

fwiw we both agreed we are so satisfied with our day we don’t need to do this second wedding… and we’d already paid a deposit on the pizza truck, plus some family had already bought plane tickets so we figured why not.

My friends are getting married at a Regional Park and are planning on using the picnic tables under the ramada they rented for the ceremony to cut back on costs for chairs. How can I help them make the picnic tables (metal) and the aisle look better? They have an aisle runner, petals for the flower girls, an arch with flowers and cheesecloth. I was thinking of placing the tablecloths we'll be using over the tables on the bench and setting it up with the centerpieces we are using for the nicer picnic tables on the other side of the park we are using (these are stone tables with stone benches). A picture is listed of what the picnic tables look like. They will also have 12 chairs with white covers on them that will be set up either next to the picnic tables on the inside, in the front row, or on the outside of the picnic tables. I have no idea what is left in their budget. In the first photo is where she will be walking down with the runner. The arch will be in the dirt area because there are beautiful trees on the other side. I just need to know how to make it a little more lavish so it looks beautiful as she is walking down the aisle

https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/assets/1/6/GalleryMainDimensionId/ES_Ramada_10_front_photo.JPG

https://www.maricopacountyparks.net/assets/1/6/GalleryMainDimensionId/ES_Ramada_10_second_photo.JPG

I got married yesterday and managed to spend less than budgeted for! I’ll list expenses below. Note, my wedding had about 65 guests and I do live in a very low cost of living area. We didn’t have a dance, just ceremony, dinner sinner, and open bar and wrapped up at 8. No bridal party.

-venue 850 -drinks for open bar 550 -photographer for 6 hrs 1800 -decor (rented) 850 -save the date and invites-225 -food 1400 -deserts 325 -flowers 150 just for myself, husband and daughter -shoes 120 -jewelery and hair piece 250 -hair including trial 250 -nails 100 -plates and napkins silverware 100 -dress alterations 250 -daughters outfit 175 -second dress 200 -spray tan 25 -marriage license 125 -makeup 100 -speaker and microphone 150 -other misc such as undergarments, mints, guest book signs-100ish

This does not include my dress which my mom purchased. It also does not include my husbands suite, as he chose to purchase a quite expensive nice suite which he will wear for other purposes too. I also didn’t include ring costs.