PLANNING YOUR WEDDING ON A BUDGET
Where Do You Begin?
I’m excited to share a sneak peek of something new I’ve been building behind the scenes.
Very soon, I’ll be launching Budget Wedding Hub
A new planning resource for couples who want to plan a beautiful wedding without overspending.
After years of helping couples plan self-catered, budget-friendly weddings—from small gatherings to celebrations with hundreds of guests—I saw a clear need for a smarter, more practical way to plan. One place where real experience, clear guidance, and modern tools come together.
That’s what Budget Wedding Hub is designed to be.
When it launches, you’ll find:
• Budget-first planning tools and calculators
• DIY-friendly worksheets and timelines
• Straightforward guidance based on real-world experience
• AI-powered planning prompts to help you think through decisions faster
• Resources that grow with you as your planning progresses
The site is not open just yet, but it’s coming together quickly. I’ll be sharing early access, free planning resources, and launch updates with this list first.
If you’re newly engaged—or know someone who is—watch this space. Budget Wedding Hub is almost ready.
More details coming very soon.
Very soon, I’ll be launching Budget Wedding Hub — a new planning resource created specifically for couples who want to plan a beautiful wedding without overspending.
After years of helping couples plan self-catered, budget-friendly weddings—from small gatherings to celebrations with hundreds of guests—I saw a clear need for a smarter, more practical way to plan. One place where real experience, clear guidance, and modern tools come together.
That’s what Budget Wedding Hub is designed to be.
When it launches, you’ll find:
• Budget-first planning tools and calculators
• DIY-friendly worksheets and timelines
• Straightforward guidance based on real-world experience
• AI-powered planning prompts to help you think through decisions faster
• Resources that grow with you as your planning progresses
The site is not open just yet, but it’s coming together quickly. I’ll be sharing early access, free planning resources, and launch updates with this list first.
If you’re newly engaged—or know someone who is—watch this space. Budget Wedding Hub is almost ready.
More details coming very soon.
“We can’t be expected to know how to do something that we have never done before.”
Source Unknown
Planning to Cater Your Own Wedding?
Fortunately, All the Information You Need Will Be Right Here.
- Have planning and organizing tools at your fingertips, arranged in a chronological sequence.
- Use my AI Prompts to locate a variety of available venues in your area.
- Complete a simple questionnaire to help you decide what type of foods you want to serve your guests.
- Use my prompts to evaluate your menu options for specific meals; brunch, luncheon, dinner, with a range of guest counts.
- Use my schedule to assist in determining when to prepare the food for the various recipes.
- Use my prompts to determine whether is it more economical to rent dishes etc. or purchase disposables. Or the total cost if you combine the two.
- Use my prompts to prepare a schedule for the day to ensure that all the desired activities are included.
- Use one of my most important tools to ensure that all of your guests; wether 50 or 300, will proceed smoothly through the buffet in under 45 minutes.
- Have your deposit returned by using methods we developed to get you out of the door on time, with the facility in perfect condition.
What Are The Benefits of Using These Tools When Planning to Cater Your Wedding?
A. SAVE MONEY
The most recent average cost of a wedding and reception was $30,000.
Reception costs usually account for 50% of the wedding budget. This includes the Venue, Food, Beverages, Music, Decor, and Entertainment.
- You can save a significant amount by purchasing and cooking the food yourself, with or without the help of friends.
- Purchasing all the beverages will allow you to take advantage of sales and avoid corkage fees.
- Renting a venue without vendor restrictions gives you freedom to make cost-saving decisions.
- Get tips for saving money that you never would have thought of.
B. REDUCE THE STRESS DURING THE PLANNING PROCESS
These are just a few of the tools my clients have found invaluable in easing anxiety while tackling the big planning puzzle.
- “The AI Prompts made food purchasing decisions so much simplier, and the Preparation Schedule lifted a huge weight by showing exactly what needed to be done – and when.”
- “The Organizational tips were an incredible help.”
- “The breakdown of how much food to serve per person was truely a lifesaver.
- The Directions for Preparing Large Amounts of Food and Serving Pieces Table tied up a lot of loose ends. “
- To read more ……visit Clients’ Comments
C. BE RELAXED & TRULY ENJOY THE RECEPTION
Everyone will be relaxed and able to enjoy themselves because they know everything is well planned!
My client Barbara made this statement the first time I met her.
“I had self-catered my older daughter’s reception several years ago and was a complete wreck by the time the reception took place.”
She sent me the following message after the reception we planned together.
“Thank You, It Was A Great Day”
Where Did All the Information to Help You Plan to Cater Your Own Wedding Originate?
It all started when I helped a friend cater her own reception. And then, several years later, I self-catered my own.
I enjoyed both experiences so much that I started helping brides, and their mothers, plan their own self-catered receptions ranging from 25 to 300 guests.
I was also on-site on many occasions to coordinate the activity prior to, during, and after the receptions.
This gave me a unique insight into the tasks that need to occur prior, at the time of, and at the completion of an event.
It also provided numerous opportunities to problem solve in real-time.
A significant portion of this material was the original content of my book Frugally Fabulous Wedding Receptions and the curriculum for a class taught through the local school district.
And now over twelve years later, after helping too many brides to count plan for catering their own wedding, ………here I am.
SO, LET’S GET STARTED ON YOUR JOURNEY.
STEP ONE
Order the free Fantastic Recipes eBook.
These are the recipes my clients used and now they can be a key part of the foundation for planning to cater your wedding. Also, watch for additional recipes that will be added to the blog in the future. I have included some of my clients’ favorites because they were so well liked and worked well with the preparation schedule.
STEP TWO
COMING SOON
A 10 Part Planning Package
Built on first-hand behind-the-scenes knowledge of every step in executing a self-catered wedding reception, detailed AI prompts, and practical worksheets.
Soon you will be welcome to explore Part 1, giving you the opportunity to evaluate the depth and thoroughness of the information provided.
- I’ve designed my planning package to fit both your needs and your budget. You’ll have access to a complete step-by-step guide. Each part is laid out in a natural sequence so you can focus on one step at a time, advancing only when you’re ready.
- Most of the brides and families I’ve worked with chose to self-cater for one reason: why spend a huge portion of your budget on an expensive, mediocre catered meal when you can create something more personal, memorable and cost-effective yourself?
- This isn’t just information-it’s the same proven process I’ve used to help couples confidently host receptions from 50 to 300 guests, without the overwhelm. If you’re budget-consious and determined to make your wedding both affordable and unforgettable, this package is designed for you.
Part 1
The Venue
Find the Perfect Space-without hidden costs or vendor restrictions
Part 3
Make smart choices about renting versus buying-save time, money, and stress.
Part 4
Planning a Potluck
Left unmanaged, this can be one of most chaotic parts of the reception. With this plan everything flows seamlessly.
Part 5
Organizing the Food Preparation
Use step-by-step schedules and checklists to keep every dish on track.
Part 6
Arranging the Room
Layout diagrams for tables, buffet, bar, cake table and dance floor – so guests flow smoothly.
Part 7
Setting Up the Buffet
everyone in under 45 minutes with proven stratagies and buffet designs.
Part 8
Everything You Need to Plan for a Stress-Free Day From backup supplies to troubleshooting, be ready for anything.
Part 9
Clean Up and Out the Door On Time Get your deposit back with an organized exit plan that works everytime.
Part 10
All the Miscellaneous Tidbits All the overlooked details that turn a good reception into a great one!
In addition to Core Content the Blog Posts will include
- Comical moments we experienced
- Catastrophes that were averted
- Every tip that I can think of to help make your big day as enjoyable as possible for everyone.
STEP THREE
While Planning Your Self Catered Wedding Take Advantage of Our Special Interactive Recipe Software.
Pssst….you are welcome to continue to use this great feature after the wedding. It will be a great tool to use as your life probably becomes even busier!
- Create a menu using the recipes our clients love and even add your own.
- Modify the number of servings right in the recipe as you plan your menu
- Create a Shopping List.
- Save recipes, menus, and shopping lists in the computer.
- Access your list on your phone while shopping.
- Check off items as you put them in the cart.
Planning Questions?
I am here to help. I was on-site at most of my client’s functions and know what needs to be done to ensure a smooth and well-organized function. Plus, your question could be helpful for other brides. Please post your questions in the Comment section below.
And Now
You have a step by step guide for planning to cater your wedding.
I am here to help. I hope you will share your biggest fear about catering your wedding in the comments section so I can address those concerns in a future blog. Thank you!
