My fiance and I are not planning a wedding yet because we have other things we want to fix first and then save enough money to pay for our own wedding. Unfortunately, no one will be helping us with wedding fees and we have our own apartment and along the bills to pay. We have a car and I go to school full time, which doesn't allow me to work full time to earn more money. He wants to get married in New York (where his family and friends are), but I want to get married in New Jersey (where we currently live, and I have my family).
Get married by a justice of the peace. You don't really need a wedding that costs thousands of dollars, and a wedding dress that you will only wear one time, and to spend all that money on renting a reception hall and paying expensive caterers.
Have a judge marry you, and invite relatives afterwards to a regular restaurant for a meal. that's what I did, because I didn't have money for a wedding. (07/02/2004)
By Ann
I think it is less about which state is cheaper but more about which state you can be more actively involved in the planning. The more you do (decorating/ coordinating/ supervising) yourself- the more you will save $$$$$ in the long run.
Remember, Erica, above all, even though it is suppose to be the "best day of your life"... it is just that, one day, so make things easier on the both of you and focus on the marriage part of it. The simpler the better- and less stress too.
LIST of $ savers
1. Try something that no one you know is doing like a picnic wedding, camping wedding, tea party wedding, or a theme in the area that you can capitalize on and keep it simple.
2. Enlist family friends, and acquaintances to a variety of the jobs (cake, DJ, minister, flowers, etc.)
3. Keep the wedding party small- Everyone of your friends/family does not have to be in the wedding party only those who you will talk to in the next 25 years (probably about 3 attendants each)!
4. Try silk flowers (and have a friend arrange them for you)
5. Find a ceremony location for free ( local church/ park/ river walk/ etc.) and have the reception at the same place.
6. If your willing and if the family is up for it try a potluck reception. A wedding is a time where family gathers so treat that part like a family reunion and put a grandmother in charge. OR
just do cake and punch (and have a family member make the cake)
7. Ask around for friends (2 or 3 different ones) (who are not in the wedding) to take pictures before, during and after the ceremony and reception (have them include candids and black and whites).
**If you use a photographer only take a few formals that you will hang in the living room after the ceremony- this will cut down on the charge and his/her time.
8. Try shopping for a white prom dress instead of a wedding dress. Or use cheaper prom dresses for the bridesmaids.
**make your own veil with a length of tulle and a hair clip**
9. Keep attendant/helpers gifts to a minimum! They are there for you- keep each gift to about $10.
10. Shop Ebay or antique stores for wedding bands (his and hers)
11. Go all out on your honeymoon!
(07/02/2004)
By Mrs. Mills
I agree with Mrs. Mills, have it closer to you so that you have more control. Doing things long distance will cost more phone money and will stress you more. A minister of your faith may be available to perform a simple ceremony in your church or at a park. Friends are always willing to help with decorating and a cake and punch reception will be better than thousands of dollars debt.
Congratulations and enjoy a simple wedding. (07/02/2004)
By Linda
Here's a web Site of a great Photographer
www.picthisdigital.com
Try some of the local Colleges and university for the reception hall (07/27/2004)
By JIM
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