I have just started to plan a wedding for next September-November (2006). I decided the first stop would be here since I am clueless on what to do. After having a baby, buying a house, starting a new job (me) and starting a new business (fiance), money is tight! We are forced to have a big wedding.
I just got married in Aug, the wedding was a lot bigger than I had thought is was going to be. First you need to make a list of the things you definitly want to have. I had mine outside at a friends house, who has lots of room and rented a tent. My uncle flew up from TX to marry us. The food we kept at less than $7 a plate by using the local firestation to cater it. Definilty check this out, they left the left overs as well so there was no waste. For decorations I went through all the stuff left over from my friends weddings and put it all together, it made it a little more special that way when we were putting it all together. Luckily my husband works at the local college so we were able to rent tables and chairs but paid nothing as long as we didn't break them and had them back on time. Make a list then see who you know that might be able to give you a break on somthing. It never hurts to ask. With out the photographer I spent about $2000 and it was everything that I wanted. Also check the clearance part of the wedding stores, I got my dress for $99 then 10% for signing up for the store card. I live in NY and bought it on a vacation in NC, couldn't find anything local I liked.
Check out Chadwicks for Bridesmaid & flower girl dresses. They have them in womens sizes also, very pretty, very cheap. We got my daughters table arrangements at the $ store. Just kept looking until we found a beautiful candle & put it in a clear short fancy bowl. $2.00 each. We catered but to keep it reasonable they chose family style, just chicken or mustcholi as the main coarse. We also limited drinks to pop, beer or wine. cau
Why are you forced to have a big wedding? Shouldn't that be YOUR choice? If you want a large wedding then that is up to you, however, one is just as married with a more practical wedding and a lot less stress and hassle. You must decide if the large amount of money for a big wedding you are referring to is better spent on a 30 mins ceremony or in caring for your obvious present obligations. Don't get me wrong I have nothing against a big wedding but many times thousands of dollars are spent for the ceremony and the marriage begins with finanicial problems. Don't feel FORCED into anything if you both are adults then the decision should be YOURS TOGETHER ONLY! Best of wishes on your marriage!
One more idea. Get a big binder to keep everything organized. Different sections can be for keeping receipts; addresses of people to invite; contact numbers of the florist, church, dress place, etc; brainstorm ideas; things you need; things you have...and so on. If you have everything in one spot, it's much easier to stay organized.
One do not freek out! This can be done easily. Figure out how much money you want to spend and start with a budget. Do you want sit down or buffet for food? Inside or outside? Are you going to get married in the same place as the reception? Either way you will need to pay the person marring you. Do not forget to pay the organist. Look to a country club for deals. Off peak times are best. Some have nice outside deals by a pond as such to help cut cost. Remember this is your day and enjoy it. Look to a local DJ to do the music and find out from friends maybe a deal waiting for you.
Hi! Try www.theknot.com. There are a billion great ideas there.
If it's next year around this time, you can save a bunch of money buying things in fall colors as things go on sale after Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you go with a red hue for one of your colors, you can find ribbons, candles, decorations, dried or artificial flowers and such right after the holidays. I think if you decide on a theme and/or color selection now, you'll find things you like as you shop. Other colors you can find are silver, gold, green, blue, white, and different hues of orange and red.
I have a big family, and when I got married last year (New Year's Eve), I just had everyone pitch in. We didn't cater because it was so expensive. We just had different aunts make big pots of white beans and rice. We ordered a bunch of fried chicken platters from the grocery store. We bought crackers and dips from Sam's. And, the extra finger foods were made by co-workers. Maybe there is a food that is popular in Massachusetts that you can do in large quantity?
I'd say, if people offer to help, let them! Put them to work. Delegate.
David's Bridal shop has great deals on wedding gowns and bridal party tux's and dresses. www.davidsbridal.com
Though there are a bunch of ideas on theknot.com, I'd recommend not getting too bogged down with too much. Sometimes simple can be elegant.
Also, maybe try a new website www.thebrideslist.com.
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