My parents are not financially able to pay for it and neither are we.... My fiance wants to just go to the courthouse and get it over with.... Do you think I will regret it if I don't have a "Real" wedding?
2007-01-20 06:21:30 · 18 answers · asked by livandjaxsmommy 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
not at all. my hubby and i were in the same boat. we had a ceremony on the beach, with 35 guests, and rented a hall afterwards . the family helped with food and decorating, and cleanup. to me it was a "real" wedding and it couldn't have been any better.
2007-01-20 06:25:20 · answer #1 · answered by happyday to you 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, define a real wedding? A wedding is what you make it. If you have your heart set on a big formal wedding ; then perhaps saving money til you can afford it will be the best thing.
However, it is just the fact you want everyone there to share in your joy, you can still have that without a huge expense.
This is just a suggestion and I don't know how big your family is, but what if you got married at someones home or if you live in an apartment complex, you might be able to use the clubhouse. Next, get a justice of the peace or notary, find a close friend or family member who is crafty to make flower arrangements. Then your biggest expense will be your dress, unless you go with a non-traditional dress. For the reception you can get all the women folk to cook a dish and bring it. Not only will this save you cash; but it will give your family and friends the opportunity to participate in your wedding.
Remember, this is YOUR wedding; what is going to make you happy is what is important - if all this is not an option, then go to the courthouse and get married; but on your first wedding anniversary have your "real" wedding..
2007-01-20 14:33:48 · answer #2 · answered by Robin M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ultimately, it's up to the two of you but I think you'd regret it more if you spent money neither you, or the parents, have on something that is only for one day. The marriage is the most important thing, not the wedding and reception!
Perhaps getting married in the courthouse would suffice, and have a pot-luck reception where family and friends bring a dish to add to a buffet to keep costs very minimal! You could also find some really nice white dresses (not necessarily wedding gowns) by looking at consignment shops, second hand stores, newspaper "for sale" ads, or even consider a while bridesmaid gown if you wanted a new gown at a cheaper price! You could possibly rent or make decorations for the reception, and many state parks or fire halls will rent out their space for a reception at resonable prices!
Best of luck on your decision, but remember, focus on the marriage, not the wedding and reception!
2007-01-20 14:34:08 · answer #3 · answered by adk_medic 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can have a small wedding that feels like a wedding. When if you did a wedding at your parents house in the backyard with a couple of friends and family. do you know any pastors? becuase if you do they usually will bring the price down. Also you can get married in a park, some parks don't cost much or nothing at all, depending where you live. Also if you or someone in your family is a member at a church you can sometimes get a good deal on a hall or a chapel.
if you get married in a courthouse and wait to have a real wedding if might be years before you get the wish. A small wedding can be affortable. Also a hint on the wedding dress, you don't have to get a so called "wedding dress" you can get a bridesmaids dress in white to be your wedding dress, alot cheaper! That is what I did! Or get a used wedding dress. and a formal dress that is in white too, if you want a white dress.
2007-01-20 14:34:13 · answer #4 · answered by kermy98 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Consider a very small wedding, immediate family only. You reception can be where all other family members and friends attend. Have a cash bar, ask friends to bartend so you are not paying someone. Locate a DJ who isn't expensive or maybe a friend. Anything is possible, just be creative. Your wedding dress can be bought, borrowed, rented, food can be prepared by friends, family. Decorations can be made by using some creativity and are mucj h less expensive.Your wedding can be very memorable by taking the time to plan.Decide on the amount of $$ you can reasonably spend and go from there. Believe me, it can be done. I just hosted 2 weddings within 11 weeks. They were both beautiful and each daughter got what she wanted.
2007-01-21 18:50:28 · answer #5 · answered by mimegamy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm gonna agree with Robin M and even add that a close friend or relative can go online and get "ordained" to perform the ceremony. I think a reception where family and friends bring dishes is a great idea! And it would be better to do something simple and loving than to start your marriage off with wedding debt! Just remember, the wedding ultimatly is about the marriage, not just the day! Also check www.theknot.com for some ideas on having a great wedding on a budget!
2007-01-20 15:03:44 · answer #6 · answered by roadrunner 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A wedding by a judge can be just as expensive as a small wedding in church. For the ceremony give the priest ,minister , rabbi what ever $10.00 or 20.00 for the church to perform the ceremony. This not a must but it is a help to the church.
As before the judge you need two witness , you need two witness in the church (maid of honor and best man) . You can have as many family and friends in the church as you want.
The reception of course would have to be cut down to a small number. do to space.
If you hold the repetion at someone's home. If you could afford to rent a hall you could have more people. Since you are getting married in the summer see about renting some park space and have your reception in the park.
Food and drinks for the reception The men in your family might be willing to pass the hat to help you out with that. Food
get all your family and friends to prepare the foods and to cater it at the reception.
we did this for my son's wedding and that was 6 years ago and the whole reception cost us $250.00
yes, I think you will regret it.
My brother's fist wife regretted it and that ended in divorce, the one that suffered was my niece. Both my brother and his ex married again to different people and this time in church and hada small party to celebrate it. and that was 45 years ago
2007-01-20 14:55:22 · answer #7 · answered by mamayer6 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as the result is the same, the wedding is "real." You don't have to put on some fancy party just to get married.
My fiancee and I are planning to go to the courthouse this May and then have a renewal ceremony and reception for our families in May 2008. We're having a retro theme and throwing the party at a local VFW which is in a mansion.
Go to city hall, get married, and if you want something more later on, then renew your vows later when you can afford to do it.
2007-01-20 23:13:54 · answer #8 · answered by Galoshes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Congratulations on the engagement! A court house marriage is over in less than 3 minutes. For a life changing event, this seems a bit short. A traditional wedding does not have to be expensive. You may regret a short wedding later, so try a small traditional one! Good luck!
2007-01-20 14:29:20 · answer #9 · answered by mom-o-3 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, just going to the courthouse is a little sad, but you could have a perfectly good wedding at your church (or a local church) so it would at least be warm and personal and have a good cake reception.
But you don't need all the pomp and circumstance. This is about a marriage. Not just the wedding day. Don't lose sight of the long haul and you'll be great!
2007-01-20 14:28:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No regret! Weddings are a serious pain in the *** and a very stress-filled occasion. Maybe you could try a trip to Gatlinburg, TN, and get married in a chapel. It's less than 200 bucks, and your close friends and family could join and stay at a much, much lower cost than putting on a Wedding. Gatlinburg is just an example, but perhaps there is a destination closer to your area that is similar.
2007-01-20 14:26:39 · answer #11 · answered by poopfairy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋