2007-02-04 12:28:58 · 33 answers · asked by nicole 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
don't do it?
courthouse?
2007-02-04 12:30:42 · answer #1 · answered by NONAME 3 · 3⤊ 4⤋
We did it, so there is a way. The key is to decide priorities.
Priority 1 - What do you legally have to do to get married?
In our case (Australia) the only thing we had to legally do was register the wedding at the courthouse. We had to book one month ahead and pay a small fee (at that time under $100).
Priority 2 - What is the minimum that YOU can cope with in order to make the wedding feel like a wedding?
In our case, that meant a beautiful dress (hired bridesmaid dress), a suit (already owned) and photos (family cameras in a lovely garden).
Priority 3 - What can you ask guests to give you as gifts that will contribute to the wedding?
Our guests gave flowers, cake, decorations, a reception location, catering and other helpful items as their gifts.
Priority 4 - What is the minimum that your FAMILY and FRIENDS will let you get away with?
Consider this one carefully, because whatever their desires, it is your wedding and usually your costs. Don't feel afraid to leave your uncle's brother's ex-wife's stepson off the invitation list.
Remember - the special day is due to the wedding of you and your partner, not due to the guest list, the trimmings or the cost. Don't let your day be made up of essentially unimportant stuff.
2007-02-04 13:49:59 · answer #2 · answered by wandering_writer 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that Ara57 already covered it pretty well. But I just wanted you to know that there are many brides out there (myself included) who are planning a wedding on a tight budget. Personally, we chose to forego the lavish ceremony and book an intimate affair on the beach. The package that we've selected includes everything you can think of, and for only $400. There's a really good book out called "Bridal Bargains" that could also help you. It's full of tips from professionals, like avoiding any store that specialized in bridal accessories, etc. and finding the same items in other stores. One suggestion that I really liked was ordering fresh flowers in bulk from www.costco.com. You wouldn't believe the prices! But overall, I agree with everyone else...with a little time and creativity, you can create your dream wedding with very little money spent. And in all reality, that's how it should be anyway.
Congratulations and good luck. I hope it works out well!
2007-02-04 14:40:51 · answer #3 · answered by maggie_n_adam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, figure out what kind of wedding YOU want. Can it be done on a very tight budget. If not, you might want to wait and save up some $$$. Other than that, lots of people get married by a JP outside or at the park, then hold the reception at the same location.
2007-02-04 13:07:01 · answer #4 · answered by Sweetserenity 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you email me I can help you. I'm very good at this. I can help you plan a great wedding. I'm not a wedding planner so you don't have to worry that I'm going to ask for money or anything. I just know how hard it can be. I will help you stay within your budget. Honestly you can get all or most of what you want on the internet and in some more local shops in your town. The biggest mistake of most brides is going to the big wedding shops looking for a deal. Just feel free to email me.
2007-02-04 12:37:50 · answer #5 · answered by quel772o 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well i am going through the same thing! We also have a very tight budget for our wedding! The wedding date is March 31st! Anyway ........ i went to a small bridal shop and my dress was only $95 and the brides maids were the same! Where i went if you got more then two dresses you got the grooms tux for free! My mom did all the cooking ....... i have very simple and GOOD food! I am using other stuff that my family used for their weddings! I mean you only use it once so why buy new everything! Hope this helps if you have any questions e-mail me!
2007-02-04 15:46:03 · answer #6 · answered by HaZeLeYeZ 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Cut back on your guest list - only invite people you absolutely WANT to be there.
Out of all the things you could have at your wedding, what are the must-haves, and what can you live without? I mean, to get married, you only *need* bride and groom, a marriage license, and officiant, and two witnesses. Everything else is optionsl - pick and choose amongst these optional things, you don't have to include them all. Do you really need the flowers? Do you really need fancy bridesmaids dresses? Do you really need a three-course reception with an open bar? Depends on how far it is acceptable for you to "cut back", you reception could be a backyard bbq at your house.
If you MUST have a fancy wedding dress - rent one instead of buying.
Find a friend or an acquaintance with a good digital camera and some photography skills, you don't have to have an expensive professional photographer. Same goes for videography; you might have a decent video camera yourself, or know someone who does.
Just some suggestions. Congrats.
2007-02-04 12:40:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Determine the budget and then plan how every last penny is going to be spent. If you plan on only spending $2000 on the reception, then do that....but do not go over. Exercise self control and don't be pressured by family, friends, strangers, vendors, etc that you need extra details or things in your wedding. Just write everything down. Follow the budget strictly.
If you plan well, stick strictly to the budget and are resourceful; you can do it.
2007-02-04 12:35:24 · answer #8 · answered by Answer Girl 2007 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Figure out how much you want to spend on the wedding, and then just work from that, and don't' go over.
Keep the wedding simple. It does not have to be expensive and lavish to be special.
Be creative with decorations, etc.
Try to get friends and family who are able and willing to prepare the food, decorations, do the photography, etc. Of course, you want to make sure they have the skills and talent to do whatever you are asking them to do. For example, if you are going to have someone to do the photography, you want them to be skilled and talented in that area, otherwise you may want to hire a professional.
I find that weddings are about the couple, friends and family, and all of the other stuff is just secondary so keep it simple, be creative, use friends and family to help with the wedding as much as possible, and shop around when looking for professional help (food, photography, whatever.)
2007-02-04 12:40:25 · answer #9 · answered by Seldom Seen 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look for connections you have with people who could help. I had a very small budget. Our wedding was done with about $1,700. We had a friend who got us into a wholesale store to get the flowers and other decorations. Stores like Pat Catans (a craft store) saved my life! Example: I got my veil there for less than $10 that was almost the same as a friend's veil, which she paid $250 for at the bridal shop. Do you know anyone who does catering? Talk to people, see if they know anyone either!! Good luck...I know it's not easy, but I also know that it can be done!!!
2007-02-04 12:34:02 · answer #10 · answered by krystiinkay 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you live near a beach, that is a cheap place to have a wedding. You can find weding dresses on sale for $99.00 and you can buy Blank invitations and write them yourself. Get a friend to take pictures and Rent the Ball room of a nice Chinese Buffet for the reception, if you don't like Chinese then you should have the reception at a relatives house. If you don't live by a beach then a nice park is great too.
2007-02-04 12:37:17 · answer #11 · answered by LETICIA P 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋