I am beginning to plan my wedding, which isn't taking place until August of 2008. I am starting now because with 5 kids between my fiance and I, and we both have jobs, plus I go to school, I figure I'd rather start sooner than later so that I'm not rushed when the time comes. I am looking for some ideas to save money and some ideas for a perfect first song to dance to at the reception. Any ideas?
2007-03-20 01:42:02 · 11 answers · asked by Jessie 1 in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
I can help you. I'm in the process of planning mine for December 20, 2008. We can plan together! E-mail me.
2007-03-20 02:27:17 · answer #1 · answered by lilmissmiss 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am a wedding planner (also called coordinator or consultant depending on who youre talking to at the time), a mother of 4, and a 2008 bride-to-be as well.
I can help you with your planning, but first you need to know your budget. The way to determine this is to figure out what you have in savings that you can comfortably put toward your wedding, same for your fiance', then you need to find out if anyone else will be contributing (I am going to guess after 5 kids between you that the two of you are probably on your own financially for this). Now you know what your base is. To that, add what you can each afford to comfortably add from your pay each month and for the amount of months you will do this (if you started this month and went to July then you would have 16 months).
So as an example:
$200 in savings (you)
$400 in savings (fiance')
$0 other contributions
Your base is then $600
$50 per month (you) 16 months - $800
$50 per month (fiance') 16 months - $800
Total budget - $2,200
Then you work from that budget. If you need further help feel free to email me. I will work with you, for free, as much (or little) as you would like. I know what it is like to work on a budget (with kids) and have a few ways to cut costs.
2007-03-20 02:50:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi
Congratulations!!
Gone are the days when weddings were simple affairs that took place on family farms with all the neighbors pitching in to help. Today the bride and the groom are the ones calling all the shots. Others will try to get involved, but overall, it's the two people getting married who decide what's going to happen, when and how.
A wedding 'budget' is crucial because it's what will keep you and your partner (and anyone else funding the festivities) from going into debt. As unflattering as the word is, every wedding needs to begin with a wedding budget. Wedding costs can rapidly spiral out of control because let's face it, everybody wants their big day to be magical..... read more at
http://www.klikks.com/wedding_planning
When doing the wedding planning, work backwards from the 'big day' according to the timeline presented below.... read more at
http://www.klikks.com/wedding_planning_timeline
"Money Saving Secrets Every Bride Should Know..."
"In her "eye opening" book, Stephi Stewart reveals how she beat the wedding industry at it's own game and made her dream wedding come true, saving over $10,000 in the process. Inside she demonstrates step-by-step how any bride can take control of her wedding, avoid industry scams, get insider prices and much more... Definitely a "Must Read" if you're a "bride on a budget!" . read more at
http://www.klikks.com/wedding_resources
Lots and lots of research and listen to the Pros.... that will lead you to realising your Dream Wedding.
God bless!
2007-03-20 14:02:30 · answer #3 · answered by angerina 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a lot of information out there if you just look. I'm in the same boat, wedding is Aug of 2008. Here is what we are doing, getting stuff as we can. His tux is already picked out and paid for, same for my dress (last season off the rack, got it at a 60% discount) We are using a local supermarket for our cake then decorating it ourselves. We have three kids and know it's going to be tight but it can be done, and since we already have our house and everything we need for it we are going to register for our honeymoon activities. The only thing we are going all out for is a professional photographer. Everyone I have ever known to get married loves the fact they have nice photos and the ones that didn't have a photographer regret it and I don't want that.
2007-03-20 04:24:10 · answer #4 · answered by kauai_lvr 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
CONGRATULATIONS!
I would pick "At Last" by Etta James- listen to it there is no pun intended- its about finding your true love after looking for them its very touching... but maybe you and your fiance have a favorite song that you'd prefer.
Also with the planning I think the wedding planner lady gave good info.. come up with a budget and like the other person said decide on a theme almost anything is workable if you start early!
2007-03-20 03:55:43 · answer #5 · answered by something smells funny 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like the family cruise idea above!
If you have your heart set on a more traditional wedding, the best place to start it so pick an object to build the rest of your wedding around. Mine was a fall leaf. I've had other friends use : M&M's, Seashells, Sand, Cherry Blossoms....
After you find this object, you can start googling around for more ideas within your theme, and it really just starts flowing. Go to your local bookstore and take a look through the millions of wedding planning books... they may even sell one for people in your situation.
2007-03-20 02:30:05 · answer #6 · answered by dougandkate 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hiya- congratulations!! I am getting married in 8 weeks and have been planning for 2 years however that didnt stop everyone from cancelling on me two weeks ago! best thing to do is keep constant contact with people you are relying on i.e. dj's BTW try DISCOZ.COM for a DJ as they can get you one wherever you live. Make a list and tick it off as you decide on/book something. dont forget the little things like church flowers and music to walk down the aisle!
Good Luck
xxx
2007-03-20 02:21:08 · answer #7 · answered by Jude 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With 5 kids already, I'd say skip the wedding and have a big family vacation. Go on a cruise and get married by the capitan or just go to the courthouse and get married and then have a big reception.
2007-03-20 01:47:24 · answer #8 · answered by kelloggs322 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
hey congrats!
my wedding is April of 08' and i registered with theknot.com. they helped me find the wedding dress i wanted, make up a guest list and plan the budget. i also purchased through target a book they sell that has A-Z what you need to plan a whole wedding. its an excellent book and i recommend it to everyone
2007-03-20 21:25:24 · answer #9 · answered by married1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a website called theknot.com and it has a checklist that has any and everthing that you will need. Congratulations and good luck.
2007-03-20 01:47:05 · answer #10 · answered by Jeremiah's Mommy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋