My wedding is 5 1/2 months away. We are running out of money very quickly and running out of time. We do have a deposit on a hall and DJ but thats it and I really dont see where the money is going to come from. Would it be bad to just do a church wedding and serve cake and punch their then go to someones house just to have a after party? Bad idea?
2007-05-17 08:19:00 · 32 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
if you dont have the money then dont to fancy-shmancy.....duh!...there's nothing wrong with having a low key wedding with a party at a house....
2007-05-17 08:22:32 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 7⤊ 0⤋
If you can get your deposits back that would be good, use the money to hire a cater. I hope you weren't planning on having a lot of people.
This is the way it is done in some states and the way it used to be done in a lot of places.
If your church has the facilities, and allows it (some won't allow alcohol) have the wedding and then the first toast at the church. If you have to, use punch, it doesn't really matter. Then as long as someone is willing to allow the party at their house, then a house party is fine. But again, it should be catered so you aren't putting your "host" out. Let the caterers take care of everything from set up to clean up.
It should be fine.
It doesn't have to be an elaborate dinner, it can be hors d' oeuvres, any kind of finger food, with at least some champagne for another toast. Good luck
2007-05-17 08:31:36 · answer #2 · answered by meg3f 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is perfectly legit to have just a cake and punch reception (a non-meal reception), IF you do the wedding and reception at a non-meal time of day. Also, your invitations must say "Cake and punch reception to follow."
You may not have to forfeit those deposits totally-- if you can afford the rest of the hall fee, serve the cake and punch at the hall, and still dance with the DJ. Try to supplement the cake and punch with an inexpensive fruit-and-cheese tray from an upscale supermarket, so people have at least something on their stomachs besides sugary cake, and stay to dance!
It would have been best if you were more careful with your budget in the first place, but this type of adjustments are what you'll have to do at this point.
2007-05-17 09:04:39 · answer #3 · answered by Etiquette Gal 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you already have a deposit on the hall and the dj the only thing left is the food for the big expense. Get lots of quotes on catering from every possible caterer in your area, plus the local culinary arts school in your area (either at the college or high school - they usually will do events like this just for the experience for their students). The photographer and your dress are the next big expenses but bridal gowns go on sale all the time - David's Bridal is having a $99 sale right now. Open a savings account and deposit a set amount in it each week from your paychecks - you will be surprised how much you can save in 5 months time. Good luck and God Bless.
2007-05-17 08:56:12 · answer #4 · answered by tersey562 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the money's not there - then you will have to scale back. No two ways about it.
Maybe you can get part of your deposits back if you cancel now. But don't wait. and don't be upset if you lose your deposits.
Do the church wedding and Just serve cake and punch in the fellowship hall.
Forgo the after party the wedding ceremony and cake and punch are enough.
Go on your honeymoon instead.
2007-05-17 08:42:52 · answer #5 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing wrong with changing the wedding plans to ave money. You do NOT want to go into debt over a wedding, this will just cause more stress on a new marriage which you do not need.
You will loose the deposits for the hall and DJ, but at oleast you can save from additional expenses there.
2007-05-17 10:14:34 · answer #6 · answered by Paradise Weddings & Travel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see absolutely NOTHING wrong with doing it the way you have planned. I doubt you'd be able to get your deposits back, but at least it won't be quite as expensive as paying for the DJ and hall 100%.
Please work within your means. While it would be nice to "have it your way" its not viable, rational or reasonable. If there's not enough money for a big event, then by all means, work within your budget.
There is nothing more hateful than either being in debt when starting out in your new life, or else having to do a "big" wedding on a small budget and have it end up being "not quite right."
I wish you luck and don't sweat doing it small. Intimate and low-key would be refreshing in the face of all the big schmaltzy weddings out there.
2007-05-17 08:30:30 · answer #7 · answered by Brutally Honest 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When my husband and I got married a few years ago we were broke. We had a small (100 people) wedding. We spent a total of 300 dollars on everything there. We asked close family members to bring a food dish instead of a gift. (we already had all the household things we needed.) A lady from the church organized all the dishes that were brought in and there was way too much food. Word had gotten around about the meal thing and lots of people brought all kinds of food. What a variety! It doesn't have to cost a lot. It's the memories of the day that will last.
I know of a couple that spent their first three years of marriage repaying the loan they made to have a huge wedding. What a way to start married life :(
Have fun and may God bless your day with sunshine!
2007-05-17 08:35:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not in bad taste! In this budget conscience world, your family and friends will certainly understand your cutting back on expenses. To cancel the DJ and hall at this point should net you your entire deposit back.
Besides, it wouldn't be too expensive to have a barbecue in the back yard (use the refunds) you can play your song to dance to then just pop in a stack of CD's and make a party out of it! The reception is supposed to be a party anyway. You can still do the traditional things (cake cutting, bouquet toss, etc.) and everyone will comment on how relaxed and fun the evening was!
2007-05-17 08:36:40 · answer #9 · answered by Survivors Ready? 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is fine to go to someones house to have a party after instead of a formal reception. You and your family can even make the food for the party. I have been to nice weddings in the park, in peoples back yards and ours was a small wedding and then 2 wks later we had a party at my mom's and invited every one. Look for dresses that you can rent or maybe the David's bridal $99 sale. Don't break yourself for the wedding because that is one day.
2007-05-17 16:46:34 · answer #10 · answered by bubbles 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont think it's a bad idea at all. I was actually planning this nice event for our wedding, and then we decided to just get married in court and use part of the money for a very small reception. That way i am not worried about all the planning and we can use the extra cash for a nice honeymoon and a down for our new house.
2007-05-17 08:30:59 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋