if you've read my previous question you know im in a bind.
Our luncheon buffet is 17.95 a person for 100 people
That would knock off 1795 i can knock off....I can get rid of the champagne toast for 1.50 a person so thats down 100 bucks.
I can't get rid of non alcoholic drinks it's 3.50 a person at for four hours.
The cake's been paid for so i can't cancel that.
We're using silk flowers
using hershey kisses as favors, we made our own invites..
no one in the family wants to video tape the wedding/reception because they want to watch it. so we hired a videographer.
Heres the question, on our RSVP it states "Join us for dancing, a luncheon buffet and a champagne toast"
We have people coming from out of town probably expecting to be fed. How do we tell people there may not be food?
We aren't allowed bringing in outside food and drink.
the whole venue adds up to 3434.00 thats the food, taxes, ceremony fee and non alcoholic drinks and champagne toast, taxes/tips
Weighing my options here, how do i do this?
Have family spread it around....I know my family spreads the word like lightening....lol!
Like I said--they're coming FOR you not the food!!
Reply:Don't cancel! It is only a few weeks away isn't it? If you cancle you will regret it and still have to pay a similar amount of money sometime in the future.
Having said that you will need to have some food there as it will be expected from the invitation.
Why not do cocktail food? You won't need as much of it as luncheon buffet so it will be cheaper and there will still be food there so the guests will be happy. I think they work it out to 8 pieces per person or so, which is enough to keep the hunger away and it usually about $5 - $8 per person depending on how gourmet you want them to be.
If the reception centre is doing a luncheon buffet they should be able to do cocktail platters up for you.
I say just go for the regular (generally fatty and more filling) selections like:
mini quiches http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/d... ,
sushi http://whatscookingamerica.net/Appetizer...
potato croquetteshttp://images.jupiterimages.com/common/d...
mini burgers http://elegantappetizers.com/catalog/ima...
Just lots of little things that are filling. You might even get away with less than 8 pieces, which would be cheaper again.
Or you can just do your cake, but some people will be a bit annoyed by this.
Also, get rid of the videotographer. The photographer is more important anyway so as long as you have the photos you should be fine.
Get rid of your DJ and do the ipod/ computer thing. Make a playlist and just let it go...
Are you having wedding cars? personally I don't think they are needed. No one cares or even sees them really so save some money there if you can.
Do yo have any things you can sell? ebay is good for a bit of extra cash.
How about you ask your fiances parents for just a little bit of help. Or maybe a small loan from a friend or two, then pay it off over the next few months...
Is there anything you can cut back on? Smoking, alcohol, buying lunch at work, going out? A few dollars here and there every week do add up.
Ok, this is going to sound really cheap, but do you have a registry? If not there are 2 things to do; No registry generally means the guests will give cash, or you can register at the place you got your honeymoon for the honeymoon (then the money you were going to use to pay for it goes on the wedding) or travellers cheques (which if they arn't used can be cashed out and put towards the wedding)
On a similar vein can you organise with the reception centre to pay it off gradually after the wedding?
And lastly, can you organise to pay a lower amount on your medical bills for a little while? The difference can go towards the wedding.
Reply:Cancel the videographer and the DJ. Set up a boombox or a mp3 player with a PA for the music. Meet with your vendor and try to negotiate a cheaper lunch option, maybe with appetizers or sandwich fixings only.
Reply:Okay, I've read both questions...this totally sucks! I am sorry for you!
This is what I would try to do in your situation -
Despite the fact that your dad will lose his deposit, I would cancel the venue. I would find someone you know with a backyard that is nice and use it for the wedding and reception. People can stand in a circle around you guys as you get married and if you have a few tables for people to set their drinks and food on, that will suffice. Have a few chairs for the older folk.
Do a buffet style food line that consists of foods that you can make or buy at Costco (we bought lasagnas and used them) with salad, etc. You can also buy champaigne for the toast and just serve pop, maybe beer if you can afford it, and tea %26amp; coffee.
Also, if you really want the venue - ask one of your friends to video tape the wedding for you, someone will do it, even though your family doesn't want to! And also have someone with a steady hand do the photography - make a list of pics they need to take of the families and you guys. It works out quite well, I've seen it done before and its what we did.
Find someone with a laptop and make a playlist in itunes and play the music that way. If you know someone with a karoke machine, you can hook it up to the computer and have a mic that way as well...then the best man can announce you at the reception and they can still do the toasting, etc.
When you finally make a decision, whatever it is....send out a little email and phone calls to everyone if the venue has changed..people will be fine with it.
Reply:You asked so don't be offended.
I haven't read your previous questions, but if the invitation stated there would be a buffet and champagne toast and there wasn't, I would think you sure are some tacky people. If it wasn't too late, I would take my wedding gift and leave.
You better believe that if you pull a stunt like that people are going to be talking badly about you for a long, long time and it won't just stay with the people who were there because of course they will tell their friends and relatives.
I think the whole thing would be shameful. To avoid that I would do whatever it would take to keep everything as it was originally planned.
Reply:I think that if you cant provide food for your guest you may want to postpone the wedding until you can do so. I don't think its fair to your guest to not have food.
Can they work anything out for finger food for your guest? You have to have something to eat since you told them, buffet.
You could change it to cake and punch..but many guest may be upset.
Reply:i read your previous question and must admit i am confused as to how much money we are actually looking for here, but if i were you i would be looking at the money for the food, nearly $2000, thats a lot of money that could be spent better and a saving made, ok, here is where you need to be creative and also delegate. everyone has a dish they are famous for making, rally your relatives thats practical to ask and make your own buffet. Everyone will rally round once they know and will probably be glad to be involved in saving the day, it would also be way cheaper to provide the drinks yourself too, champagne and soft drinks will work out cheaper if bought in bulk and most places you can return unopened bottles for a refund,
i hope this helps, like i said before, i am a bit confused
Reply:Oh honey, please stop all this canceling talk, the show must go on!! Where there is a will there will be a way!! Put your
heads together and think long and hard. Since yours will
be a early afternoon affair isn't there a cheaper option at venue that you can arrange? How about calling them personally and explaining your situation?? Don't make
any rash decisions, you have worked so hard!!
Good Luck
PS The 1st step would be to cancel videographer
Reply:I think you can reasonably cut out the dancing and champagne toast and no one will care. But I still think there should be a luncheon buffet as the invitation stated.
The photographer is much more important than a videographer IMO.
(I did not see your other post, so sorry if this answer doesnt fit your situation)
*Just read the other post. How much would it cost for the ceremony fee, venue, buffet, non-alcoholic drinks, cake, and photographer? These seem essential to me. Is there anything in your home you can part with, try to sell, to make up the difference?
Whatever happens, do not lose sight that you will be married at the end of the day.
Reply:Breath... one,... two ... threee.
I'm sorry to hear about this. Let's see what you can do.
-You both should have a tax credit check coming up from the feds. That's 300-600 a piece for you.
-Use your credit cards to the max
-Have a yard sale... next saturday and the following
-Cut off the champgane completly. Better food than liquour for your guests. Ask the venue of they can serve sparkling apple cider instead and save $$$$$
-Let the videographer keep the deposit and do without.
-Let the photographer keep the deposit and do without.
-Let the dj keep the deposit and play an ipod. The last 3 options will save you $2000
There is hope! Good luck!!! I hope that I helped.
BEST WISHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
EDIT: More ideas to gather some few dollars that may help: Bought something from walmart, target etc. and still have the receipt??? Go return them and get some money back. If you have unused items that you have just lying around, bring them back to the store, even clothes with tags still sattached they will take back. You will be surprised how much can you get back... that had save me when I was in a bind at one time.
Have any old jewelry that you don't use? Sell it or pawn it. Gold is at record prices now and there are many companies that will take old broken gold chains etc.
-If you are truly desperate, you can get a car-loan or a paycheck-loan. Those loans are tricky, so use them cautiosly. They will give you the money right away, but it will cost you. If you are a financially responsible person with an stable job, you can do this. I normally wouln't advice such thing, but you actually seem like a mature, responsible adult.
- Return bridesmaid gifts and favors if you can. I'm sure that you BM are aware of the situation and won't mind. You can get them somthing later when you can.
- Have you received already any wedding gifts? Return them to the store and get $$$.
-Can you ask your employer for advance pay? Some employers will loan you money and take it from your paycheck on a montly basis, sometimes interest free.
-Have a 401k? Cash it. (I know that this is bad, but is worse to cancel the whole wedding over 3k)
In a time like this, those options seem reasonable.
GOOD LUCK!
PS/ and to the heartless people, please refrain to be rude, if you can't help, then shut the f%26amp;%26amp;*%26amp;^* up!
Reply:I would return some shower gifts you got for the money (I believe you had 3 or 4 showers so you should have lots of gifts) I would have apple cider instead of champagne, I would do away with the luncheon buffet and go with the cheapest you can find, finger foods and appetizers. Check on cheaper non alcoholic drinks, ice tea, juice, coffee, and bottles of water are a few ideas. See if they can make a cheaper cake, maybe a smaller one and slice the pieces a little thinner so everyone gets a piece. I'm sure they have not made the cake yet unless they made it and froze it until the wedding. Check and see. See if you can get someone from the local college that does photography to do your wedding. The professor should know who does the best photography in his class. You should be able to hire a student for a lot less than a professional. Cancel the DJ and set up a boombox with a PA. I did read your last post and this is what I can come up with. You also will get money as gifts so that can be used to help pay the bills. Hope this helps.
Reply:Hi girl.
Oh my....I'm so sorry. I don't have an answer other than to offer support. (I read your other post too.)
Totally get rid of the videographer. That is something that you MAY watch once....then it will get thrown in a closet someday. No one drags out their video year later. I would totally get rid of that.
Get rid of the champagne toast. No one cares.
The only thing I can think of to do is to work with your venue. Is there a way to change the non-alcoholic drinks to simply purchase gallons of a certain drink instead of getting charged per person/per hour? I'm in a small town and that is how we do it. Most places will make up gallons of a drink and charge you by the gallon used. See if that is a possibility.
I don't know where your fiance's family sits financially.....but is it a possibility to borrow the rest of the money from your fiance's family?
I'm at a loss.....so sorry.
Reply:--I feel really bad about your situation and I hope things work out the best. Just try to stay positive and remember that the wedding is about you and your soon to be husband.
1. Talk to your father and tell him you have to change the venue (find it first, and quickly) because you don't have the rest of the money to pay for it. He may be upset, but tell him you have no other choice. Explain to him everything you wrote us. This would really cut some of the costs, or your dad may break down and pay for the whole thing.
2. I would look into renting out the city hall in your area (they are often very cheap, and some are nice--depending where you live), going to a local park and preferably one with a gazebo, or having it in someone's house/backyard. Hold the wedding and reception there. Getting someone to perform your wedding shouldn't cost too much, and I know in some states notary publics can marry you (just in case, they have sample wedding ceremony wording online). You would have to call the guests and inform them of the change, and give them directions to the new venue.
3. Like a few people mentioned, your guests would be upset if there's no food. As mentioned, you could go to Sam's club, Costco, and/or BJ's to get food for your reception. They have several platters that you could choose, they taste pretty good, and the price is good. Call the department that handles that and talk about everything. You could get your drinks from there, and you may also be able to buy some sparkling wine or champagne there and bring it to the new venue (make sure the venue allows alcoholic beverages). You could also do a traditional BBQ which should be cheaper, or serve various different appetizers (buying them from the above mentioned places).
3. Check on the price for wedding cakes at Sam's club, Costco, and/or BJ's (it should be cheaper). If you can get a refund on the cake you ordered, go with the cheaper cake.
If not, keep your cake plans.
4. Instead of a videographer, use the photographer instead because you can do more with the photos and even make a video from them. Or, just have the videographer tape the ceremony only.
5. If you have an ipod/mp3 player or know a few people that have them, you could hook it up and use it as your wedding reception music. You could also download songs for the ceremony part of the wedding.
Reply:OK...I just read your details and changed my whole answer...
I would get rid of the videographer, photographer, see what you can get back from the cakemaker, champagne toast before I would get rid of food.
You really don't want to cancel it...you'll lose too much.
Also, as bad as this sounds, don't forget you'll be getting cash from your guests...you can use that right after to pay for the bills and then slowly start purchasing things for your home...that's what the guests intentions were for.
Reply:a wedding with no food... never been to one like that... dont even know what to tell you...
Reply:Your RSVP states "Join us for dancing, a luncheon buffet and a champagne toast", but now there will just be dancing? That's nuts! Don't expect any gifts, but do expect extremely annoyed guests! You have people probably visiting from far away, bringing you gifts. You should at least feed them! It's ok to not have alcohol or toast, but give them food!!!!!!!
Reply:Perhaps check your apartment and see if you can rent the party room. Have the wedding there (so you don't have to reimburse for tuxes, dresses etc.) Or have it in a public park or at the courthouse.
Tell your dad you will pay him back when you can (maybe figure out an installment plan).
Does someone have a backyard you can use? I still have heard nothing about your fiance's family and whether they can pitch in or not...even if just means providing a backyard instead of money.
You didn't mention if you could find someone to do photography for you or if you could cancel the DJ.
Are you getting married in the church? Do they have an "event room" you can use where you can bring in your own food or beverage? It would be easy, as you could make an announcement at the ceremony, stating the venue had changed.
Reply:Yes, people will expect food. I understand that you're in a bind, but you can't cancel what's promised. They're sure to be hungry after traveling, the ceremony, and reception. My fiance' and I also have $5,000-$6,000 budget, but we're saving it ourselves. If our parents can help, all the better, but we're not expecting them to. Things happen, so it's better not to count on anyone else to take care of things this important.
Reply:People are going to expect food since the invites state "luncheon buffet". So I would ask you three things:
1 - can you downgrade to hors d'ourves to decrease cost? This will still count as food and not tick off your guests.
2 - can you call the venue and ask about payment plan options? Even if they charge you a modest interest rate, they may be willing to work with you *if* you and your fiance can come up with a bit of money every month to pay off the bill.
3 - do you have any family that can help you out (even if you have to pay them back) to meet your expenses as planned? Even if a whole bunch of them gave you $100, you could possibly get to $3-grand.
I definitely say scrap the videographer. Good pictures are important, the video can go since you are in a real bind.
Reply:OK, I've read the other post and I *think* I understand that your father has decided not to participate at all or is he still contributing the $3000?
Either way, I think I would start by talking to the bakery. Tell them you have a budget issue and would like to have sheet cakes instead of a traditional wedding cake. They should be willing to do this much and refund some of your money.
Next, I would find out how much your father has already deposited on the venue. I've placed a $1000.00 deposit with mine and almost changed venues because of some issues with them, so I was just going to have a fancy birthday party for my mother and her friends to use up my deposit. He may be able to have something else at the venue, but if he's only losing $500, then maybe that's not so bad... Then you can just move the whole thing to a park or someone's backyard. Call the close relatives first to get their advice on what to do.
Now (and keep your parents advised of this one), I would call everyone that is planning to attend and advise them that you've had a family emergency (don't be specific!), so the reception is only going to be cake, punch and munchies. Apologize for the change, but remember that most people will understand that *something* happened and may not press you for information. However, some may and depending on your relationship with them, I would just say there was a breakdown between your parents. The relatives will understand this most of the time and probably be rolling their eyes.
We had to cancel a wedding in my family the week before the ceremony, so all the relatives started calling each other to spread the word. However, the bride and groom suddenly reconciled and we had to call everybody once again on the Tuesday before the wedding! It was awful at the time, but we all laugh about it now....
Best wishes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Edited to add:
Honey, if I were in your wedding and knew the story behind all of this stuff, I wouldn't accept the money for the dress. Call your bridesmaids and see if they have any ideas. They are your friends/family and they love you, seriously, they will want to help you.
On that note though, could the gowns be returned/exchanged and the tux rentals canceled? Our tux rental place only requires a $20 downpayment and then the balance is paid when the tuxes are picked up.
Reply:Ok I say cancel the videographer and set up disposable cameras and have people take pictures and cancel the photographer Trust me some of the best pictures Ive seen were out of the disposable ones.
Reply:WOW!!! I am so sorry! I wish I could help you, I really do! If I had the money, I'd send it to you...
In the last post you said the dress was $700... Is there a possibility you could return it and get something much cheaper? I'd get rid of the videographer and see if one of the local guests has a friend who is good at photography and would do it as a gift.
Is there someone you are really close to that you could ask for help? What about the groom's parents? Do you think that they could pitch in?
Don't cancel the food or anything you want. If you need to cancel something, I'd cancel the dj and videograper and burn a cd of your favorite songs and bring in a cd player.
Talk to your vendors, several of them may extend payments and you can pay them slowly.
If it's not too late, switch locations to a church, or even better a local park, and have Subway cater. Buy sodas and enjoy your day.
If your cake hasn't already been made, cancel the order and go to Walmart, they can do one for around $70.
Sell any items you don't use at home on e-bay. Have a yard sale. Have a bake sale!
I hope this all works out for you! Just don't cancel the food... You're going to be hungry after your wedding and you'll want to eat just as much, if not more, than the guests! (Don't you hate nerves!!??!!??)
Oh, and the lady that called your fiance a whale and you a cow, I would've taken my money and punched the ***** in the face. You've helped me on several of my questions and you seem like a really nice woman! Don't take crap from anyone.
I wish you the best of luck!
Reply:Well, I read your other question and your in a bad situation. I dont know that there is a way out.
First, where is your finaces parents in all of this.. will anyone co-sign on a loan for you guys?
Do you own a home or rent? Can you borrow against that?
Can you re-locate the wedding. I dont know where you live, but can you do an outdoor wedding some place with bbq?
You could try doing a search for lenders and loans for people with bad credit. You might find something.
Reply:I would cancel the videographer. I think people would rather have food than watch the video later. Of course that is sentimental for you, but you will have pictures. Less than half of people have videographers at their wedding.
If you don't want to do that, could you do a smaller food thing? Will the venue work with you on cutting down on food costs? I'm sure if you tell them you might have to cancel it all they would be willing to find places to cut down.
Reply:Yes, people will expect food. Other than calling all the guests that RSVP'd "yes," I'm not sure how you would let people know that you are now only having dancing, cake and nonalcoholic drinks following your ceremony.
Reply:You say you don't have credit cards but what about your father? Surely it's worth his while to put it on a card and have you pay him back than lose his deposit money - can you get him to see it that way?
I'm so sorry this happened to you. To me it sounds like something you can work out with relatives and I would be trying to hit it from that perspective. I think the onus should fall on your father because he was the one who committed for your mother and it sounds like it was without her approval (did I get that right?). It also sounds like he's mad at HER and taking this out on YOU.
You've got lots of good advice - personally I think making the relatives all bring a dish would work well and that would save you a big chunk off the bat. You could probably get away with sparkling apple cider as your "champagne" toast and people might wonder, but would probably figure you wanted it non-alcoholic.
Again, I'm sorry this happened. I know from your questions you have worked hard on this wedding to make it affordable yet fun for your guests. That's why I think you should work on the money angle rather than cancel all that hard work. Hang in there!
Ooh, one more thing: I recently planned a dinner for a community group I belong to, and we used Fresh Choice the restaurant chain to cater. It was for about 75 people. With (non-alcoholic) drinks it was only about $6 a person - you get big pans of pasta, salads, and bread - a perfect lunch. Think outside the wedding industry!
Reply:I don't know taht you can get out of it now. If people are expecting to be fed and you don't it might come off as rude.
Reply:I'm so sorry about your situation (and I hope you can ignore all the rude postings). Life is unpredictable, and most SANE people will understand that. I've been to a friend's wedding that was similar in situation; they pared down to a simple ceremony, followed by dessert-only reception. It was lovely and still made me cry.
A couple of ideas. Even if a cake has been paid for, if they haven't made it yet, are they willing to refund? If you reduce the hours of the videography (i.e. ceremony only) will it be cheaper? Scrap favors; even if cheap. Since you HAVE to serve non-alcoholic drinks, see if the reception place is willing to make a champagne-punch (much cheaper option). If it's just a dessert reception, see if you can negotiate shorter hours with the whole venue. Telling people in advance that there will be no lunch will be humbling, but much less rude than the surprise. And like I said, most SANE people understand that life throws curveballs.
Good luck!
Reply:Drop the meal %26amp; the dancing (D.J.), the video photographer , keep the champagne toast %26amp; cake...you should be getting enough in cash gifts to offset the difference....speak to the venue and see if any balance can be paid off in installments and if the time you use the hall can be shortened thus reducing the bill....and have a cake %26amp; champagne reception which is a very traditional thing in many regions of the USA....
....you still have your wedding list?...send all guests attending a note that due to an unexpected financial situation the reception will be a cake %26amp; champagne reception only...make sure the note has an apologetic tone to it..people worth their salt will understand and will make sure they come with full bellies..... and good luck.
Reply:If you put the buffet and toast on the RSVP you really can't cancel it. Honestly the only thing you can be rid of the videographer. You can have someone set up a video camera and then leave it stationary at the ceremony, it would be fun to have the reception taped but your hungry guests who were told to expect lunch probably won't stick around long to be taped.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Reception Centerpiece (pics)?
I want to use what is in the pic as my centerpiece, although I want to fill the vase with pears (fall wedding).
Can anyoneidentify what type of flower this is???
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa284...
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa284...
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa284...
Reception Centerpiece (pics)?
What beautiful centerpieces! You have excellent taste! It is a little hard to tell, because the pictures are from kind of far away, but they look like maybe some white hyacinth. However, it would not be difficult to make these centerpieces using a different flower of your choosing.
http://www.pbase.com/patsflowerphotos/by...
This website was very helpful when choosing which flowers I liked for my wedding, because it has all different flowers in all different colors, with detailed photos. Although, if you want my opinion, the hyacinth is/would be beautiful!
Best of luck on your wedding!
Reply:Its way too small to see, but I'm thinking that there's alot of baby's breath in there. That always fills in where needed.
Reply:Not sure of the flowers. Take the pics to a florist. But here's my opinion your those centerpieces. If you care to know.
I like those a lot. Very classy and elegant. I love the colors, it's not too bright. I think neutrals work very well. I also like the use of lighting and candles. The flowers are there and beautiful, but very understated. Nothing is more tacky to me, than an excessive amount of flowers.
Reply:It looks like branches from a tree - maybe it's mock orange. Mock orange smells wonderful!
Reply:If you take the picture to a respected florist, they can identify it for you.
Reply:I can't, but you may try contacting your local florist.
wide children shoes
Can anyoneidentify what type of flower this is???
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa284...
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa284...
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa284...
Reception Centerpiece (pics)?
What beautiful centerpieces! You have excellent taste! It is a little hard to tell, because the pictures are from kind of far away, but they look like maybe some white hyacinth. However, it would not be difficult to make these centerpieces using a different flower of your choosing.
http://www.pbase.com/patsflowerphotos/by...
This website was very helpful when choosing which flowers I liked for my wedding, because it has all different flowers in all different colors, with detailed photos. Although, if you want my opinion, the hyacinth is/would be beautiful!
Best of luck on your wedding!
Reply:Its way too small to see, but I'm thinking that there's alot of baby's breath in there. That always fills in where needed.
Reply:Not sure of the flowers. Take the pics to a florist. But here's my opinion your those centerpieces. If you care to know.
I like those a lot. Very classy and elegant. I love the colors, it's not too bright. I think neutrals work very well. I also like the use of lighting and candles. The flowers are there and beautiful, but very understated. Nothing is more tacky to me, than an excessive amount of flowers.
Reply:It looks like branches from a tree - maybe it's mock orange. Mock orange smells wonderful!
Reply:If you take the picture to a respected florist, they can identify it for you.
Reply:I can't, but you may try contacting your local florist.
wide children shoes
WEDDING QUESTION! ;-} I'm getting married in September, but I have no idea how to get started planning...
I know the florist provides the flowers, but who do I contact for the decorations for the church and reception? By these I mean the linens, table decorations, chair decorations, etc. If anyone can help (especially those of you who have already been through this), I would greatly appreciate it. I live in Charlotte, NC. Thanks!!! :-D
WEDDING QUESTION! ;-} I'm getting married in September, but I have no idea how to get started planning...
If the reception is at a hotel ballroom or other "wedding" facility, they usually have linens and everything you will need. If your facility doesn't have these, they usually have a list of caterers and rental places to call, OR they may even handle the arrangements for you. Decorations for the church are typically just flowers and tulle, which a florist would handle for you. However, you can purchase decorations at craft and fabric shops as well.
Here are some rental places in the Charlotte area:
http://www.rollandelliott.com/BridalCont...
Good luck and have a wonderful wedding!
Reply:buy a wedding planner book there great.
bridle shop will help you find one.
it will tell every thing.
Reply:Contact a wedding planner.
Reply:you can get most if not all your decorations at a party store that supplies decorations for party and special events, how big of a wedding is it ?if its for more than 50 people ask a friend or your relative to help with planning .. good luck
Reply:Charlotte is a pretty big city, so you should be able to find wedding planners in the phone book or online. If you want to do all the planning yourself, then you should break down the wedding into its different components--date, place, number of guests, menu, music, photography, dress, etc., then begin doing the work of researching providers. It helps to be organized, and get your female relatives and friends to help.
Reply:I felt and still feel like that...go to weddingbells.ca
they have a planning guid that helped me get started. I got untill june 24th to go.
Reply:you might want to hire a wedding consultant. Wedding coonsultants can take much need stress off of you during a time that is ment to be happy. While they are a little bit more money, you will actually end up saving money using a consultant because theses people are skilled in what they do have have experience
Reply:Ask the Church Secretary.
Reply:Make it pretty and simple, save your money for a trip.
Reply:Go to www.theknot.com, they can help you! There are a lot of wedding websites that will give you a step by step guideline!
Reply:Just go to Vegas! The Little White Chapel!
Reply:you need to hire a wedding planner
Reply:that's what moms are for decorations. some rented halls will provide it all.
Reply:Start with the Dress, and then get a good wedding planner. My first planner was horrible, so I had to look for another, then ended up, doing everything myself with my sisters.
WEDDING QUESTION! ;-} I'm getting married in September, but I have no idea how to get started planning...
If the reception is at a hotel ballroom or other "wedding" facility, they usually have linens and everything you will need. If your facility doesn't have these, they usually have a list of caterers and rental places to call, OR they may even handle the arrangements for you. Decorations for the church are typically just flowers and tulle, which a florist would handle for you. However, you can purchase decorations at craft and fabric shops as well.
Here are some rental places in the Charlotte area:
http://www.rollandelliott.com/BridalCont...
Good luck and have a wonderful wedding!
Reply:buy a wedding planner book there great.
bridle shop will help you find one.
it will tell every thing.
Reply:Contact a wedding planner.
Reply:you can get most if not all your decorations at a party store that supplies decorations for party and special events, how big of a wedding is it ?if its for more than 50 people ask a friend or your relative to help with planning .. good luck
Reply:Charlotte is a pretty big city, so you should be able to find wedding planners in the phone book or online. If you want to do all the planning yourself, then you should break down the wedding into its different components--date, place, number of guests, menu, music, photography, dress, etc., then begin doing the work of researching providers. It helps to be organized, and get your female relatives and friends to help.
Reply:I felt and still feel like that...go to weddingbells.ca
they have a planning guid that helped me get started. I got untill june 24th to go.
Reply:you might want to hire a wedding consultant. Wedding coonsultants can take much need stress off of you during a time that is ment to be happy. While they are a little bit more money, you will actually end up saving money using a consultant because theses people are skilled in what they do have have experience
Reply:Ask the Church Secretary.
Reply:Make it pretty and simple, save your money for a trip.
Reply:Go to www.theknot.com, they can help you! There are a lot of wedding websites that will give you a step by step guideline!
Reply:Just go to Vegas! The Little White Chapel!
Reply:you need to hire a wedding planner
Reply:that's what moms are for decorations. some rented halls will provide it all.
Reply:Start with the Dress, and then get a good wedding planner. My first planner was horrible, so I had to look for another, then ended up, doing everything myself with my sisters.
How Did These Theme Weddings Get Started? Some One please explain this one to me?
I'm used to the bride selecting her dress, the Bride's Maids dresses, the colors, type of reception,flowers, centerpeices, cake, food...etc but this Theme thing is totally new to me...when I was young a wedding was a wedding and themes were reserved for proms and birthday parties. In fact I never even heard of it until I started reading Yahoo!Answers so please, since I'm finding it all very silly and very one-upmanship-ish can some one tell me how all this got started......and why.........so I can stop scratching my head and not wondering what is going on? Snotty answers get automatic thumbs down.....best answer must also be polite (funny is okay) as well as informative for I am asking politely......I am totally 'gobsmacked' by all of this.
How Did These Theme Weddings Get Started? Some One please explain this one to me?
Everyone already knows you hate theme weddings so why regurgitate that info?
If someone wants to have a theme, who are you to judge? You're already married so why does it matter to you what a random stranger does? Many couples choose them as a reflection of their interests or the season they are getting married in. It makes decorating easier for them by tying everything together instead of having random things that don't look like they belong in the same room.
I used to work many weddings when I was younger. Most were balloon themes since it was the mid-late 80s. A friend of mine when I was in grade school (she was several yrs older) had a Christmas theme and no one thought that was strange. My mother and all her friends and relatives of that age had daisy themes since that was in style back then.
Reply:I think it makes the wedding personalized, shows more of a personality from the bride and groom.
Our theme isn't outrageous: fall-themed. But the whole wedding is a nontraditional concept.
Don't think of it as silly, I think that's pretty insulting for people who are trying to express themselves as a couple having fun. Weddings should be fun as well as romantic.
Reply:Themes evolved because couples wanted to incorporate something involving their interests and personalities. Not everyone wants the same cookie cutter wedding. Just because you change the couple in every wedding and have the same details otherwise, that doesn't make it personal enough for some people, and that is fine. They may feel that a theme gives it a unifying look and helps them out with decorating and such. It only costs more if you want it to. Everyone decides how simple or elaborate they want to be, and budget is a big factor in that. From what I have seen both online and in real life, things specially marketed as "wedding" are twice the price and half the quality as the same things in another dept of the store that are not labelled "wedding". Many theme items are not from the wedding section so they are not more expensive, regardless of what one may think who isn't even paying the bill. Also, how do you know the couple didn't stock up during clearance sales if they were on a tight budget but they wanted a particular look?
Why is this such a big deal? If a couple wants a theme wedding, why not respect that they want to do something that fits who they are and what they like and they don't want it to be just like everyone else's wedding? You as a random stranger don't have to like it. For guests who are attending, it is not an inconvenience on their comfort the same as being charged for everything once they walk in the door for example. Even at traditional weddings, there may be details that a guest doesn't personally like but most people move on and try to enjoy themselves instead of dwelling on it.
To each their own.
Reply:Mystery's answer is similar to what our wedding was, a traditional ethnic Ukrainian wedding. It just was what it was - never thought of that as being a 'theme'! We just planned a lovely family wedding!
I really think the idea of the theme wedding must have been born from that deep-seeded gnawing inside a bride (yes, it's usually the bride) to throw the bigger, better, fancier, more unusual, spectacular event. The one that everyone will talk about, and she hopes that it'll be the most unusual wedding people will have gone to. But from what I read here on Answers about these theme weddings, lots just sound like birthday parties gone amuck.
There are regional and cultural differences, and that's fine and lovely. However, the theme of a wedding should be "A Wedding", plain and simple and utterly wonderful.
SO interesting reading others answers!
Reply:I find the whole idea pretty silly. Before I started hanging out on here, I thought "theme" meant pink %26amp; cream, or daisies, or a motif used on stationery. I had no idea it extended to Beach Theme (while wedding is not on a beach), or Disney Theme.
Anyway I think it started because people are always looking for ways to show their individuality. Some people are bored by the thought of a "traditional" wedding and they want to turn it upside down. To each their own.
But if I ever get invited to a Renaissance theme wedding, I wont wear a Renaissance style outfit!
Reply:I don't know where they first began but the majority of Theme Weddings that I perform are for couples who consider a traditional wedding painful. On the inside most of my couples are just screaming "Anything but the church"
Light themes such as beach, fall, winter.... well it is a beach wedding or a fall wedding or a winter wedding so why not match? To me that's nit the same as a full blown masquerade ball, but then again for many to try to visualize their family and friends in Black Tie it may as well be a costume. Many Medieval weddings are thinly veiled Neo-Pagan ceremonies. Goth weddings try to offer (through poetry, and symbolism) a view other than the black lipstick and clothing. Theme Weddings tend to reflect a side of the couple they consider to be important to them. One of the ministers in an officiants group that I belong to does a lot of Civil War reenactment, as does his wife and all their friends so they did their wedding in period. In my personal opinion, the content needs to be more hard hitting and emotionally significant during these weddings or they are brushed off as a fad.
Another thing with the beach weddings, usually the brides dress the attendants in more comfortable clothes that they can actually wear again, the guests can be more comfortable as well. I live on Long Island so many couples spend a good deal of time on the water anyway and it seems to work well here.
We also have a huge wedding industry and they seem cookie cutter in many ways. a Theme wedding gets you away from all that too.
Reply:I'm not sure if by theme you mean all out luau with grass skirts, or just some seashells and some nautical themed napkins for a wedding at the beach. (or both), I'm not to sure why anyone would want to have such a drastic theme such as a luau with grass skirts, and hula dancers, or a pirate theme, or a midevil theme, with people dressing up like that. Seems like a costume party instead of a wedding. But I do think that little things such as appetizer pics and drink stirers with small seashells attached, or tiny starfish scattered on the table, or as fondant decorations on the cake, pull the wedding together, if it's in a special place, such as a beach, or on the water. Or for a wedding in a backyard, lots of flowers and small lanterns and candles, for a garden type theme.
Reply:Theme weddings were started when a Bride decided she wanted something very creative, unique and with a touch of personality. Every wedding has colors but to be truly special to some brides it makes sense to have a theme.
Reply:i didn't have a theme, and am not 100% sure where it all started but I guess it must have been because couples wanted to have their personalities reflected in the style of their weddings, for example, if they are Bikers then they may have wanted leather/biker theme for their big day, because it tells a story about their likes and interests and passions, which is what a wedding is all about really, it is about celebrating their love, and reflecting their lives. It's also something different, I quite like attending weddings that are not all the same as every other wedding that year, it's really nice when a wedding is made totally personal to the couple rather than being what is traditionally expected every time. Weddings are evolving, you cannot expect everyone to want the same thing, and to look the same as every other bride, and to follow the exact same format as it has done for the last 100 years. As long as the legalities are followed then everything else can be tailored to what the bride and groom want.
Reply:I feel it's because people want to break from the boring traditions--add some uniqueness %26amp; personality. I'm personally having a themed Wedding and I've recieved nothing but positive responses to everyone I've talked to about it. It amazes me how many people are opposed to this idea. I think what it comes down to is if you've never been to a themed Wedding(or one nicely done), then how can you fairly speak negatively on it? You can't. A key to having a successful themed Wedding is have subtle touches, that way it DOESN'T look like a kids B-day party. In other words you should leave the crepe paper %26amp; dollar store tiara's at the party supply store.
Hey, it's your day, why not do it your way? To each's own. :)
Reply:I think that themed weddings are strange too, just pick some colors to unify things and thats all! no pirate costumes or stars everywhere for me!
Reply:i like themes-
travel, beach, cherry blossoms, baseball
it's just something fun and people are just learning to become more unique with weddings instead of being so traditional (although, traditional isn't bad neither)
Reply:lol... I had someone email me once and ask why I had a military themed wedding, if the groom and groomsmen were actually in the military, and where I got all the military themed decorations. At first I was confused, and then I wondered if anyone would actually have a military themed wedding if they weren't in the military! In all honesty we didnt really plan on having a "theme" wedding... we just picked out invites we liked (which were "Marine Corps Blue" as we call it, not white), my husband and his groomsmen wore their dress blues because they were formal and perfect (no sense in renting a tux when we owned a $400 uniform), and we were married at the Marine Corps Memorial Club in San Francsico (so we didnt even have to decorate, it was already beautiful).
I think some people just want to over think their wedding, and some how think that if it's not "different" it's not good enough. People seem to forget what a wedding is really about. My husnand and I simply picked what we liked and got married because we love eachother. Why that's not enough for some people, I have no idea.
Reply:I asked my mother (a wedding planner) and this was her answer:
"Hmm, I don't know...they seem to make me more money though!"
LOL. My opinion, I have no official "theme" but if other women want to shell out the dough to have them....so be it.
Happy Monday!
Reply:I don't really understand it, either. I think a theme takes focus off of the wedding. I can understand a theme in a limited sense, i.e. seashells on the invitations and in the centerpieces, but I really don't understand why someone would want an elaborate theme for a wedding. Just gives you something else to have to worry about and spend money on!
Reply:Your question intrigued me so I wanted to read the answers to see what people had to say.
Like you, I never heard of a 'theme' until I started reading YA. I don't get it. There already IS a theme. The theme is 'wedding'.
It reminds me of a fellow I used to work with. The people who sat near him were involved in planning the staff golf tournament. He couldn't believe his ears as they walked around talking about a theme for the tourney. I'll never forget him ranting to me, "What the he77 are they talking about? There IS a theme. The theme is golf." It still cracks me up, hearing his voice in my mind.
Reply:I don't know... They don't seem to be such of a trend here in Australia, but having said that they still do happen. They seem to be mainy held by those who have an extreme interest in somekind of theme or hobby.
I have noticed however on the American websites just how popular they are there!
It's not my taste, I'm certainly running with a color scheme in my wedding, but not a theme.
Too each their own though, if that is their idea of a dream day and they feel like a princess (or prince!) for the day then kudos to them!
Reply:Haha! I'm not sure how it started because if you ask me, the theme should be "wedding" or "marriage"!?!? Anyhow, my sister-in-law had a "fall/autumn" theme and we weren't even allowed to have wedding themed stuff at her bridal shower, it all had to be leaves, etc.....!?!? Our dresses were each a different fall color, and the hall was decorated with hay bales and pumpkins!!!
To be honest, it was kind of neat, but also a little strange especially when someone like you points it out!!!!
I think it must come down to this being the "ME GENERATION." It seems like everyone is trying to be different, trying to create their own style, trying to bend the rules of tradition, trying to individualize what has already been discovered!? A little sad, yet a little interesting. I guess the effects of this type of attitude could be positive and a lot of wonderful ideas may arise in the future due to this type of thinking. However, a little depressing with hopes that traditions and values will not totally be lost due to this reasoning either....Obviously I'm talking about the bigger picture but it just seems to be the way society is now.......!?!?
Reply:I may be wrong but I believe it would have started by people simply wishing to make their wedding stand out from other peoples. They try to make it different, unique and simply want to do something that will make their day special. Everybody has different interests and hobbies in life - if a couple met in a certain place doing a certain thing then I suppose it makes it special for them if they use that as a theme.
Personally, I prefer a more traditional wedding, many of these themed ones are just a tad bit on the ah, perculiar side for my liking. I have to wonder if perhaps they are compensating for something they missed out on as a child or in their teenage years? But each to his own and Im sure they are happy with their choice
Reply:I think someone must have felt a little denied by not having the 5th birthday party of her dreams.
I think that a unifying element (okay theme) that subtly ties the decorations together is appropriate and attractive - unobtrusive yet provides a sense that things make sense rather than being random.
That being said, I agree that the theme thing has been taken way way too far and can be tacky and ridiculous.
I knew things had gone too far when someone posted suggestions for her "hunting" theme wedding.
I do not lie.
%26lt;Add - I have to disagree about the rich people. From the spelling and grammar on the postings, these are not rich people asking for theme suggestions%26gt;
Reply:Honestly, it probably came from rich people. Rich people are always trying to out do themselves. At one point, "themed weddings" were probably only for the rich. Then people started downsizing the idea for everyday people, now it's just run wild.
I think it's OK to theme your wedding to some extent. For example, if you're wedding is a golf course; I can see personalized golf balls as the favors. But, I'd might stop it at that.
I think people are mistaking "small, personalized details" with "themes"
Details will make a wedding stand out from others in a positive way. For example, having sand in your vases w/ a pillar candle at a beach side reception. Doing it over the top would be having guest dress in their beach wear or having centerpieces made out of golf clubs (for golf course wedding)
EDIT: If the above is talking about me. I never said I was rich. I'm simple stating a LOT of trends start in the upper class and work there way down. That's what happens with fashion, etc. People look at what the upper classes have.
Plus, I never said I would have a themed wedding. I may have bad grammer, but I don't take answers out of context. Thank You.
Reply:i dont know, but they are very annoying arnt they?
it just sems to be very trendy right now. more so in the las t id say 3 years
Reply:Call it theme or call it style, either way I had one of "those" weddings. We did fiesta theme because that is my heritage. The theme idea first intrigued me when I realized how much money and stress I would save. Having so many bright festive colors to decorate in I didn't have to stress that something wasn't in the exact shade of purple. When picking out our dresses I of course kept the church in mind and the pastor actually told me after the ceremony that it was about time that people were dressed appropriately for mass. Now, if we would have ridden off in a donkey instead of the limo that would of been tacky.lol
How Did These Theme Weddings Get Started? Some One please explain this one to me?
Everyone already knows you hate theme weddings so why regurgitate that info?
If someone wants to have a theme, who are you to judge? You're already married so why does it matter to you what a random stranger does? Many couples choose them as a reflection of their interests or the season they are getting married in. It makes decorating easier for them by tying everything together instead of having random things that don't look like they belong in the same room.
I used to work many weddings when I was younger. Most were balloon themes since it was the mid-late 80s. A friend of mine when I was in grade school (she was several yrs older) had a Christmas theme and no one thought that was strange. My mother and all her friends and relatives of that age had daisy themes since that was in style back then.
Reply:I think it makes the wedding personalized, shows more of a personality from the bride and groom.
Our theme isn't outrageous: fall-themed. But the whole wedding is a nontraditional concept.
Don't think of it as silly, I think that's pretty insulting for people who are trying to express themselves as a couple having fun. Weddings should be fun as well as romantic.
Reply:Themes evolved because couples wanted to incorporate something involving their interests and personalities. Not everyone wants the same cookie cutter wedding. Just because you change the couple in every wedding and have the same details otherwise, that doesn't make it personal enough for some people, and that is fine. They may feel that a theme gives it a unifying look and helps them out with decorating and such. It only costs more if you want it to. Everyone decides how simple or elaborate they want to be, and budget is a big factor in that. From what I have seen both online and in real life, things specially marketed as "wedding" are twice the price and half the quality as the same things in another dept of the store that are not labelled "wedding". Many theme items are not from the wedding section so they are not more expensive, regardless of what one may think who isn't even paying the bill. Also, how do you know the couple didn't stock up during clearance sales if they were on a tight budget but they wanted a particular look?
Why is this such a big deal? If a couple wants a theme wedding, why not respect that they want to do something that fits who they are and what they like and they don't want it to be just like everyone else's wedding? You as a random stranger don't have to like it. For guests who are attending, it is not an inconvenience on their comfort the same as being charged for everything once they walk in the door for example. Even at traditional weddings, there may be details that a guest doesn't personally like but most people move on and try to enjoy themselves instead of dwelling on it.
To each their own.
Reply:Mystery's answer is similar to what our wedding was, a traditional ethnic Ukrainian wedding. It just was what it was - never thought of that as being a 'theme'! We just planned a lovely family wedding!
I really think the idea of the theme wedding must have been born from that deep-seeded gnawing inside a bride (yes, it's usually the bride) to throw the bigger, better, fancier, more unusual, spectacular event. The one that everyone will talk about, and she hopes that it'll be the most unusual wedding people will have gone to. But from what I read here on Answers about these theme weddings, lots just sound like birthday parties gone amuck.
There are regional and cultural differences, and that's fine and lovely. However, the theme of a wedding should be "A Wedding", plain and simple and utterly wonderful.
SO interesting reading others answers!
Reply:I find the whole idea pretty silly. Before I started hanging out on here, I thought "theme" meant pink %26amp; cream, or daisies, or a motif used on stationery. I had no idea it extended to Beach Theme (while wedding is not on a beach), or Disney Theme.
Anyway I think it started because people are always looking for ways to show their individuality. Some people are bored by the thought of a "traditional" wedding and they want to turn it upside down. To each their own.
But if I ever get invited to a Renaissance theme wedding, I wont wear a Renaissance style outfit!
Reply:I don't know where they first began but the majority of Theme Weddings that I perform are for couples who consider a traditional wedding painful. On the inside most of my couples are just screaming "Anything but the church"
Light themes such as beach, fall, winter.... well it is a beach wedding or a fall wedding or a winter wedding so why not match? To me that's nit the same as a full blown masquerade ball, but then again for many to try to visualize their family and friends in Black Tie it may as well be a costume. Many Medieval weddings are thinly veiled Neo-Pagan ceremonies. Goth weddings try to offer (through poetry, and symbolism) a view other than the black lipstick and clothing. Theme Weddings tend to reflect a side of the couple they consider to be important to them. One of the ministers in an officiants group that I belong to does a lot of Civil War reenactment, as does his wife and all their friends so they did their wedding in period. In my personal opinion, the content needs to be more hard hitting and emotionally significant during these weddings or they are brushed off as a fad.
Another thing with the beach weddings, usually the brides dress the attendants in more comfortable clothes that they can actually wear again, the guests can be more comfortable as well. I live on Long Island so many couples spend a good deal of time on the water anyway and it seems to work well here.
We also have a huge wedding industry and they seem cookie cutter in many ways. a Theme wedding gets you away from all that too.
Reply:I'm not sure if by theme you mean all out luau with grass skirts, or just some seashells and some nautical themed napkins for a wedding at the beach. (or both), I'm not to sure why anyone would want to have such a drastic theme such as a luau with grass skirts, and hula dancers, or a pirate theme, or a midevil theme, with people dressing up like that. Seems like a costume party instead of a wedding. But I do think that little things such as appetizer pics and drink stirers with small seashells attached, or tiny starfish scattered on the table, or as fondant decorations on the cake, pull the wedding together, if it's in a special place, such as a beach, or on the water. Or for a wedding in a backyard, lots of flowers and small lanterns and candles, for a garden type theme.
Reply:Theme weddings were started when a Bride decided she wanted something very creative, unique and with a touch of personality. Every wedding has colors but to be truly special to some brides it makes sense to have a theme.
Reply:i didn't have a theme, and am not 100% sure where it all started but I guess it must have been because couples wanted to have their personalities reflected in the style of their weddings, for example, if they are Bikers then they may have wanted leather/biker theme for their big day, because it tells a story about their likes and interests and passions, which is what a wedding is all about really, it is about celebrating their love, and reflecting their lives. It's also something different, I quite like attending weddings that are not all the same as every other wedding that year, it's really nice when a wedding is made totally personal to the couple rather than being what is traditionally expected every time. Weddings are evolving, you cannot expect everyone to want the same thing, and to look the same as every other bride, and to follow the exact same format as it has done for the last 100 years. As long as the legalities are followed then everything else can be tailored to what the bride and groom want.
Reply:I feel it's because people want to break from the boring traditions--add some uniqueness %26amp; personality. I'm personally having a themed Wedding and I've recieved nothing but positive responses to everyone I've talked to about it. It amazes me how many people are opposed to this idea. I think what it comes down to is if you've never been to a themed Wedding(or one nicely done), then how can you fairly speak negatively on it? You can't. A key to having a successful themed Wedding is have subtle touches, that way it DOESN'T look like a kids B-day party. In other words you should leave the crepe paper %26amp; dollar store tiara's at the party supply store.
Hey, it's your day, why not do it your way? To each's own. :)
Reply:I think that themed weddings are strange too, just pick some colors to unify things and thats all! no pirate costumes or stars everywhere for me!
Reply:i like themes-
travel, beach, cherry blossoms, baseball
it's just something fun and people are just learning to become more unique with weddings instead of being so traditional (although, traditional isn't bad neither)
Reply:lol... I had someone email me once and ask why I had a military themed wedding, if the groom and groomsmen were actually in the military, and where I got all the military themed decorations. At first I was confused, and then I wondered if anyone would actually have a military themed wedding if they weren't in the military! In all honesty we didnt really plan on having a "theme" wedding... we just picked out invites we liked (which were "Marine Corps Blue" as we call it, not white), my husband and his groomsmen wore their dress blues because they were formal and perfect (no sense in renting a tux when we owned a $400 uniform), and we were married at the Marine Corps Memorial Club in San Francsico (so we didnt even have to decorate, it was already beautiful).
I think some people just want to over think their wedding, and some how think that if it's not "different" it's not good enough. People seem to forget what a wedding is really about. My husnand and I simply picked what we liked and got married because we love eachother. Why that's not enough for some people, I have no idea.
Reply:I asked my mother (a wedding planner) and this was her answer:
"Hmm, I don't know...they seem to make me more money though!"
LOL. My opinion, I have no official "theme" but if other women want to shell out the dough to have them....so be it.
Happy Monday!
Reply:I don't really understand it, either. I think a theme takes focus off of the wedding. I can understand a theme in a limited sense, i.e. seashells on the invitations and in the centerpieces, but I really don't understand why someone would want an elaborate theme for a wedding. Just gives you something else to have to worry about and spend money on!
Reply:Your question intrigued me so I wanted to read the answers to see what people had to say.
Like you, I never heard of a 'theme' until I started reading YA. I don't get it. There already IS a theme. The theme is 'wedding'.
It reminds me of a fellow I used to work with. The people who sat near him were involved in planning the staff golf tournament. He couldn't believe his ears as they walked around talking about a theme for the tourney. I'll never forget him ranting to me, "What the he77 are they talking about? There IS a theme. The theme is golf." It still cracks me up, hearing his voice in my mind.
Reply:I don't know... They don't seem to be such of a trend here in Australia, but having said that they still do happen. They seem to be mainy held by those who have an extreme interest in somekind of theme or hobby.
I have noticed however on the American websites just how popular they are there!
It's not my taste, I'm certainly running with a color scheme in my wedding, but not a theme.
Too each their own though, if that is their idea of a dream day and they feel like a princess (or prince!) for the day then kudos to them!
Reply:Haha! I'm not sure how it started because if you ask me, the theme should be "wedding" or "marriage"!?!? Anyhow, my sister-in-law had a "fall/autumn" theme and we weren't even allowed to have wedding themed stuff at her bridal shower, it all had to be leaves, etc.....!?!? Our dresses were each a different fall color, and the hall was decorated with hay bales and pumpkins!!!
To be honest, it was kind of neat, but also a little strange especially when someone like you points it out!!!!
I think it must come down to this being the "ME GENERATION." It seems like everyone is trying to be different, trying to create their own style, trying to bend the rules of tradition, trying to individualize what has already been discovered!? A little sad, yet a little interesting. I guess the effects of this type of attitude could be positive and a lot of wonderful ideas may arise in the future due to this type of thinking. However, a little depressing with hopes that traditions and values will not totally be lost due to this reasoning either....Obviously I'm talking about the bigger picture but it just seems to be the way society is now.......!?!?
Reply:I may be wrong but I believe it would have started by people simply wishing to make their wedding stand out from other peoples. They try to make it different, unique and simply want to do something that will make their day special. Everybody has different interests and hobbies in life - if a couple met in a certain place doing a certain thing then I suppose it makes it special for them if they use that as a theme.
Personally, I prefer a more traditional wedding, many of these themed ones are just a tad bit on the ah, perculiar side for my liking. I have to wonder if perhaps they are compensating for something they missed out on as a child or in their teenage years? But each to his own and Im sure they are happy with their choice
Reply:I think someone must have felt a little denied by not having the 5th birthday party of her dreams.
I think that a unifying element (okay theme) that subtly ties the decorations together is appropriate and attractive - unobtrusive yet provides a sense that things make sense rather than being random.
That being said, I agree that the theme thing has been taken way way too far and can be tacky and ridiculous.
I knew things had gone too far when someone posted suggestions for her "hunting" theme wedding.
I do not lie.
%26lt;Add - I have to disagree about the rich people. From the spelling and grammar on the postings, these are not rich people asking for theme suggestions%26gt;
Reply:Honestly, it probably came from rich people. Rich people are always trying to out do themselves. At one point, "themed weddings" were probably only for the rich. Then people started downsizing the idea for everyday people, now it's just run wild.
I think it's OK to theme your wedding to some extent. For example, if you're wedding is a golf course; I can see personalized golf balls as the favors. But, I'd might stop it at that.
I think people are mistaking "small, personalized details" with "themes"
Details will make a wedding stand out from others in a positive way. For example, having sand in your vases w/ a pillar candle at a beach side reception. Doing it over the top would be having guest dress in their beach wear or having centerpieces made out of golf clubs (for golf course wedding)
EDIT: If the above is talking about me. I never said I was rich. I'm simple stating a LOT of trends start in the upper class and work there way down. That's what happens with fashion, etc. People look at what the upper classes have.
Plus, I never said I would have a themed wedding. I may have bad grammer, but I don't take answers out of context. Thank You.
Reply:i dont know, but they are very annoying arnt they?
it just sems to be very trendy right now. more so in the las t id say 3 years
Reply:Call it theme or call it style, either way I had one of "those" weddings. We did fiesta theme because that is my heritage. The theme idea first intrigued me when I realized how much money and stress I would save. Having so many bright festive colors to decorate in I didn't have to stress that something wasn't in the exact shade of purple. When picking out our dresses I of course kept the church in mind and the pastor actually told me after the ceremony that it was about time that people were dressed appropriately for mass. Now, if we would have ridden off in a donkey instead of the limo that would of been tacky.lol
How to get my fiance to help w/ planning?
We are recently engaged and I have begun the initial stages of wedding planning. I've been looking at churches and flower arrangements, picked a dress and bridesmaid dresses, and started outlining a budget. He's done nothing but promise he'll help. Because of his family, we have to have a huge wedding(400-500ppl) which means there is a limited amount of cites we can use with our budget. I've been asking him to help but he's more concerned w/ work projects right now. We're getting married next spring and one reception hall we liked is already all booked up so time is running out to make this work. His mom doesn't want us to book a hall until she has a rough guest count, which is fine with me because she didn't know we were booking stuff already because he didn't tell her (like I asked him to).
So I'm asking, how do I get him to put this as a bigger priority than work for a couple of weeks and understand we have to do this stuff now?! Help!!
How to get my fiance to help w/ planning?
The way the workforce is these days, those work projects could be extremely important to him keeping his job or at least to getting a good performance review which will later translate to a raise. I would not automatically dismiss those work projects as not being important.
I would ask him to make an appointment with you for a solid 2 hours of wedding work on the weekend. Tell him it's important for the reasons you stated above. Have him commit to a specific time and put it on his calendar.
(Obviously the number of hours can be different, but you can schedule more time later if 2 hours isn't enough.)
P.S. Someone made the excellent point that he could be overwhelmed by the size/scope of the wedding. Maybe with that size of a wedding, the whole project is overwhelming to him, and he doesn't even want to get started. Or he really doesn't want a huge wedding and he is "protesting" by not participating. This could be subconscious "protest", not necessarily passive-aggressive.
Reply:Sorry to say but, most guys are like this they plan the engagement and figure all they have to do is show up at the wedding.
However, at some point at least in my case he came around and began getting excited about 10 months away from the wedding and about 4 months into the process.
If you can just use your MOH or your Mom's!
Also, you can type up a list of things he must do for you for the wedding this also has helped me a lot.
Eventually he'll come around guys go into shock usually after the engagement because they have no idea that you have to start planning right away.
I started planning 2 days after we got engaged calling to book our venue and he freaked out.
Good Luck!
October 6, 2007 Bride!
Reply:to me work should never take a back seat...you guys need to pay for the wedding some how. My FI isn't helping me either and I think it's great, I can do what I want. As long as he shows up, to me, that is all that matters.
Reply:You must realize that -- to put it bluntly -- wedding ceremonies are actually for the benefit of the BRIDE, and the bride alone, so that she can be the center of attention for a day. Men (including the groom) play only a small supporting role. It is going to be hard to get a man excited about planning a wedding ceremony when, quite frankly, the big party is not really for him -- it's all just for you.
Have you ever tried to talk a friend into helping you plan a big birthday party for yourself? She probably was not that excited about doing a lot of work planning for a big party that is really for someone else.
Maybe you could get him to help you with planning your ceremony if you also promised to help him with something that is time consuming and bothersome for him, so that he actually does have more free time to help you plan for your big day.
===edit===
"I need him to get his parents to decide the number of guests so we can book stuff."
Do you and his parents HATE each other? Why do you need HIS help to speak with his parents? You know how to work the telephone, I presume, as well as your fiance does.
Reply:So you really don't need HIS help, it's his family's help you are after. Just phone.
Just think - if you were adults and paying for your own wedding, you could do all the planning you wanted together, with no interference, waiting, or drama!
Reply:It was this way with my husband too. He did not do any of the planning. Sit him down and simply tell him that if he doesnt start helping you plan things, you will be forced to make decisions without him. Don't act helpless-call his mother on your own; she will soon be yours too. Take initiative since he's not going to. As other people have said, work is important. You need money in order to survive. He can't compromise his job for one day of your lives. An important day, but one day none the less. I think its a little early for you to be overreacting. Another idea-call some places and get lined up to visit them. tell him when and where. simple as that. men don't like planning things, they are not like women that way. I'm thinking you may have to just come to terms with this fact...
Reply:The majority of guys so don't care for this wedding stuff, LOL. You have my sympathy. I've started planning now (for Oct. '08), and he doesn't even want to HEAR about a wedding until December the earliest.
Which is fine with me. I told him that I wouldn't throw the wedding in his face, as long as he helped with the tastings and finalization of the site later down the road. He liked the tasting part, LOL!
Perhaps the size and scale of this wedding is turning him off. The thought of a big wedding may sound very overwhelming to him. And no matter how old a guy is, if an event even feels like something he has to go to, he won't want to go, much less plan. I'm not saying he doesn't want to marry you, but the key to getting him to help is getting him to want to go (yeah I know, sounds weird, but trust me on this).
If it's not too late, try to incorporate some of his favorite foods and music, and include some elements that his friends will enjoy, like a pool or poker table, and a hosted bar (I'm having a hosted bar- I don't want any guest paying for anything). Whatever will get him there - that will get him to help you plan. The best of luck to you :o)
Reply:here's an easy one - give him a bl*w j*b and then tell him that he gets one each time he helps plan something for the wedding - i have a suspicion that the entire wedding will be planned quite quickly - in fact he'll probably make up new things that have to be planned for -
I don't know why I have to be the one that always explains to women how to motivate their men - geez !!!!!
Reply:Most guys show no interest in wedding planning and for the most part you just want them to show up. Since his parents are paying for most of it..talk to them regarding plans and keep your hubby in the loop.
Reply:He loves you, you're getting married, from what all I have seen, men just need to know when and where to show up. he may never help, so just work with his mom. Just get his list of guests, Good luck
Reply:Call his mother directly and tell her you've contacted a few halls just to get ideas, and some are already booked solid. That should get her moving on the guest list.
Reply:Have him take care of wedding issues that interest him, truthfully, he doesn't care how many flowers are in your bouquet or what color the forks are.. Have him choose to do things like the music, picking out the band and the songs. Have him pickout the caterer and the meals.. He can help pick out location, but a lot aspects of this he will find to be boring unfortunately so also have him organize his groomsmen, help out w doing the invitations etc..
As far as his parents go.. talk to them, i'm sure you have their number. You can ask him to do more, but don't let it get to the point where you're nagging him
Reply:Why can't you get with his parents to discuss it?
Reply:Lance is right :) If you want him more involved give him a reason to be :)
So I'm asking, how do I get him to put this as a bigger priority than work for a couple of weeks and understand we have to do this stuff now?! Help!!
How to get my fiance to help w/ planning?
The way the workforce is these days, those work projects could be extremely important to him keeping his job or at least to getting a good performance review which will later translate to a raise. I would not automatically dismiss those work projects as not being important.
I would ask him to make an appointment with you for a solid 2 hours of wedding work on the weekend. Tell him it's important for the reasons you stated above. Have him commit to a specific time and put it on his calendar.
(Obviously the number of hours can be different, but you can schedule more time later if 2 hours isn't enough.)
P.S. Someone made the excellent point that he could be overwhelmed by the size/scope of the wedding. Maybe with that size of a wedding, the whole project is overwhelming to him, and he doesn't even want to get started. Or he really doesn't want a huge wedding and he is "protesting" by not participating. This could be subconscious "protest", not necessarily passive-aggressive.
Reply:Sorry to say but, most guys are like this they plan the engagement and figure all they have to do is show up at the wedding.
However, at some point at least in my case he came around and began getting excited about 10 months away from the wedding and about 4 months into the process.
If you can just use your MOH or your Mom's!
Also, you can type up a list of things he must do for you for the wedding this also has helped me a lot.
Eventually he'll come around guys go into shock usually after the engagement because they have no idea that you have to start planning right away.
I started planning 2 days after we got engaged calling to book our venue and he freaked out.
Good Luck!
October 6, 2007 Bride!
Reply:to me work should never take a back seat...you guys need to pay for the wedding some how. My FI isn't helping me either and I think it's great, I can do what I want. As long as he shows up, to me, that is all that matters.
Reply:You must realize that -- to put it bluntly -- wedding ceremonies are actually for the benefit of the BRIDE, and the bride alone, so that she can be the center of attention for a day. Men (including the groom) play only a small supporting role. It is going to be hard to get a man excited about planning a wedding ceremony when, quite frankly, the big party is not really for him -- it's all just for you.
Have you ever tried to talk a friend into helping you plan a big birthday party for yourself? She probably was not that excited about doing a lot of work planning for a big party that is really for someone else.
Maybe you could get him to help you with planning your ceremony if you also promised to help him with something that is time consuming and bothersome for him, so that he actually does have more free time to help you plan for your big day.
===edit===
"I need him to get his parents to decide the number of guests so we can book stuff."
Do you and his parents HATE each other? Why do you need HIS help to speak with his parents? You know how to work the telephone, I presume, as well as your fiance does.
Reply:So you really don't need HIS help, it's his family's help you are after. Just phone.
Just think - if you were adults and paying for your own wedding, you could do all the planning you wanted together, with no interference, waiting, or drama!
Reply:It was this way with my husband too. He did not do any of the planning. Sit him down and simply tell him that if he doesnt start helping you plan things, you will be forced to make decisions without him. Don't act helpless-call his mother on your own; she will soon be yours too. Take initiative since he's not going to. As other people have said, work is important. You need money in order to survive. He can't compromise his job for one day of your lives. An important day, but one day none the less. I think its a little early for you to be overreacting. Another idea-call some places and get lined up to visit them. tell him when and where. simple as that. men don't like planning things, they are not like women that way. I'm thinking you may have to just come to terms with this fact...
Reply:The majority of guys so don't care for this wedding stuff, LOL. You have my sympathy. I've started planning now (for Oct. '08), and he doesn't even want to HEAR about a wedding until December the earliest.
Which is fine with me. I told him that I wouldn't throw the wedding in his face, as long as he helped with the tastings and finalization of the site later down the road. He liked the tasting part, LOL!
Perhaps the size and scale of this wedding is turning him off. The thought of a big wedding may sound very overwhelming to him. And no matter how old a guy is, if an event even feels like something he has to go to, he won't want to go, much less plan. I'm not saying he doesn't want to marry you, but the key to getting him to help is getting him to want to go (yeah I know, sounds weird, but trust me on this).
If it's not too late, try to incorporate some of his favorite foods and music, and include some elements that his friends will enjoy, like a pool or poker table, and a hosted bar (I'm having a hosted bar- I don't want any guest paying for anything). Whatever will get him there - that will get him to help you plan. The best of luck to you :o)
Reply:here's an easy one - give him a bl*w j*b and then tell him that he gets one each time he helps plan something for the wedding - i have a suspicion that the entire wedding will be planned quite quickly - in fact he'll probably make up new things that have to be planned for -
I don't know why I have to be the one that always explains to women how to motivate their men - geez !!!!!
Reply:Most guys show no interest in wedding planning and for the most part you just want them to show up. Since his parents are paying for most of it..talk to them regarding plans and keep your hubby in the loop.
Reply:He loves you, you're getting married, from what all I have seen, men just need to know when and where to show up. he may never help, so just work with his mom. Just get his list of guests, Good luck
Reply:Call his mother directly and tell her you've contacted a few halls just to get ideas, and some are already booked solid. That should get her moving on the guest list.
Reply:Have him take care of wedding issues that interest him, truthfully, he doesn't care how many flowers are in your bouquet or what color the forks are.. Have him choose to do things like the music, picking out the band and the songs. Have him pickout the caterer and the meals.. He can help pick out location, but a lot aspects of this he will find to be boring unfortunately so also have him organize his groomsmen, help out w doing the invitations etc..
As far as his parents go.. talk to them, i'm sure you have their number. You can ask him to do more, but don't let it get to the point where you're nagging him
Reply:Why can't you get with his parents to discuss it?
Reply:Lance is right :) If you want him more involved give him a reason to be :)
Which Idea Is Better?
I had the following ideas for centerpieces for the tables at my wedding reception. Please indicate by number the idea that you like the best.
Also if you have any ideas (using cinderella themed items) please feel free to share.
IDEA 1:
Cinderella themed champagne flutes filled with clear stones with two small bouquets of purple colored flowers would be placed in each and placed on the tables that would be covered with peridot colored tableclothes.
IDEA 2:
Small heart jars filled with clear stones with small bouquets of purple flowers stuck in them and placed on tables with peridot colored tablecloths.
IDEA 3:
Cinderella themed champagne flutes, two of them placed on each table one filled with clear stones with one purple and one peridot colored flower bouquet stuck in each and placed on silver colored tablecloths.
Which Idea Is Better?
2,1,3 Good luck!
Reply:Mad Dog 20/20 straight out of the Groom's shoe.
Reply:I Think Idea 2 Is The Best..
Then Idea 3..
Then Idea 1..
Congradulations On The Wedding..
Reply:I vote for idea number one!
Reply:What, no glass slippers?
Okay, Idea number 3 sounds best to me. Best of luck and congrats!
soft leather baby shoes
Also if you have any ideas (using cinderella themed items) please feel free to share.
IDEA 1:
Cinderella themed champagne flutes filled with clear stones with two small bouquets of purple colored flowers would be placed in each and placed on the tables that would be covered with peridot colored tableclothes.
IDEA 2:
Small heart jars filled with clear stones with small bouquets of purple flowers stuck in them and placed on tables with peridot colored tablecloths.
IDEA 3:
Cinderella themed champagne flutes, two of them placed on each table one filled with clear stones with one purple and one peridot colored flower bouquet stuck in each and placed on silver colored tablecloths.
Which Idea Is Better?
2,1,3 Good luck!
Reply:Mad Dog 20/20 straight out of the Groom's shoe.
Reply:I Think Idea 2 Is The Best..
Then Idea 3..
Then Idea 1..
Congradulations On The Wedding..
Reply:I vote for idea number one!
Reply:What, no glass slippers?
Okay, Idea number 3 sounds best to me. Best of luck and congrats!
soft leather baby shoes
What color should my bridesmaid dresses be, in order to match my dress and flowers?...pics included!?
My bridesmaid's and I are trying to figure out what color/stye their dresses should be. We're all at a complete loss so any advice would be great! (especially if you can provide links! :) )
As of right now the only two colors I'm working with are white and a pale blue (the color of the hydrangeas in my bouquet below)
We would prefer not to have them wear light blue dresses, so what other color would also look good? and of course...what style do you think is best?
Below are the links to my dress, my bouquet, and my venue, and the church, just to give you an idea of the feel of my wedding.
(it should be noted that the reception will probably be mostly white, with some light blue and potentially silver accents....very clean and crisp....so the bridesmaid's dresses won't neccessarily have to match or be incorporated into the venue)
oh and this is an April 2009 wedding!
Thanks so much for all your help! I look forward to your answers!
sBienick
What color should my bridesmaid dresses be, in order to match my dress and flowers?...pics included!?
I would think that a nice pale yellow or a pale green color would look beautiful in that room.
Maybe something along the lines of these colors...
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...
http://a1.vox.com/6a00c10e0f6f3fd3b400c1...
http://weddingjunkie.com/blog/images/mai...
http://weddingjunkie.com/blog/images/mai...
http://content.nordstrom.com/ImageGaller...
http://davidsbridal.com/images/makeamatc...
http://static.flickr.com/32/45315278_cee...
Reply:Liked the suggestion of a pale green. What about pale yellow? If your bouquet has a pinkish rose in it, what about pale pink? Just be sure to have lots of contrast between dress color and flowers so they'll show nicely in pics.
Reply:Periwinkle or lavender would be nice, even a dusty rose or the right shade of green...
http://www.cbslimited.com/bridesmaid-dre...
http://www.cbslimited.com/bridesmaid-dre...
Seafoam is pretty -
http://www.cbslimited.com/bridesmaid-dre...
Sapphire -
http://www.cbslimited.com/bridesmaid-dre...
Dark lilac -
http://www.cbslimited.com/bridesmaid-dre...
Reply:I have gone for a blue and white wedding, my dress has a very pale blue in it so for my bridesaids instead of going for the same blue, their dreses are royal blue. Its goes with alll the flowers as we are having blue hyasithms and hydrangeas.
Hope you have a lovely day, and good luck
Reply:I would go with periwinkle or any spring colors. I would also add more color to bouquet, it is dull looking.
Reply:Your wedding is going to be beautiful. I was thinking that dresses in the color of champagne would be beautiful. These can be accessorized with beautiful flowers in their hair that could be a blue to match your bouquet. Congralutations. Just remember that's it's not the wedding that matters, but the marriage.
Reply:I also think a silver would be nice. It would accent everything perfectly.
Reply:I love his show and love these dresses. It's real housewives of orange county. no idea where they got the dresses, but it is Lauri's wedding episode 3-11 (season 3 episode 11). and that green is the prettiest colour. I saw your bouquet, and i think this green dress would really pop with bouquets like that.
http://inspiredeventsbynycia.blogspot.co...
you have to scroll to like the 5th picture.
http://bp1.blogger.com/_iH8zU24R5N4/R5fF...
i think it is chartreuse
Reply:i was going to saw baby blue until i saw the reception room, now I've changed my mind to a pale satin green. fabulous dress, have a wonderful day.
Reply:I think this dresses might work for you. Best wishes!!!
http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/Illusi...
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/in...
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/in... -----%26gt; that one on the celery color
Reply:Pale yellow would match everything beautifully.
http://www.jimhjelmoccasions.com/dress_d...
http://www.jimhjelmoccasions.com/dress_d...
Reply:I love olive greens or deep greens....nothing lighter than that...here's an example...
http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_...
My girls dresses are truffle (chocolate brown) and it has been a great color to work with.
I love this dress in truffle (you'll have to click on the truffle color box!)...it sort of matches your gown style...
http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_...
You could have a pale blue and chocolate brown color scheme....but again, I'm so drawn to the browns!
Have fun deciding and best wishes to you!!
Reply:I think that a medium blue color would be really nice, I'm not into silver so much and I think that turquoise or teal would clash witht hte hydrangeas as would a really ice blue, April is gorgeous in San Diego so I think I would do teal length dresses, maybe somethinf either lacy or filmy to go with your dress and the reception site.
This in cornflower maybe:
http://www.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/...
OR
http://www.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/...
Here is a good picture of the cornflower:
http://www.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/...
This is great:
http://www.watters.com/product.php?coll=...
and this:
http://www.watters.com/product.php?coll=...
http://www.watters.com/product.php?coll=...
blue version of this is nice:
http://www.watters.com/product.php?coll=...
Reply:A pale yellow would be nice.
Reply:I think a light purple or light yellow would be pretty. Also, silver would be nice as well.
Reply:I think a pale green would be fabulous
http://www.perfect-bridesmaid-dresses.co...
http://www.houseofbrides.com/product.php...
I love natural colours...so a cappuchino colour would look fab against the white on your dress.. I think you should go for a natural colour, so it wont look tacky.and something that will look well in the venue aswell because theres lots of natural colours in that room
http://www.weddingsoldandnew.com/MyImage...
http://www.houseofbrides.com/product.php...
Reply:I love the flowers and your dress is so stunning! You definatly should not have dresses so matchy matchy. What about picking up the soft green or the crisp green in your bouquet. The color of the hypernicum (berry type filler) is very crisp.
#78 Kiwi i think is cool with blues and greens or
#41 Celery
http://ariadress.com/Descriptions/Desc10...
Look for the greens in the next two
http://threaddesign.com/collections/page...
http://threaddesign.com/collections/page...
good luck! :)
As of right now the only two colors I'm working with are white and a pale blue (the color of the hydrangeas in my bouquet below)
We would prefer not to have them wear light blue dresses, so what other color would also look good? and of course...what style do you think is best?
Below are the links to my dress, my bouquet, and my venue, and the church, just to give you an idea of the feel of my wedding.
(it should be noted that the reception will probably be mostly white, with some light blue and potentially silver accents....very clean and crisp....so the bridesmaid's dresses won't neccessarily have to match or be incorporated into the venue)
oh and this is an April 2009 wedding!
Thanks so much for all your help! I look forward to your answers!
sBienick
What color should my bridesmaid dresses be, in order to match my dress and flowers?...pics included!?
I would think that a nice pale yellow or a pale green color would look beautiful in that room.
Maybe something along the lines of these colors...
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=h...
http://a1.vox.com/6a00c10e0f6f3fd3b400c1...
http://weddingjunkie.com/blog/images/mai...
http://weddingjunkie.com/blog/images/mai...
http://content.nordstrom.com/ImageGaller...
http://davidsbridal.com/images/makeamatc...
http://static.flickr.com/32/45315278_cee...
Reply:Liked the suggestion of a pale green. What about pale yellow? If your bouquet has a pinkish rose in it, what about pale pink? Just be sure to have lots of contrast between dress color and flowers so they'll show nicely in pics.
Reply:Periwinkle or lavender would be nice, even a dusty rose or the right shade of green...
http://www.cbslimited.com/bridesmaid-dre...
http://www.cbslimited.com/bridesmaid-dre...
Seafoam is pretty -
http://www.cbslimited.com/bridesmaid-dre...
Sapphire -
http://www.cbslimited.com/bridesmaid-dre...
Dark lilac -
http://www.cbslimited.com/bridesmaid-dre...
Reply:I have gone for a blue and white wedding, my dress has a very pale blue in it so for my bridesaids instead of going for the same blue, their dreses are royal blue. Its goes with alll the flowers as we are having blue hyasithms and hydrangeas.
Hope you have a lovely day, and good luck
Reply:I would go with periwinkle or any spring colors. I would also add more color to bouquet, it is dull looking.
Reply:Your wedding is going to be beautiful. I was thinking that dresses in the color of champagne would be beautiful. These can be accessorized with beautiful flowers in their hair that could be a blue to match your bouquet. Congralutations. Just remember that's it's not the wedding that matters, but the marriage.
Reply:I also think a silver would be nice. It would accent everything perfectly.
Reply:I love his show and love these dresses. It's real housewives of orange county. no idea where they got the dresses, but it is Lauri's wedding episode 3-11 (season 3 episode 11). and that green is the prettiest colour. I saw your bouquet, and i think this green dress would really pop with bouquets like that.
http://inspiredeventsbynycia.blogspot.co...
you have to scroll to like the 5th picture.
http://bp1.blogger.com/_iH8zU24R5N4/R5fF...
i think it is chartreuse
Reply:i was going to saw baby blue until i saw the reception room, now I've changed my mind to a pale satin green. fabulous dress, have a wonderful day.
Reply:I think this dresses might work for you. Best wishes!!!
http://www.chadwicks.com/clothing/Illusi...
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/in...
http://www1.macys.com/catalog/product/in... -----%26gt; that one on the celery color
Reply:Pale yellow would match everything beautifully.
http://www.jimhjelmoccasions.com/dress_d...
http://www.jimhjelmoccasions.com/dress_d...
Reply:I love olive greens or deep greens....nothing lighter than that...here's an example...
http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_...
My girls dresses are truffle (chocolate brown) and it has been a great color to work with.
I love this dress in truffle (you'll have to click on the truffle color box!)...it sort of matches your gown style...
http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesmaids_...
You could have a pale blue and chocolate brown color scheme....but again, I'm so drawn to the browns!
Have fun deciding and best wishes to you!!
Reply:I think that a medium blue color would be really nice, I'm not into silver so much and I think that turquoise or teal would clash witht hte hydrangeas as would a really ice blue, April is gorgeous in San Diego so I think I would do teal length dresses, maybe somethinf either lacy or filmy to go with your dress and the reception site.
This in cornflower maybe:
http://www.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/...
OR
http://www.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/...
Here is a good picture of the cornflower:
http://www.dessy.com/dresses/bridesmaid/...
This is great:
http://www.watters.com/product.php?coll=...
and this:
http://www.watters.com/product.php?coll=...
http://www.watters.com/product.php?coll=...
blue version of this is nice:
http://www.watters.com/product.php?coll=...
Reply:A pale yellow would be nice.
Reply:I think a light purple or light yellow would be pretty. Also, silver would be nice as well.
Reply:I think a pale green would be fabulous
http://www.perfect-bridesmaid-dresses.co...
http://www.houseofbrides.com/product.php...
I love natural colours...so a cappuchino colour would look fab against the white on your dress.. I think you should go for a natural colour, so it wont look tacky.and something that will look well in the venue aswell because theres lots of natural colours in that room
http://www.weddingsoldandnew.com/MyImage...
http://www.houseofbrides.com/product.php...
Reply:I love the flowers and your dress is so stunning! You definatly should not have dresses so matchy matchy. What about picking up the soft green or the crisp green in your bouquet. The color of the hypernicum (berry type filler) is very crisp.
#78 Kiwi i think is cool with blues and greens or
#41 Celery
http://ariadress.com/Descriptions/Desc10...
Look for the greens in the next two
http://threaddesign.com/collections/page...
http://threaddesign.com/collections/page...
good luck! :)
What about Flowers?
Me again.... hope your not getting sick of my medieval wedding questions.. here's another one. My fiance has two boys 8 %26amp; 10 who we thought we would have walk around the reception(dressed ofcourse in thier best garb) and give all the women guests a single rose or do you think it would be better to have them give them out as they enter the reception or even the recieving line?
What about Flowers?
at the door is probably more practical and easier to do, but how cute would it be to have the two lads roaming about the reception with baskets of roses to hand out to the ladies in all their finery?
so my vote is for wandering about the reception hall! and i am certainly not tired of your questions - all my children are married and i miss giving advice so i come here to do it - your wedding sounds like a lovely wedding - good luck and happy marriage.
Reply:definately at the reception it will seem more informal and sweet then i think xx
Reply:I agree with the others. At the reception sounds like such a great idea. I heard of medieval weddings and didn't really like the idea-but your ideas are awesome! I really love non traditional weddings!
Reply:I love the idea!! I think they should walk around the reception. How gentleman like!
By the way, I'm totally not tired of your midieval questions--I love hearing about your themed wedding.
Reply:Hi. I think it would be nice for them to stand at the door and hand them out as the women are entering the reception.
What a nice idea!
Reply:as they enter would probably be better.
What about Flowers?
at the door is probably more practical and easier to do, but how cute would it be to have the two lads roaming about the reception with baskets of roses to hand out to the ladies in all their finery?
so my vote is for wandering about the reception hall! and i am certainly not tired of your questions - all my children are married and i miss giving advice so i come here to do it - your wedding sounds like a lovely wedding - good luck and happy marriage.
Reply:definately at the reception it will seem more informal and sweet then i think xx
Reply:I agree with the others. At the reception sounds like such a great idea. I heard of medieval weddings and didn't really like the idea-but your ideas are awesome! I really love non traditional weddings!
Reply:I love the idea!! I think they should walk around the reception. How gentleman like!
By the way, I'm totally not tired of your midieval questions--I love hearing about your themed wedding.
Reply:Hi. I think it would be nice for them to stand at the door and hand them out as the women are entering the reception.
What a nice idea!
Reply:as they enter would probably be better.
Looking for the Title of an old Novel. Does anyone know of the name of this Novel? Been Looking for years.?
Years ago my cousin had this book on her desk and I have never forgotten it. It was one of those Historial Novels, and it had photos of the story, so there must have been a movie done of it. I never had a chance to read the book, but those pictures have haunted me all these years. From the pictures, and what I remember of the story it was about a young woman that got Jilted on her wedding day, the groom did not show up for the wedding. The Bride was devastated, literally devastated.
From that morning on, the reception room in her Grand House was forever locked and never opened again. There was a dinning room with food and wedding cake all left untouched. Her bedroom was left untouched with her wedding dress, flowers and everthing else of that morning. Through the years the young maiden became an reclusive old lady and and was still living in that same house, with those same rooms still locked, as her wedding day, just that now the rooms were full of dust, decay and mold.
Looking for the Title of an old Novel. Does anyone know of the name of this Novel? Been Looking for years.?
I think you read a part from Charles Dickens, "Great Expectaions".
The character you described is Miss Havisham.
You can find this book at any bookstore
Reply:yep...its Mrs. Havesham (sp?) from Great Expectations
Reply:That would be the book, "Great Expectations" Never read it myself but this character has somehow stuck in my mind.
Reply:A Very Long Engagement.
Reply:That would be Mrs. Havesham from Great Expectations.
From that morning on, the reception room in her Grand House was forever locked and never opened again. There was a dinning room with food and wedding cake all left untouched. Her bedroom was left untouched with her wedding dress, flowers and everthing else of that morning. Through the years the young maiden became an reclusive old lady and and was still living in that same house, with those same rooms still locked, as her wedding day, just that now the rooms were full of dust, decay and mold.
Looking for the Title of an old Novel. Does anyone know of the name of this Novel? Been Looking for years.?
I think you read a part from Charles Dickens, "Great Expectaions".
The character you described is Miss Havisham.
You can find this book at any bookstore
Reply:yep...its Mrs. Havesham (sp?) from Great Expectations
Reply:That would be the book, "Great Expectations" Never read it myself but this character has somehow stuck in my mind.
Reply:A Very Long Engagement.
Reply:That would be Mrs. Havesham from Great Expectations.
White and Ivory Wedding?
Okay so I picked an ivory dress and all my accessories are ivory, but I'm just having a problem when it comes to the reception. Is it okay to have white table clothes with ivory napkins and pair ivory and white tulle together? I think it would look lovely, but I have to ask as no one has ever heard of that before. I came up with this when I found that my china is going to be white. Ahh! The flowers will be pale peach colored and the bridesmaids dresses are pale green colored(honeydew) Please help!! O
White and Ivory Wedding?
That is so classy and beautiful. My father did the same thing with he married his new wife. I love that combination. Who cares if noone ever heard of it. Its your wedding, its your big day. Hopefully it is the first and last time you get to do this. It has to be your choice and something you are happy with. It doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks. Honestly, it sounds like a fairy tale wedding. Good Luck to you!!
Reply:Personally, I think it would look refreshing. I love ivory myself and it is very hard to get things to go with it.
Good luck and congrats on you up and coming nuptials!!!
Reply:It sounds pretty....kinda like a wedding invitation that has white with ivory border. Try to go with an ivory that has a bit more pink than yellow....that should be just enough contrast to look like you meant to do it and go nicely with the rest of your colors. Good luck!
Reply:oh you r missing the fun even if your wedding dress is green ..dont forget the spritual value of you being married
Reply:sounds very beautiful!
Reply:Do you like the way it looks together? Get the caterer to put it all out so you can see it. It sounds good to me, but do what looks good to you.
Reply:It's YOUR wedding, so have it as you see fit. Just because no one you know has seen that color pair together, doesn't mean it wouldn't look nice...and isn't it kinda kewl to think that your wedding will be somewhat different?
Reply:I like it! Subtle but beautiful! Congratulations!
Reply:Of course it is ok it is ok to have whatever you want it is your wedding!!! This is your dream come true and you have the right to have it the way that you want it.
Reply:Sounds nice and simple to me. Good luck.
mobile
White and Ivory Wedding?
That is so classy and beautiful. My father did the same thing with he married his new wife. I love that combination. Who cares if noone ever heard of it. Its your wedding, its your big day. Hopefully it is the first and last time you get to do this. It has to be your choice and something you are happy with. It doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks. Honestly, it sounds like a fairy tale wedding. Good Luck to you!!
Reply:Personally, I think it would look refreshing. I love ivory myself and it is very hard to get things to go with it.
Good luck and congrats on you up and coming nuptials!!!
Reply:It sounds pretty....kinda like a wedding invitation that has white with ivory border. Try to go with an ivory that has a bit more pink than yellow....that should be just enough contrast to look like you meant to do it and go nicely with the rest of your colors. Good luck!
Reply:oh you r missing the fun even if your wedding dress is green ..dont forget the spritual value of you being married
Reply:sounds very beautiful!
Reply:Do you like the way it looks together? Get the caterer to put it all out so you can see it. It sounds good to me, but do what looks good to you.
Reply:It's YOUR wedding, so have it as you see fit. Just because no one you know has seen that color pair together, doesn't mean it wouldn't look nice...and isn't it kinda kewl to think that your wedding will be somewhat different?
Reply:I like it! Subtle but beautiful! Congratulations!
Reply:Of course it is ok it is ok to have whatever you want it is your wedding!!! This is your dream come true and you have the right to have it the way that you want it.
Reply:Sounds nice and simple to me. Good luck.
mobile
Where to cut costs?
We're planing on getting married in October 2009. And we're looking for ways to cut costs down. I want to have a nice wedding but don't want to go into debt paying for it. We'll both be almost done with our degrees and want to make sure we don't spend our first years as a married couple trying to get out of debt from a wedding, especially since we'll just be getting out of college. We've put a rough guest list together and are looking at 100-125 tops. Here are some things we're thinking of:
~ Having a mid day wedding/reception
~ Making our own favors (chocolate suckers molded in wedding themes, found inexpensive molds and can get good deal on bulk melting chocolate)
~ silk vs real flowers (any one know which are ctually cheaper?)
I found a site for the reception and it looks like it will be nice and relatively inexpensive.
Anything else to cut costs down? Or any fun ideas? Thanks! :)
Where to cut costs?
You're in the same situation I was in when planning my Oct. 2007 wedding. My advice would be to determine what elements of the wedding are the MOST important to you (some people want their dream dress, some need gourmet food, others want top-of-the-line decorations, etc) and don't skimp on that, but keep everything else as inexpensive as you can. It can be tough if you feel like you have to settle on every element of the wedding. One thing I would not recommend cutting is a professional photographer. The pictures are one of the few things that will be around after the big day is over.
Here are some of the ways I cut costs:
1. I borrowed some of the decorations and bought the rest on sale. Instead of flowers for table centerpieces, I used little decorative statues on top of a cloth napkin(sounds weird, but it's hard to describe--the type you use to decorate a bookshelf or porch or something). Silk flowers are cheaper than fresh if you don't get really high-quality silks, but to me they look cheap so I used only a few here and there.
2. We had hors doeuvres and cake instead of a full meal, which will work great for you since your reception is in the middle of the day.
3. Our reception was outdoors in a city park, which cost very little to rent--way, way less than a reception hall. Even after paying to rent the tables and chairs, it came out cheaper than the reception halls I checked into.
4. I bought my invitations online after scouring the internet for the best deal. Even though they will eventually just be thrown away, I still wanted one with a nice design that didn't look cheap, and I managed to find just that for about the same price as stationary for making them at home.
5. We didn't, but I've heard of some couples just making a playlist on their Pods instead of hiring a DJ or band. If you have access to a decent speaker system and good music, and don't mind finding a friend to help MC (announce toasts and cake-cutting, etc) this can save a lot of money.
Hope something in there helps, and congratulations!
Reply:here's a cool resource from REAL brides!
http://kvetch.indiebride.com/index.php?t...
Reply:Cut down the # of people you invite as much as you can...the less amount of people, the less amount of EVERYTHING you have to buy.
Reply:in order to cut costs I am doing a dessert only wedding, having cakes a choclate fountain and a bunch of dipping stuff for it. Also, you can rent a hall pretty cheap. Ask around to your friends in college and see if anyone has a DJ business and would help you out and give you a smoking deal, also find a few friends that like photgraphy offer to pay for film and devleoping, this can still be expensive but if you dont have to actually pay them that may help. flowers die, quickly go for the silk and cut back on how many you have,
Reply:* If you want to have real flowers, look up the Florists who are wholesalers in your yellow pages. They do JUST as great of a job and the flowers are real.
* If you want cheap favors, check out this website:
www.favorwarehouse.com
* Buy your dress from overseas:
www.sheshopping.com
* Ask your friends if they know of a good DJ, you'll get a better price
* Ask your friends as well about a good photographer. My fiance's friend does it on the side, and he's only charging us $900 for EVERYTHING.
Good luck!
:)
Reply:Mid-day reception is good because you can skip a full meal. Just have cake, punch, and coffee/tea service.
Skip the favors altogether. Nobody will miss them, I promise.
Order your flowers from somewhere like Amazonia - they have a "wedding in a box" where you get a box of flowers that you arrange yourself (or have a talented, creative friend do it) for a fraction of the cost of the usual. https://amazoniaflowers.3dcartstores.com...
For your cake, get a smaller one than you would need for all the guests, but supplement with plain white sheet cakes, which will be much less expensive.
Do DIY invitations (I know someone who used Wilton http://www.wilton.com/printyourown/index... ) which can be cheaper than the mail-ordered invites.
Keep your attendant numbers to a bare minimum - the more attendants, the more expensive. If you can, go with just one honor attendant on each side.
Congratulations!
Reply:Buy your flowers wholesale, make the bouquets, boutonnieres,
corsages yourselves, it's easy to do.
Or buy the flowers at a grocery store the night before, some stores have beautiful flowers.
Cut down on your guest list, forget your fourth cousin once removed, unless you're close.
Have a round wedding cake made just for the two of you to cut at the reception, have a sheet cake made for everyone else, it's less expensive.
Have a CD player with alot of CDs-your favs and what guests would like to hear.
Have a friend or family member ordained (online) as a minister,
Rent your dress and tuxedo, or borrow a dress from a friend or relative (something borrowed)
Don't rent limos, unless you someone that has one, use your own vehicles, wash and wax, that's we did and we knew someone with a limo, cost us $100,
Reply:Since you're more than a year out, make a note on your calendar to remind yourself to hit the party and craft stores for clearance stuff from late October to end of November. If you can get stuff at 50% off right after Halloween and right after Thanksgiving, you'll be ahead of the game.
Silks and real flowers are pretty comparable in price. The more exotic you get, the pricier it gets, so go with "normal" flowers as much as possible, people don't notice teh flowers as much as you'd think anyway. Use candles where you can and look for cheap ones at dollar stores, etc.
Sounds like you're doing a great job of having a great party but not breaking the bank!
Reply:1. I would probably just leave out the favors all together. Little things might add up with those and you can save yourself a few hundred dollars by not doing them.
2. Print your own invitations. Target sells great boxed sets for around $25 and they're beautiful. You can also try AC Moore and use the 40% coupon that they put in weekly circulars.
3. Buy your veil from a place like Michael's. They are EXACTLY the same as those sold in the bridal stores but are at least $90 less
4. Try to go for an all inclusive venue. Don't have your wedding at a place where you need to pay for each plate, fork, chair and table... it WILL add up!
5. You can do silk flowers (I'm not totally sure what IS cheaper) but maybe go to your local florist and ask them what flowers will be in season and if you can get a discount for using them. If you shop around with florists, you can usually get a good deal...and for the most part, it DOES look nicer than silk flowers.
6. Shop around for your wedding dress. You can find GREAT stuff for a lot less than most bridal shops. Try David's Bridal (we're going for cost conscious here... if I had an unlimited budget, they would NOT be my first choice...) BUT they give great discounts on dresses for the entire bridal party. Look into local bridal boutiques...some will offer bridesmaid and Mother of the bride/groom discounts.
Reply:Hi and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
You are off on the right track....that is for sure. You are to be commended for your ideas and realistic expectations. I totally agree with you for NOT wanting to go into debt for a wedding, which unfortunately, is only ONE DAY!
I love all your ideas.
~ A mid-day wedding/reception will cut down on alcohol consumption, if you even plan on having alcohol. With it being mid-day, you DON'T have to have alcohol if you don't want. Punch, tea and soft drinks would be fine.
~ Another idea: Keep your wedding party SMALL. A few on each side and a flower girl/ring bearer if you want. The problem with large wedding parties: (1) stess!; (2) more people to serve at the rehearsal dinner; (3) more attendant gifts to purchase.
~ Price out whatever kind of silks you want versus real flowers. Personally, I LOVE real flowers. I have given this idea to many brides: Simply have a few roses (real) tied with a silk ribbon. I don't mind silks if they are of high quality, but the high quality silks, unfortunately, are the same price as a real flowers! Look at this picture....it's titled "pink roses to carry." It's about 2/3 of the way down on this link and is on the left hand side. They are light pink roses.....but it's just an idea...you can go with any color or flower:
http://www.atkinsfarms.com/wedfloalbum.h...
~ Invitations: Buy the boxed sets of invitations from places like Target, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, etc. You get 50 in a box for around $25 or $30. Bring them home and print them on your computer! This is a huge savings. There are so many nice ones to choose from. OR....if you are really crafty, make your own from plain cardstock and some ribbon! Remember, that these get quickly looked at and tossed! Don't spend lots of money on the invitations.
~ Cake: Look at bakeries that are in grocery stores. They will be lots cheaper than a regular bakery. If you have a Walmart or Costco near you....their cakes are yummy!!
Reply:My sisters both got married on a Friday, and had a buffet dinner for about 250 guests - Fridays tend to be cheaper than Saturday afternoon, and about 1/3 - 1/2 the cost of a Saturday evening.
We made their favors - One sister had grapevine hearts that we hot glued little silk roses on, and tied ribbon matching her colors to it. The other sister had a scroll with a nice poem and tied with matching ribbon - printed on the home PC on nice scrapbook type paper. Neither was too elaborate - because most people don't keep the favors anyway.
They both had silk flowers for their entire wedding party - which was great, because they both have their bouquets on display next to their wedding photos, and the flowers still look beautiful. The cost of the silk flowers was about the cost of what the bridal bouquet would've been had they gone with real flowers.
By the way, both sisters got married 10 and 12 years ago, and I don't think they spent much more than $4 or $5k.
Good luck, and Congratulations!
Reply:Hey there comp. in love! I am getting married in May, 2009 and I have found a great wedding planner who does catering also, I told her our situation and she is going to help me do all that I need to do and only charing me labor on the catering! She can also get deals on wholesale stuff because she is a business to help cut costs.
I thought flowers would be way out of my budget except the wedding party flowers, and she has shown me we can use real flowers from online places for very inexpensive and then we are going to do the arranging! My MOH lives in NV and I live in CA. so she is coming down for the whole week to help get ready tieing up any loose ends like the flowers and also since I am buying bulk paper we will use that same paper for save the date cards. invites, menus and the program and and the thank you's as well! I looked around in the yellow pages and called all the dj's and found 3 that will do the day for like 600. that is the ceremony and music all night and only a 100 dep. As far as location the one I choose is a hall with a gazebo and garden area with a fountain. it is old but very romantic feeling and I can already imagine what it will look like once we decorate! and the hall is available from 9am to 12 or 1am. there is a full kitchen for my caterer and they have tables chairs and the podium oh yeah and they have the latice to sit behind the cake table! The hall is 950 and the deposite is 400 or 450 and they take the security charge out of your deposite! I am again doing almost all of the work myself as the less people you have to hire to help get your day offf the ground the better, labor charges will really wrack up your bill! If you need more ideas go ahead and email me I would be glad to help another BRIDE ON A BUDGET! Best of luck and I hope you have the day of your dreams!
Reply:Hi,
There are a lot of ways to cut costs...
1) Dresses, can be made cheaper than bought, unless you go to a discount house like David's Bridal.
2) Invitations are cheaper done yourself than printed, and in this day and age, computers make it easier.
3) Reception, can be cake and punch, does not have to have a lot of food items.
4) Flowers... in the shop I work in, silk is more expensive. However, do you know someone, that works in a floral shop? He/she might do the flowers for you on the side. Or someone that knows how to work with silks? They could do bouquets if they do. Also, silk can be done way in advance.
Also, no matter - silk or real - bridesmaids can wear corsages, or a hairpiece rather than carry a bouquet to cut costs, this is a trend I have seen in the floral industry.
5) Reception - could be in someones back yard, and decorating would be easy
Bottom line, it is YOUR wedding... so do it YOUR Way.
Good luck
Deb
http://www.glocalgeneration.com/business...
Reply:Off/Season - Off Day
Non -floral centerpieces.
Eliminating Dates for single guests - but make a rule across the board I'm not a fan of only engaged couples just because someone isn't engaged doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to bring a significant other to the wedding. Some people don't believe in marriage and that's not fair to those people.
DIY projects but be careful b/c I've heard some ppl say this backfired and they ended up spending more $ on DIY.
Paper products in general.
Buffet is not always less expensive then a sit down meal so consider all options.
Dress - buy a sample or a dress off EBay. Borrow Jewelry veil %26amp; other accesories if possible.
Smaller wedding party (less $ on gifts)
Good Luck!
Reply:I'm getting married in 2 weeks and have found a few ways to cut cost during my planning.
-Order flowers in bulk (rosesource.com) and make bouquets yourself with a bridemaids bouquet making get together. It's so easy and you can watch instructional videos at theknot.com.
-Hire a Bartender not through your caterer but post an ad to hire one on Craigslist.com and name your own price per hour.
-Buy all your own alcohol in bulk at Sam's or Costco and just pay the bartender to serve.
-Don't go crazy over party favors. People really don't care.
-If you are having an afternoon reception have a buffet instead of a sit down lunch/dinner. Much cheaper per person.
-Get all your centerpiece vases at a craft store like Michales or Joann fabrics. (if you plan on making your own center pieces.
Hope some of these ideas help.
Good luck and best wishes on your marriage.
Shelly
Reply:Non-floral centerpieces or decorations. You can do lots with a fall theme - pumpkins, gourds, fall leaves - without paying an arm and a leg for floral decorations.
Use your iPod or CD player for music instead of a DJ. That will save.
Have reception %26amp; ceremony at same location and drive yourselves - - this will save on having to rent a limo or car to drive from service to reception.
Skip the videographer - photos are a great memory.
For your wedding gown, go to eBay and order from China. I paid only $219 for mine :) and it fits like a glove. No alterations needed! (feel free to e-mail me if you would like to know the seller I used, I will gladly "plug" them - I was very happy.).
Reply:Cut out "and date" to reduce your guest list. It sucks-- but for my wedding-- if you weren't in the bridal party or engaged then you didn't get a date (it helped that we were also up against a fire code so I didn't just look cheap, but literally wasn't allowed to have anymore people)
No open bar (obviously reduces cost)
See if you can do you own catering (with family friends) especially if you are doing midday and don't need to have a sit down meal--go to a bulk discount store and make your own veggie trays and other finger food type things. Then just have paper (or those nicer looking clear plastic-- still cheaper than renting plates) and napkins around the food.
try to minimize tables-- the fewer tables you have-- the fewer linens you have to buy and linens are expensive-- see if you can have free standing seating.
go online to look for invites-- (much cheaper than ordering from a card shop) or print your own-- ditto for your program.
Not everyone eats cake-- Order for about half the people you are inviting. If this really freaks you out-- then get back up sheet cake that can still feed people cake-- but is much less expensive then a larger fancy "wedding cake"
I agree about non-floral decorations-- I used candles and come of thos colored stones around the bases.
Check out what you can get bulk at outlet stores or places like oriental trading. (we got our bags for favors there).
Ask around, ask your friends if they know about anything that can help.
I found there were plenty of people who were willing to help and could offer a service too either at a reduced price or as 'their gift". If you are just graduating then you are sure to know people in all sorts of different fields.
hope that helps.
Reply:Cut down your guest list. That's the #1 way of cutting down costs. You get a smaller venue and a smaller menu.
Other ways are around the meal. Get the least expensive dish. Usually you'll get a menu with four different kinds of cooked chicken. Chicken is chicken regardless of its $15 a plate or $50 a plate.
Making your own centerpieces really helps. Also, using sites like Davids Bridal helps because they have cheap wedding dresses/bridesmaid dresses.
Reply:well silk you can buy in advace and real tend to wilter on flowers unless u want two or three roses or lillys i say go silk.
have a wedding on a week day you can get a 5 star reception for a 3 star price. we did that for our cousins wedding she would have paid 40.00 a head and only paid 23.50 big diffrence for the same food.
if you can make it do it
dont hire a cordanator do it yourself
go to oriental trading they have tons of things there super cheep vs department or local craft store prices.
good luck
Reply:*Choose the things that are important to you and spend money on that and less money on other things. Food was super important to us, so we were willing to put more of our budget towards that and tried to cut corners on other stuff like favors.
*If you can cut down your guest list any more, do so--the less people it is, the more money you save.
*Shop for your dress at David's Bridal or at Filene's Basement or sample sales.
*Choose a Friday evening or Sunday. Also choose a date that is closer to the end of October--believe it or not, the wedding season is getting longer and sometimes catering prices can still be high at the beginning of October.
*Skip the limos and have someone drive you or rent a luxury car for a fraction of the cost of a limo and drive yourselves.
*Personally, I would choose real flowers over silk because silk can sometimes be just as pricey. Go to a wholesaler--either where you are or on-line--and make bouquets yourselves. Choose flowers in season or just roses, which are inexpensive.
*Skip the favors--people will not miss it. If you want to do favors, do something really simple.
*Instead of a dj, get an iPod and fill it up with your dream playlist and play that during the reception.
*DON'T skimp on photography because I think that's important. To save some money though, try to find a student photographer who takes the same pictures for a fraction of the cost and asks that they use some of the pictures from your wedding as part of their portfolio.
*Consider your menu options. If you have a buffet dinner, it'll be a lot less expensive than a sit down, multi-course dinner.
*Get a small cutting cake for cake cutting and sheet cakes for serving--this is way less money than getting a whole big cake.
And remember to NEGOTIATE everything. Because you are planning a wedding, vendors will charge more because people are usually willing to pay more. If you don't at least try to ask, they won't lower their prices for you.
Good luck and congrats!
Reply:Have your wedding on a Friday night or a Sunday afternoon. This will cut down your reception cost by almost half (at least in Southern California it will)
Also - you can get a great deal on real flowers at a whole-seller. You'll have to put the arrangements together yourself, but it will save you a bundle in the process.
Good Luck!
Reply:One thing that you can get rid of is the favors. You don't need to give people anythingg. There favor is that you are feeding them.
Silk is usually cheaper.
Reply:There is not much you can do. I would go to davidsbridal.com
---or---
budgetbridalgowns.com
*those r the best*
also, you should probably get fake flowers...i know that sounds lame...but it will last you longer...plus there are more varietys with fake flowers
oh........by the way... you should totally check out:
www.cheap-chic-weddings.com
congrats!!!!
anymore questions?
e-mail me at: ask_anna_justice@yahoo.com
i will reply very promptly
~ Having a mid day wedding/reception
~ Making our own favors (chocolate suckers molded in wedding themes, found inexpensive molds and can get good deal on bulk melting chocolate)
~ silk vs real flowers (any one know which are ctually cheaper?)
I found a site for the reception and it looks like it will be nice and relatively inexpensive.
Anything else to cut costs down? Or any fun ideas? Thanks! :)
Where to cut costs?
You're in the same situation I was in when planning my Oct. 2007 wedding. My advice would be to determine what elements of the wedding are the MOST important to you (some people want their dream dress, some need gourmet food, others want top-of-the-line decorations, etc) and don't skimp on that, but keep everything else as inexpensive as you can. It can be tough if you feel like you have to settle on every element of the wedding. One thing I would not recommend cutting is a professional photographer. The pictures are one of the few things that will be around after the big day is over.
Here are some of the ways I cut costs:
1. I borrowed some of the decorations and bought the rest on sale. Instead of flowers for table centerpieces, I used little decorative statues on top of a cloth napkin(sounds weird, but it's hard to describe--the type you use to decorate a bookshelf or porch or something). Silk flowers are cheaper than fresh if you don't get really high-quality silks, but to me they look cheap so I used only a few here and there.
2. We had hors doeuvres and cake instead of a full meal, which will work great for you since your reception is in the middle of the day.
3. Our reception was outdoors in a city park, which cost very little to rent--way, way less than a reception hall. Even after paying to rent the tables and chairs, it came out cheaper than the reception halls I checked into.
4. I bought my invitations online after scouring the internet for the best deal. Even though they will eventually just be thrown away, I still wanted one with a nice design that didn't look cheap, and I managed to find just that for about the same price as stationary for making them at home.
5. We didn't, but I've heard of some couples just making a playlist on their Pods instead of hiring a DJ or band. If you have access to a decent speaker system and good music, and don't mind finding a friend to help MC (announce toasts and cake-cutting, etc) this can save a lot of money.
Hope something in there helps, and congratulations!
Reply:here's a cool resource from REAL brides!
http://kvetch.indiebride.com/index.php?t...
Reply:Cut down the # of people you invite as much as you can...the less amount of people, the less amount of EVERYTHING you have to buy.
Reply:in order to cut costs I am doing a dessert only wedding, having cakes a choclate fountain and a bunch of dipping stuff for it. Also, you can rent a hall pretty cheap. Ask around to your friends in college and see if anyone has a DJ business and would help you out and give you a smoking deal, also find a few friends that like photgraphy offer to pay for film and devleoping, this can still be expensive but if you dont have to actually pay them that may help. flowers die, quickly go for the silk and cut back on how many you have,
Reply:* If you want to have real flowers, look up the Florists who are wholesalers in your yellow pages. They do JUST as great of a job and the flowers are real.
* If you want cheap favors, check out this website:
www.favorwarehouse.com
* Buy your dress from overseas:
www.sheshopping.com
* Ask your friends if they know of a good DJ, you'll get a better price
* Ask your friends as well about a good photographer. My fiance's friend does it on the side, and he's only charging us $900 for EVERYTHING.
Good luck!
:)
Reply:Mid-day reception is good because you can skip a full meal. Just have cake, punch, and coffee/tea service.
Skip the favors altogether. Nobody will miss them, I promise.
Order your flowers from somewhere like Amazonia - they have a "wedding in a box" where you get a box of flowers that you arrange yourself (or have a talented, creative friend do it) for a fraction of the cost of the usual. https://amazoniaflowers.3dcartstores.com...
For your cake, get a smaller one than you would need for all the guests, but supplement with plain white sheet cakes, which will be much less expensive.
Do DIY invitations (I know someone who used Wilton http://www.wilton.com/printyourown/index... ) which can be cheaper than the mail-ordered invites.
Keep your attendant numbers to a bare minimum - the more attendants, the more expensive. If you can, go with just one honor attendant on each side.
Congratulations!
Reply:Buy your flowers wholesale, make the bouquets, boutonnieres,
corsages yourselves, it's easy to do.
Or buy the flowers at a grocery store the night before, some stores have beautiful flowers.
Cut down on your guest list, forget your fourth cousin once removed, unless you're close.
Have a round wedding cake made just for the two of you to cut at the reception, have a sheet cake made for everyone else, it's less expensive.
Have a CD player with alot of CDs-your favs and what guests would like to hear.
Have a friend or family member ordained (online) as a minister,
Rent your dress and tuxedo, or borrow a dress from a friend or relative (something borrowed)
Don't rent limos, unless you someone that has one, use your own vehicles, wash and wax, that's we did and we knew someone with a limo, cost us $100,
Reply:Since you're more than a year out, make a note on your calendar to remind yourself to hit the party and craft stores for clearance stuff from late October to end of November. If you can get stuff at 50% off right after Halloween and right after Thanksgiving, you'll be ahead of the game.
Silks and real flowers are pretty comparable in price. The more exotic you get, the pricier it gets, so go with "normal" flowers as much as possible, people don't notice teh flowers as much as you'd think anyway. Use candles where you can and look for cheap ones at dollar stores, etc.
Sounds like you're doing a great job of having a great party but not breaking the bank!
Reply:1. I would probably just leave out the favors all together. Little things might add up with those and you can save yourself a few hundred dollars by not doing them.
2. Print your own invitations. Target sells great boxed sets for around $25 and they're beautiful. You can also try AC Moore and use the 40% coupon that they put in weekly circulars.
3. Buy your veil from a place like Michael's. They are EXACTLY the same as those sold in the bridal stores but are at least $90 less
4. Try to go for an all inclusive venue. Don't have your wedding at a place where you need to pay for each plate, fork, chair and table... it WILL add up!
5. You can do silk flowers (I'm not totally sure what IS cheaper) but maybe go to your local florist and ask them what flowers will be in season and if you can get a discount for using them. If you shop around with florists, you can usually get a good deal...and for the most part, it DOES look nicer than silk flowers.
6. Shop around for your wedding dress. You can find GREAT stuff for a lot less than most bridal shops. Try David's Bridal (we're going for cost conscious here... if I had an unlimited budget, they would NOT be my first choice...) BUT they give great discounts on dresses for the entire bridal party. Look into local bridal boutiques...some will offer bridesmaid and Mother of the bride/groom discounts.
Reply:Hi and congratulations on your upcoming wedding!
You are off on the right track....that is for sure. You are to be commended for your ideas and realistic expectations. I totally agree with you for NOT wanting to go into debt for a wedding, which unfortunately, is only ONE DAY!
I love all your ideas.
~ A mid-day wedding/reception will cut down on alcohol consumption, if you even plan on having alcohol. With it being mid-day, you DON'T have to have alcohol if you don't want. Punch, tea and soft drinks would be fine.
~ Another idea: Keep your wedding party SMALL. A few on each side and a flower girl/ring bearer if you want. The problem with large wedding parties: (1) stess!; (2) more people to serve at the rehearsal dinner; (3) more attendant gifts to purchase.
~ Price out whatever kind of silks you want versus real flowers. Personally, I LOVE real flowers. I have given this idea to many brides: Simply have a few roses (real) tied with a silk ribbon. I don't mind silks if they are of high quality, but the high quality silks, unfortunately, are the same price as a real flowers! Look at this picture....it's titled "pink roses to carry." It's about 2/3 of the way down on this link and is on the left hand side. They are light pink roses.....but it's just an idea...you can go with any color or flower:
http://www.atkinsfarms.com/wedfloalbum.h...
~ Invitations: Buy the boxed sets of invitations from places like Target, Michaels, Hobby Lobby, etc. You get 50 in a box for around $25 or $30. Bring them home and print them on your computer! This is a huge savings. There are so many nice ones to choose from. OR....if you are really crafty, make your own from plain cardstock and some ribbon! Remember, that these get quickly looked at and tossed! Don't spend lots of money on the invitations.
~ Cake: Look at bakeries that are in grocery stores. They will be lots cheaper than a regular bakery. If you have a Walmart or Costco near you....their cakes are yummy!!
Reply:My sisters both got married on a Friday, and had a buffet dinner for about 250 guests - Fridays tend to be cheaper than Saturday afternoon, and about 1/3 - 1/2 the cost of a Saturday evening.
We made their favors - One sister had grapevine hearts that we hot glued little silk roses on, and tied ribbon matching her colors to it. The other sister had a scroll with a nice poem and tied with matching ribbon - printed on the home PC on nice scrapbook type paper. Neither was too elaborate - because most people don't keep the favors anyway.
They both had silk flowers for their entire wedding party - which was great, because they both have their bouquets on display next to their wedding photos, and the flowers still look beautiful. The cost of the silk flowers was about the cost of what the bridal bouquet would've been had they gone with real flowers.
By the way, both sisters got married 10 and 12 years ago, and I don't think they spent much more than $4 or $5k.
Good luck, and Congratulations!
Reply:Hey there comp. in love! I am getting married in May, 2009 and I have found a great wedding planner who does catering also, I told her our situation and she is going to help me do all that I need to do and only charing me labor on the catering! She can also get deals on wholesale stuff because she is a business to help cut costs.
I thought flowers would be way out of my budget except the wedding party flowers, and she has shown me we can use real flowers from online places for very inexpensive and then we are going to do the arranging! My MOH lives in NV and I live in CA. so she is coming down for the whole week to help get ready tieing up any loose ends like the flowers and also since I am buying bulk paper we will use that same paper for save the date cards. invites, menus and the program and and the thank you's as well! I looked around in the yellow pages and called all the dj's and found 3 that will do the day for like 600. that is the ceremony and music all night and only a 100 dep. As far as location the one I choose is a hall with a gazebo and garden area with a fountain. it is old but very romantic feeling and I can already imagine what it will look like once we decorate! and the hall is available from 9am to 12 or 1am. there is a full kitchen for my caterer and they have tables chairs and the podium oh yeah and they have the latice to sit behind the cake table! The hall is 950 and the deposite is 400 or 450 and they take the security charge out of your deposite! I am again doing almost all of the work myself as the less people you have to hire to help get your day offf the ground the better, labor charges will really wrack up your bill! If you need more ideas go ahead and email me I would be glad to help another BRIDE ON A BUDGET! Best of luck and I hope you have the day of your dreams!
Reply:Hi,
There are a lot of ways to cut costs...
1) Dresses, can be made cheaper than bought, unless you go to a discount house like David's Bridal.
2) Invitations are cheaper done yourself than printed, and in this day and age, computers make it easier.
3) Reception, can be cake and punch, does not have to have a lot of food items.
4) Flowers... in the shop I work in, silk is more expensive. However, do you know someone, that works in a floral shop? He/she might do the flowers for you on the side. Or someone that knows how to work with silks? They could do bouquets if they do. Also, silk can be done way in advance.
Also, no matter - silk or real - bridesmaids can wear corsages, or a hairpiece rather than carry a bouquet to cut costs, this is a trend I have seen in the floral industry.
5) Reception - could be in someones back yard, and decorating would be easy
Bottom line, it is YOUR wedding... so do it YOUR Way.
Good luck
Deb
http://www.glocalgeneration.com/business...
Reply:Off/Season - Off Day
Non -floral centerpieces.
Eliminating Dates for single guests - but make a rule across the board I'm not a fan of only engaged couples just because someone isn't engaged doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to bring a significant other to the wedding. Some people don't believe in marriage and that's not fair to those people.
DIY projects but be careful b/c I've heard some ppl say this backfired and they ended up spending more $ on DIY.
Paper products in general.
Buffet is not always less expensive then a sit down meal so consider all options.
Dress - buy a sample or a dress off EBay. Borrow Jewelry veil %26amp; other accesories if possible.
Smaller wedding party (less $ on gifts)
Good Luck!
Reply:I'm getting married in 2 weeks and have found a few ways to cut cost during my planning.
-Order flowers in bulk (rosesource.com) and make bouquets yourself with a bridemaids bouquet making get together. It's so easy and you can watch instructional videos at theknot.com.
-Hire a Bartender not through your caterer but post an ad to hire one on Craigslist.com and name your own price per hour.
-Buy all your own alcohol in bulk at Sam's or Costco and just pay the bartender to serve.
-Don't go crazy over party favors. People really don't care.
-If you are having an afternoon reception have a buffet instead of a sit down lunch/dinner. Much cheaper per person.
-Get all your centerpiece vases at a craft store like Michales or Joann fabrics. (if you plan on making your own center pieces.
Hope some of these ideas help.
Good luck and best wishes on your marriage.
Shelly
Reply:Non-floral centerpieces or decorations. You can do lots with a fall theme - pumpkins, gourds, fall leaves - without paying an arm and a leg for floral decorations.
Use your iPod or CD player for music instead of a DJ. That will save.
Have reception %26amp; ceremony at same location and drive yourselves - - this will save on having to rent a limo or car to drive from service to reception.
Skip the videographer - photos are a great memory.
For your wedding gown, go to eBay and order from China. I paid only $219 for mine :) and it fits like a glove. No alterations needed! (feel free to e-mail me if you would like to know the seller I used, I will gladly "plug" them - I was very happy.).
Reply:Cut out "and date" to reduce your guest list. It sucks-- but for my wedding-- if you weren't in the bridal party or engaged then you didn't get a date (it helped that we were also up against a fire code so I didn't just look cheap, but literally wasn't allowed to have anymore people)
No open bar (obviously reduces cost)
See if you can do you own catering (with family friends) especially if you are doing midday and don't need to have a sit down meal--go to a bulk discount store and make your own veggie trays and other finger food type things. Then just have paper (or those nicer looking clear plastic-- still cheaper than renting plates) and napkins around the food.
try to minimize tables-- the fewer tables you have-- the fewer linens you have to buy and linens are expensive-- see if you can have free standing seating.
go online to look for invites-- (much cheaper than ordering from a card shop) or print your own-- ditto for your program.
Not everyone eats cake-- Order for about half the people you are inviting. If this really freaks you out-- then get back up sheet cake that can still feed people cake-- but is much less expensive then a larger fancy "wedding cake"
I agree about non-floral decorations-- I used candles and come of thos colored stones around the bases.
Check out what you can get bulk at outlet stores or places like oriental trading. (we got our bags for favors there).
Ask around, ask your friends if they know about anything that can help.
I found there were plenty of people who were willing to help and could offer a service too either at a reduced price or as 'their gift". If you are just graduating then you are sure to know people in all sorts of different fields.
hope that helps.
Reply:Cut down your guest list. That's the #1 way of cutting down costs. You get a smaller venue and a smaller menu.
Other ways are around the meal. Get the least expensive dish. Usually you'll get a menu with four different kinds of cooked chicken. Chicken is chicken regardless of its $15 a plate or $50 a plate.
Making your own centerpieces really helps. Also, using sites like Davids Bridal helps because they have cheap wedding dresses/bridesmaid dresses.
Reply:well silk you can buy in advace and real tend to wilter on flowers unless u want two or three roses or lillys i say go silk.
have a wedding on a week day you can get a 5 star reception for a 3 star price. we did that for our cousins wedding she would have paid 40.00 a head and only paid 23.50 big diffrence for the same food.
if you can make it do it
dont hire a cordanator do it yourself
go to oriental trading they have tons of things there super cheep vs department or local craft store prices.
good luck
Reply:*Choose the things that are important to you and spend money on that and less money on other things. Food was super important to us, so we were willing to put more of our budget towards that and tried to cut corners on other stuff like favors.
*If you can cut down your guest list any more, do so--the less people it is, the more money you save.
*Shop for your dress at David's Bridal or at Filene's Basement or sample sales.
*Choose a Friday evening or Sunday. Also choose a date that is closer to the end of October--believe it or not, the wedding season is getting longer and sometimes catering prices can still be high at the beginning of October.
*Skip the limos and have someone drive you or rent a luxury car for a fraction of the cost of a limo and drive yourselves.
*Personally, I would choose real flowers over silk because silk can sometimes be just as pricey. Go to a wholesaler--either where you are or on-line--and make bouquets yourselves. Choose flowers in season or just roses, which are inexpensive.
*Skip the favors--people will not miss it. If you want to do favors, do something really simple.
*Instead of a dj, get an iPod and fill it up with your dream playlist and play that during the reception.
*DON'T skimp on photography because I think that's important. To save some money though, try to find a student photographer who takes the same pictures for a fraction of the cost and asks that they use some of the pictures from your wedding as part of their portfolio.
*Consider your menu options. If you have a buffet dinner, it'll be a lot less expensive than a sit down, multi-course dinner.
*Get a small cutting cake for cake cutting and sheet cakes for serving--this is way less money than getting a whole big cake.
And remember to NEGOTIATE everything. Because you are planning a wedding, vendors will charge more because people are usually willing to pay more. If you don't at least try to ask, they won't lower their prices for you.
Good luck and congrats!
Reply:Have your wedding on a Friday night or a Sunday afternoon. This will cut down your reception cost by almost half (at least in Southern California it will)
Also - you can get a great deal on real flowers at a whole-seller. You'll have to put the arrangements together yourself, but it will save you a bundle in the process.
Good Luck!
Reply:One thing that you can get rid of is the favors. You don't need to give people anythingg. There favor is that you are feeding them.
Silk is usually cheaper.
Reply:There is not much you can do. I would go to davidsbridal.com
---or---
budgetbridalgowns.com
*those r the best*
also, you should probably get fake flowers...i know that sounds lame...but it will last you longer...plus there are more varietys with fake flowers
oh........by the way... you should totally check out:
www.cheap-chic-weddings.com
congrats!!!!
anymore questions?
e-mail me at: ask_anna_justice@yahoo.com
i will reply very promptly
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