That's the best way to do it! I forgot to add that you have to make some sacrifices. I did not shop and for holidays and birthdays we kept the gifts at a minimum. We also stopped eating out so regular.
I forgot to add that if there are things that you can borrow from someone who got married before you do so. I borrowed the card box that matched my guestbook and pen set from my cousin because those card boxes aren't cheap. I refused to pay $53-60 for something I'll never use again. Oh, check out fashionsphere.com for wedding essentials like these. I ordered my FG baskets, and ring pillow from them because they were the cheapest I've seen. Walmart also has tulle cheaper than I've seen anywhere.
Ladies, I hope you all don't mind me giving you this info as it comes to me. I'm just trying to save you some money and alleviate some of that stress.
Rhony/PB&J, thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I sat down last night to find out how we can either cut costs or make this easier on us. And somehow things worked out. PB&J, you're right, I have to stop eating out, buying lunch everyday, and Xmas will not be how it usually is around my house. We've already spoken with the kids and they understand, which is great! I'm searching up a storm to find the cheapest things. This month, I plan on knocking out a lot of things. Wish me luck ladies! :-)
I actually woke up around 2:30 last night with my mind boggled down with HOW all of this stuff was going to get paid for. I don't want to spend this time worrying about all this stuff. I should be having a good time knowing that I'm about to marry the love of my life, the future father of my children, my soulmate. I believe that God is my provider and he will direct me on how to do this stuff. For all the believers out there I pulled out my favorite scripture. "Be anxious for nothing,(do not worry about anything), but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known to God. And the peace of God that surpassess ALL understanding shall keep you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7) This helped ease my mind and I was able to go back to sleep. We just have to believe and be smart, God will open the doors and show us the way. That's why I thank God for finding this website because I've gotten some good tips on what to do and what not to do.....
Septbride,
Purebliss is absolutly right. There are several ways to cut cost. I am a firm believer in everyone shld hv the wedding of her dreams, but we all do have to live afterward. I did my own invites. Purchased the kit frm Walmart, They are definitly the cheapest for some of this stuff. $15 for a pck of 40 and that includes the rsvp's and envelopes. It was easier than I thought to print it out. They look professional trust me I am a stickler for certain things. Same w/programs. So for 80 invites w/rsvps, I paid $30 To make it my own, I bought red envelopes to send it all in. Seals were $1 for a pck of 50. Programs were $14 for 80.Walmart special.
I did all my own flowers. Spent about$150 for 7 bridesmaid bouquets and 2 bridal, 1 being my throwaway. and this includes the ribbon to wrap it with to make it more festive and decorative. They look real. I got them frm Muellers in Newark. It is where all the florist shops get their stuff frm.
Favors-wrap with us and $1.00 stores. It sounds cheap but I saw my exact favors in a specialty store for $7.00 a pop. I got them for $1. Centerpieces $2.00 for the hurricane vase at walmart, 2/$1 candles frm dollar store, $3 for ribbon that says with love to wrap around candles, $10 for 2 vines of roses to pick off individually to surround inside of vase around candle. $1 marbles to go in the very bottom. Effect PRICELESS. Averaged about $5 a centerpiece.They look very elegant and FH facial expression after he saw the same centerpiece in Micheals for $30 a pop was great. I did it myself.
See i know I have Champagne taste w/forget beer, malt liquor pockets. And if you know anything about alcohol, malt liquor is as cheap as you can get.LOL so it can be done. I don't do any extracurricular shopping anymore and most days I don't eat lunch. My venue is the Robert Treat and they have several pkgs so you don't have to do the wedding pkg which of course is the most expensive.I chose a pkg that gave me everything I wanted for about 1/2 the price of the wedding pkg. The only difference is instead of their cake,I had to supply my own but they still do a dessert table. And I don't get the complimentary room which is free w/wed pkg I paid $90 which is still a discounted rate for the honeymoon suite. My bakery will do my cake for $200. So multiply about $40 a head for 125 people which is what I saved and add 90 and 200 It's still all good. Trust me it's a lot of work,but it can be done.
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GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME; ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD. WHEN IN DOUBT, PRAY
PB&J/Taj, thank you very much for your advise and suggestions. I certainly will use some of your ideas to cut costs.
Taj, my florist is now only doing it as a side job. She still has her florist license though. She told me that she could make all of my bouquets and centerpieces for about $250 from Mueller's. Do you think she can?
I'm going shopping as soon as I log off to try to find some deals online. This wedding is not going to affect me afterwards because everything will be paid in pull before the wedding - so no loans or C.C. to pay off. I will keep you guys posted on my progress. Thanks again to everyone.
I know how it is when it comes to paying for a wedding. I'm already trying to find a way to not invite everyone to the reception because the food cost a lot. There is a life after a wedding and I don't want to be stressed after everything is over. What I did was gather friends that can do different things to cut my cost. You can also sign up with a travel agency and have poeple put money towards it for you gift. That might help a little. My wedding is outside so for the programs I'm using fans and that will be my program and gift to the guests. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do to cut cost. I will keep you in my prayer. Prayer does change things so you never know what GOD has planned for you. Someone might just give you some money. My wedding is going to be under 7,000.00 and to me that is a lot but I believe GOD will work it out. I hope this helps
AMEN KMED122....we are hoping to keep our wedding under $10,000...(this is including the honeymoon)....and that's alot for us....but God will make a way...I'm sure of it...
[quote="PureBliss"]That's the best way to do it! I forgot to add that you have to make some sacrifices. I did not shop and for holidays and birthdays we kept the gifts at a minimum. We also stopped eating out so regular.
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You are such a sweetie pie. Thanks for the offer. I'll let you know. lol
It can definitly be done but how many bouquets and how many centerpieces? Centerpieces, unless they are flowers are not always a good deal from there. I mean you can find them cheaper, the vases that is,but if you are doing all flowers it's the spot.
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GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME; ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD. WHEN IN DOUBT, PRAY
You ladies have given some excellent advice. I love planning weddings. I think once I retire this will become my second job. I can't help but stress "DYI" Do-It-Yourself. This will cost you hundreds in the long run. Your throw away bouquet is just that throwaway, so I really wouldn't put to much money in to this. I have seen it being a single rose. Also your bountineers, Michael's sell like a bundle of flowers for $10. You can get your garden tapen for .30 and get some type of ribon or tulle for the clearance rack(b/c they really can't sell it at regular price b/c it is not enough to sell0 at your local fabric store and you can make them by hand.
Your wedding favors do not have to be expensive, take it from me most people don't really keep them anyway. So here is 1or 2 suggestion if I might add.1)Go walmart, office max or staples by some pens go back to micheals or a wholesale flower store. You take the pin and wrap then in the green floral tape and place the flower of your choice on top and there you have it, Add a little pice of paper w/ your names and wedding dates with some ribbion. The kind used to tie on helium ballons and this can actually double as both your centerpiece and favors b/c you can arrange them and just let the guess know they may take them with them when they depart.
Also if yu know you have what are known as spring/summer colors now is the time to shop for those items b/c it now winter and everything is on sale. You know ladies how we shopfor next years summer clothes or winter boots in the summer. Don't act I am the only one here who does that.LOL! Relax if this becomming more like job to you then you need to step back this is suppose to be fun not stressful. Ask around evrybody no somebody that no somebody that do whatever you need to be done.
[quote="TAJMOM"]It can definitly be done but how many bouquets and how many centerpieces? Centerpieces, unless they are flowers are not always a good deal from there. I mean you can find them cheaper, the vases that is,but if you are doing all flowers it's the spot.
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Taj, I will need about 15 bouts (including FH's), 7 bouquets (including mine)& 6 coursages. I already have the candles (& holders) for the centerpieces, I just need flower bases (although, I can totally do without this because I'm sprinkling rose petals on the tables). I also need about 4 flower settings to go on top of the columns that I'm having. And that's about it. What do you think?
My BM dresses came in 3 weeks early! I was in the lab this evening when David's bridal called, and so of course I dropped everything and went to pick them up. They look great, so we will start our fittings in January. We hope to have our shoes by then so we can get the height right and all. I am just glad to see things moving along...Now for the other 1 BILLION things to do!
[quote="soontobebride"]I have:
Deposit on church
Deposit on reception hall
Deposit on dress (it' SOOO beautiful)and veil
Found bridemaids dresses
Got menu
Deposit on honeymoon
Started premarital counseling through church
Found soloist
Got D.J.'s
Found someone to make cake
Got music for ceremony
Still to do:
Find invitations
Find jewelry/tiara/shoes
Find Bridesmaids jewelry/shoes
Find limo service
Find photographer
Find who will do hair and makeup
Find how I will do my hair
Figure out if we are writing our own vows
Figure out HOW WE ARE GOING TO PAY FOR ALL THIS...lol..
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Update: Thing's done:
Paid off dress
Paid off honeymoon
Bridesmaids dresses are back
Found centerpieces for tables
Deposit on reception hall, photography, limo, invitations
Decided on songs for wedding and the person that will do music
Got flower girl and her dress
Booked hair stylist and makeup artist
Got programs for wedding
Things still to do:
Get rest of decorations (candles,tablecloths,flowers,greenary etc,etc)
Get passports
Get bridesmaids to pay off dresses and get fitted
Finalize invitation list and get invitations
Pay off everything I just have deposit on
Get FH to make sure his groomsmen are straight
Book hotel accomadations
Pay for cake
Boy...I still got some thangs to do...sheesh....and I'm SURE I'm forgetting a couple things........
Girl that list sure does keep adding on. Everytime I see something in a catalog or online that I like I add it to the list. Now mind you I have to seperate list. One that I have shared with my fh and one that I have in my wedding things( stuff I have to sneak and order and put it in the back of the closet).
Yesterday I picked up 7 BM dresses and put them at my mothers house for safe keeping. I made the BM's order them in Jan!
Have the ceramony/reception site
Have my caterer
Have my dress ordered
Have my coordinator
Have my officiators (2)
Ordered save the date magnets (yesterday)
Have some decorations -clear chrismas lights to go inside of draped fabric (bought those in Dec)
most importantly: Have my ring!
NEED TO: book D.J& band
book my florist
order my cake (once I find one @ an appropriate price)
order invites
find attendant gifts
order more decorations -love centerpeice lights for sale @Vibridemall
Need to order dinner chairs & maybe chair covers
Pay for honeymoon
Now I need to print out this list as a reminder of all that I need to do!!
and like Raysbride- I KNOW I forgot some things too!
[quote="housewife147"]Girl that list sure does keep adding on. Everytime I see something in a catalog or online that I like I add it to the list. Now mind you I have to seperate list. One that I have shared with my fh and one that I have in my wedding things( stuff I have to sneak and order and put it in the back of the closet).
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OMG!!!!! I thought I was the only one doing that!!! lol I have 2 notebooks. The one that I share with FH and the other one with my "must haves". It is too funny. The other night I pulled out the wrong one. He said what's that on that page. I said "Oh babe, that was the wrong book. I don't know where this came from. lol"
[quote="SeptBride"] The other night I pulled out the wrong one. He said what's that on that page. I said "Oh babe, that was the wrong book. I don't know where this came from. lol"
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i feel u two. MsBoston i cut corners on the cake oi dont know about there but i had a scaled down model of my cake, it serves around 50 people but it has the couloumns and the fountains (he picked all that out) but we have a sheet cake for 100 pre sliced and since i got the coloums from the craft store (micahels) for about 4 bucks and the seperators, fountains from the rental place (about 10 bucks) the total bakery cost is less than 300.00 we got the cake he wanted with the flavors and the cost i want. also from the planner: all the cake is never eaten by the guests. so i didnt want to waste money, cause i got that 2nd book :)
Ok, FH found some of my "stash" and wanted to know where all this stuff came from? It was not on the original list. I said,"Why you in my business?" He said ,I'm not going to argue with you we just better not be overbudget." I told him to back up and leave me alone. Girls I gotta find a better hiding place lol!!
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GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME; ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD. WHEN IN DOUBT, PRAY
Well let me testify a little bit....Well first off my FH proposing to me was such a shocker. I knew he wanted to marry me but I thought I had at least 2 years to grow up. I love to shop so I never saved money I just shopped to I drop. So when he proposed the first thing that ran across my mind was how am I supposed to pay for this wedding that I am not prepared for.....I don't have have a rich family, we barely makin it ourselves, and on top of that how do you expect me to have this over-the-top wedding and still go shopping at the same time (see how young-minded I was....last year ;) ) Well the first thing I did is I made a list and I started to write down all the people I wanted in the wedding and I started to write me a budget and after that I annointed that paper and fasted over it. And I told God I don't have it like that and I need you to step in and provide and I told him what type of wedding I wanted and that I did not wanna pay for anything and to just let his will be done. Well ladies about a couple of weeks after that prayer one of my friends volunteered to pay for half of my dress.....and you know the type of God that I serve he does not do half jobs he completes them do you know by the end of that day someone else had went and gave me the other half of the money for my dress. So I was like really praisin God for that then I went to go get my dress and with the money that both of the people had blessed me with I was able to get two dresses and still have money left over. So then I started to think and I went and looked at my list for my budget, and I thought to myself I need to change the title of this paper from budget to cost because I don't want to put no budget on God I want him to do far more than what I have asked. So ladies since then my younger sister has bought me 3 veils, my older sister paid for my cake for the wedding and bridal shower, my mother paid for the reception, one of my sister-in-law paying for both of my shoes, and my other sister-in-law is paying for my photography and videography, God blessed me to pay for my decorations, my reception hall and ceremony is free, I got $500 save-the-date magnets for $50, I get to go to spa for free the day before my wedding,an old friend who used to babysit me is paying for my bridal shower and whatever else is needed for the wedding ceremony....I did not ask none of them to do this God laid it upon their hearts. there is so much more God has done I just can't tell it all. My FH desire is for us to go to London for our honeymoon and I'm just waiting for God to bless us with that. See ladies God can do amazing thing if you just put him first and put ur trust in him....take it from a girl he lives from pay check to pay check, whose mother was on welfare and section-8, whose father died at 6 leaving my mother to raise 7 children on her own. I know God is going to do so much more I'm just waitin and when he does I'm going to come and testify about it.
Seek you first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all
Shannon335..you BETTA testify girl about how good God is!! All praises go to HIM! Your post makes me want to testify on how good he is. He's also been blessing FH and I on our wedding. The reception hall that usually costs $1400...the guy is only charging up $800 with our deposit of $400 due back to us if all is clean and well after ceremony. Friends of the family are paying for all the champagne for the toast. My aunt is paying for all the paper products. ALL of the food is getting donated and cooked so we don't have to worry about caterers or catering. My sisters paid for half of my wedding dress. On average limos cost about $100 per hour with a 3 hours minimum which means that if we wanted 2 we would have to pay at least $600 but God is so good, the limo driver at our church hooked us up with charging only $150 per limo. Photography usually is CRAZY expensive, the places I called anyway, but we were able to talk to the guy that takes pictures for our church and he will do it for $750. He's VERY professional, we've seen his work, he's going to be with us before the wedding, during the wedding and about an hour into the reception. He's going to have a website with all our photos, we get about $300 pictures in a album in the order of the wedding, He's going to throw in a free bridal potrait and free picture for the newspaper! Just last night at bible study, a girl from my praise team said that God laid it on her heart to give me a love offering that I can use for my wedding....I mean out of nowhere...I thank the Lord for being SOOOO good and loving us more then we love ourselves...I thank Him for His grace, mercy and patience with us.....MAN is he AWESOME....I'm so happy for you Shannon!
[quote="raysbride"]allright shannon and soontobe u better testify, because maybe with my acquaintance with u two He might pitch me some sunshine :)
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Honey all you got to do is ask and be SERIOUS about that thing....and he'll open those doors and hook you up! That's for real! Write down a list, fast and pray about it like Shannon did....or if you don't want to do that....just tell Him what you need....and if it's His will and HE get the glory from it.....it'll happen....then you'll run back to these boards with your own testimony!
He alreasdy DAILY looks after me :) my company closed in December, sold to the Germans, and still i have a Maggir S dress, my site is paid off, everything i get we pay cash, the boy does not like credit, and everyone keeps wondering how we live and proceed with the marriage. I have a 2005 still in the driveway and since we live in Florida u know insurance has hit the roof!!! but mantains and sustains me often so much sometiomes i think he may be sick of me. FH always says how can we do... i dont worry about it because i know it will come. we have my oldest sons 3 kids,yup 2 months, 1 and 2 we do everything for them with no help from anyone so i know i am chosen cause if not I would be suffering right now. and he led me to u people who i have been searching for since i started this wedding quest in october. see i know he does things in his own time because he led me to u all when he thought i needed u most. i appreciate the whole lot of u......
He alreasdy DAILY looks after me :) my company closed in December, sold to the Germans, and still i have a Maggir S dress, my site is paid off, everything i get we pay cash, the boy does not like credit, and everyone keeps wondering how we live and proceed with the marriage. I have a 2005 still in the driveway and since we live in Florida u know insurance has hit the roof!!! but mantains and sustains me often so much sometiomes i think he may be sick of me. FH always says how can we do... i dont worry about it because i know it will come. we have my oldest sons 3 kids,yup 2 months, 1 and 2 we do everything for them with no help from anyone so i know i am chosen cause if not I would be suffering right now. and he led me to u people who i have been searching for since i started this wedding quest in october. see i know he does things in his own time because he led me to u all when he thought i needed u most. i appreciate the whole lot of u......
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I'm so excited for you soon-to-be aint God just so awesome.....I"m so happy that I gotta somebody who got my same testimony.....I Know God is still in the blessing business in 2007
Seek you first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all
[quote="shannon335"]I'm so excited for you soon-to-be aint God just so awesome.....I"m so happy that I gotta somebody who got my same testimony.....I Know God is still in the blessing business in 2007
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Well ladies, my day is drawing near! I have 274 accepted and 14 invited guest that have declined. This guest list is driving me crazy & there are days I don't want to think or talk about this wedding. There are days that I feel dissapointed, & I feel like it's no longer about my fiancee & I, but it's become more about pleasing other people.
Today I'm exausted & I pray that I return to the jovial soon-to-be bride I was a month ago.
I haven't had much time to check in here as often as I used to...I miss it here...I miss having the free time to be here :-)
Springbride 360, I am sorry but remember it is only for a short time. Soon you will be the fairy princess on your special day and will be to happy to remember all of this
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GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME; ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD. WHEN IN DOUBT, PRAY
[quote="springbride360"]Well ladies, my day is drawing near! I have 274 accepted and 14 invited guest that have declined. This guest list is driving me crazy & there are days I don't want to think or talk about this wedding. There are days that I feel dissapointed, & I feel like it's no longer about my fiancee & I, but it's become more about pleasing other people.
Today I'm exausted & I pray that I return to the jovial soon-to-be bride I was a month ago.
I haven't had much time to check in here as often as I used to...I miss it here...I miss having the free time to be here :-)
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Spring, Taj is right. It'll be worth it in the end. Where are you getting married/reception again?
Spring, Taj is right. It'll be worth it in the end. Where are you getting married/reception again?
Thank you both ladies! My final count os 296.....WHEW!!!!
The ceremony is at my church in Paterson, reception is in North Haledon at The Tides Estate.
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Can't wait to see and hear about your day!...10 days and counting!
That's the best way to do it! I forgot to add that you have to make some sacrifices. I did not shop and for holidays and birthdays we kept the gifts at a minimum. We also stopped eating out so regular.
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I forgot to add that if there are things that you can borrow from someone who got married before you do so. I borrowed the card box that matched my guestbook and pen set from my cousin because those card boxes aren't cheap. I refused to pay $53-60 for something I'll never use again. Oh, check out fashionsphere.com for wedding essentials like these. I ordered my FG baskets, and ring pillow from them because they were the cheapest I've seen. Walmart also has tulle cheaper than I've seen anywhere.
Ladies, I hope you all don't mind me giving you this info as it comes to me. I'm just trying to save you some money and alleviate some of that stress.
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Rhony/PB&J, thank you so much for your words of encouragement. I sat down last night to find out how we can either cut costs or make this easier on us. And somehow things worked out. PB&J, you're right, I have to stop eating out, buying lunch everyday, and Xmas will not be how it usually is around my house. We've already spoken with the kids and they understand, which is great! I'm searching up a storm to find the cheapest things. This month, I plan on knocking out a lot of things. Wish me luck ladies! :-)
I actually woke up around 2:30 last night with my mind boggled down with HOW all of this stuff was going to get paid for. I don't want to spend this time worrying about all this stuff. I should be having a good time knowing that I'm about to marry the love of my life, the future father of my children, my soulmate. I believe that God is my provider and he will direct me on how to do this stuff. For all the believers out there I pulled out my favorite scripture. "Be anxious for nothing,(do not worry about anything), but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known to God. And the peace of God that surpassess ALL understanding shall keep you hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6-7) This helped ease my mind and I was able to go back to sleep. We just have to believe and be smart, God will open the doors and show us the way. That's why I thank God for finding this website because I've gotten some good tips on what to do and what not to do.....
Amen soon2B and best wishes Askalot!
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Septbride,
Purebliss is absolutly right. There are several ways to cut cost. I am a firm believer in everyone shld hv the wedding of her dreams, but we all do have to live afterward. I did my own invites. Purchased the kit frm Walmart, They are definitly the cheapest for some of this stuff. $15 for a pck of 40 and that includes the rsvp's and envelopes. It was easier than I thought to print it out. They look professional trust me I am a stickler for certain things. Same w/programs. So for 80 invites w/rsvps, I paid $30 To make it my own, I bought red envelopes to send it all in. Seals were $1 for a pck of 50. Programs were $14 for 80.Walmart special.
I did all my own flowers. Spent about$150 for 7 bridesmaid bouquets and 2 bridal, 1 being my throwaway. and this includes the ribbon to wrap it with to make it more festive and decorative. They look real. I got them frm Muellers in Newark. It is where all the florist shops get their stuff frm.
Favors-wrap with us and $1.00 stores. It sounds cheap but I saw my exact favors in a specialty store for $7.00 a pop. I got them for $1. Centerpieces $2.00 for the hurricane vase at walmart, 2/$1 candles frm dollar store, $3 for ribbon that says with love to wrap around candles, $10 for 2 vines of roses to pick off individually to surround inside of vase around candle. $1 marbles to go in the very bottom. Effect PRICELESS. Averaged about $5 a centerpiece.They look very elegant and FH facial expression after he saw the same centerpiece in Micheals for $30 a pop was great. I did it myself.
See i know I have Champagne taste w/forget beer, malt liquor pockets. And if you know anything about alcohol, malt liquor is as cheap as you can get.LOL so it can be done. I don't do any extracurricular shopping anymore and most days I don't eat lunch. My venue is the Robert Treat and they have several pkgs so you don't have to do the wedding pkg which of course is the most expensive.I chose a pkg that gave me everything I wanted for about 1/2 the price of the wedding pkg. The only difference is instead of their cake,I had to supply my own but they still do a dessert table. And I don't get the complimentary room which is free w/wed pkg I paid $90 which is still a discounted rate for the honeymoon suite. My bakery will do my cake for $200. So multiply about $40 a head for 125 people which is what I saved and add 90 and 200 It's still all good. Trust me it's a lot of work,but it can be done.
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GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME; ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD. WHEN IN DOUBT, PRAY
I told you Taj, I am coming to get you so you can help me.
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PB&J/Taj, thank you very much for your advise and suggestions. I certainly will use some of your ideas to cut costs.
Taj, my florist is now only doing it as a side job. She still has her florist license though. She told me that she could make all of my bouquets and centerpieces for about $250 from Mueller's. Do you think she can?
I'm going shopping as soon as I log off to try to find some deals online. This wedding is not going to affect me afterwards because everything will be paid in pull before the wedding - so no loans or C.C. to pay off. I will keep you guys posted on my progress. Thanks again to everyone.
Great Taj, we have alot in common. Askalot let me know if there's anything I can do to help you. We are all in this together.
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I know how it is when it comes to paying for a wedding. I'm already trying to find a way to not invite everyone to the reception because the food cost a lot. There is a life after a wedding and I don't want to be stressed after everything is over. What I did was gather friends that can do different things to cut my cost. You can also sign up with a travel agency and have poeple put money towards it for you gift. That might help a little. My wedding is outside so for the programs I'm using fans and that will be my program and gift to the guests. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do to cut cost. I will keep you in my prayer. Prayer does change things so you never know what GOD has planned for you. Someone might just give you some money. My wedding is going to be under 7,000.00 and to me that is a lot but I believe GOD will work it out. I hope this helps
AMEN KMED122....we are hoping to keep our wedding under $10,000...(this is including the honeymoon)....and that's alot for us....but God will make a way...I'm sure of it...
[quote="PureBliss"]That's the best way to do it! I forgot to add that you have to make some sacrifices. I did not shop and for holidays and birthdays we kept the gifts at a minimum. We also stopped eating out so regular.
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You are such a sweetie pie. Thanks for the offer. I'll let you know. lol
It can definitly be done but how many bouquets and how many centerpieces? Centerpieces, unless they are flowers are not always a good deal from there. I mean you can find them cheaper, the vases that is,but if you are doing all flowers it's the spot.
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GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME; ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD. WHEN IN DOUBT, PRAY
You ladies have given some excellent advice. I love planning weddings. I think once I retire this will become my second job. I can't help but stress "DYI" Do-It-Yourself. This will cost you hundreds in the long run. Your throw away bouquet is just that throwaway, so I really wouldn't put to much money in to this. I have seen it being a single rose. Also your bountineers, Michael's sell like a bundle of flowers for $10. You can get your garden tapen for .30 and get some type of ribon or tulle for the clearance rack(b/c they really can't sell it at regular price b/c it is not enough to sell0 at your local fabric store and you can make them by hand.
Your wedding favors do not have to be expensive, take it from me most people don't really keep them anyway. So here is 1or 2 suggestion if I might add.1)Go walmart, office max or staples by some pens go back to micheals or a wholesale flower store. You take the pin and wrap then in the green floral tape and place the flower of your choice on top and there you have it, Add a little pice of paper w/ your names and wedding dates with some ribbion. The kind used to tie on helium ballons and this can actually double as both your centerpiece and favors b/c you can arrange them and just let the guess know they may take them with them when they depart.
Also if yu know you have what are known as spring/summer colors now is the time to shop for those items b/c it now winter and everything is on sale. You know ladies how we shopfor next years summer clothes or winter boots in the summer. Don't act I am the only one here who does that.LOL! Relax if this becomming more like job to you then you need to step back this is suppose to be fun not stressful. Ask around evrybody no somebody that no somebody that do whatever you need to be done.
Southerngirl.....
Thanks for the advice. You are absolutely right.
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[quote="TAJMOM"]It can definitly be done but how many bouquets and how many centerpieces? Centerpieces, unless they are flowers are not always a good deal from there. I mean you can find them cheaper, the vases that is,but if you are doing all flowers it's the spot.
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Taj, I will need about 15 bouts (including FH's), 7 bouquets (including mine)& 6 coursages. I already have the candles (& holders) for the centerpieces, I just need flower bases (although, I can totally do without this because I'm sprinkling rose petals on the tables). I also need about 4 flower settings to go on top of the columns that I'm having. And that's about it. What do you think?
One more thing to check off:
My BM dresses came in 3 weeks early! I was in the lab this evening when David's bridal called, and so of course I dropped everything and went to pick them up. They look great, so we will start our fittings in January. We hope to have our shoes by then so we can get the height right and all. I am just glad to see things moving along...Now for the other 1 BILLION things to do!
We've been Happily Married 2 Years and Counting:)
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bump.... I thought this was a good topic with some good information.
[quote="soontobebride"]I have:
Deposit on church
Deposit on reception hall
Deposit on dress (it' SOOO beautiful)and veil
Found bridemaids dresses
Got menu
Deposit on honeymoon
Started premarital counseling through church
Found soloist
Got D.J.'s
Found someone to make cake
Got music for ceremony
Still to do:
Find invitations
Find jewelry/tiara/shoes
Find Bridesmaids jewelry/shoes
Find limo service
Find photographer
Find who will do hair and makeup
Find how I will do my hair
Figure out if we are writing our own vows
Figure out HOW WE ARE GOING TO PAY FOR ALL THIS...lol..
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Update: Thing's done:
Paid off dress
Paid off honeymoon
Bridesmaids dresses are back
Found centerpieces for tables
Deposit on reception hall, photography, limo, invitations
Decided on songs for wedding and the person that will do music
Got flower girl and her dress
Booked hair stylist and makeup artist
Got programs for wedding
Things still to do:
Get rest of decorations (candles,tablecloths,flowers,greenary etc,etc)
Get passports
Get bridesmaids to pay off dresses and get fitted
Finalize invitation list and get invitations
Pay off everything I just have deposit on
Get FH to make sure his groomsmen are straight
Book hotel accomadations
Pay for cake
Boy...I still got some thangs to do...sheesh....and I'm SURE I'm forgetting a couple things........
Well soontobebride i feel like i still have a looong way to go.
i have dress
found dj
cake maker
paid off site (wedding and recption)
centerpieces
favors
caterer
hairstylist and makeup artist
need
invitations
officiant
tuxes
reception decorations
honeymoon
menu
programs
i need a broom to jump
and other small details and time is ticking
I know right!!....it seems like the list SHOULD BE getting shorter....but that bad boy keeps getting longer and LONGER and LONGER!!!
Girl that list sure does keep adding on. Everytime I see something in a catalog or online that I like I add it to the list. Now mind you I have to seperate list. One that I have shared with my fh and one that I have in my wedding things( stuff I have to sneak and order and put it in the back of the closet).
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Yesterday I picked up 7 BM dresses and put them at my mothers house for safe keeping. I made the BM's order them in Jan!
Have the ceramony/reception site
Have my caterer
Have my dress ordered
Have my coordinator
Have my officiators (2)
Ordered save the date magnets (yesterday)
Have some decorations -clear chrismas lights to go inside of draped fabric (bought those in Dec)
most importantly: Have my ring!
NEED TO: book D.J& band
book my florist
order my cake (once I find one @ an appropriate price)
order invites
find attendant gifts
order more decorations -love centerpeice lights for sale @Vibridemall
Need to order dinner chairs & maybe chair covers
Pay for honeymoon
Now I need to print out this list as a reminder of all that I need to do!!
and like Raysbride- I KNOW I forgot some things too!
[quote="housewife147"]( stuff I have to sneak and order and put it in the back of the closet).
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Glad I'm not the only one!!...LOL!!
[quote="housewife147"]Girl that list sure does keep adding on. Everytime I see something in a catalog or online that I like I add it to the list. Now mind you I have to seperate list. One that I have shared with my fh and one that I have in my wedding things( stuff I have to sneak and order and put it in the back of the closet).
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OMG!!!!! I thought I was the only one doing that!!! lol I have 2 notebooks. The one that I share with FH and the other one with my "must haves". It is too funny. The other night I pulled out the wrong one. He said what's that on that page. I said "Oh babe, that was the wrong book. I don't know where this came from. lol"
[quote="SeptBride"] The other night I pulled out the wrong one. He said what's that on that page. I said "Oh babe, that was the wrong book. I don't know where this came from. lol"
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LMAO!!!
i feel u two. MsBoston i cut corners on the cake oi dont know about there but i had a scaled down model of my cake, it serves around 50 people but it has the couloumns and the fountains (he picked all that out) but we have a sheet cake for 100 pre sliced and since i got the coloums from the craft store (micahels) for about 4 bucks and the seperators, fountains from the rental place (about 10 bucks) the total bakery cost is less than 300.00 we got the cake he wanted with the flavors and the cost i want. also from the planner: all the cake is never eaten by the guests. so i didnt want to waste money, cause i got that 2nd book :)
Ok, FH found some of my "stash" and wanted to know where all this stuff came from? It was not on the original list. I said,"Why you in my business?" He said ,I'm not going to argue with you we just better not be overbudget." I told him to back up and leave me alone. Girls I gotta find a better hiding place lol!!
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GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME; ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD. WHEN IN DOUBT, PRAY
Well let me testify a little bit....Well first off my FH proposing to me was such a shocker. I knew he wanted to marry me but I thought I had at least 2 years to grow up. I love to shop so I never saved money I just shopped to I drop. So when he proposed the first thing that ran across my mind was how am I supposed to pay for this wedding that I am not prepared for.....I don't have have a rich family, we barely makin it ourselves, and on top of that how do you expect me to have this over-the-top wedding and still go shopping at the same time (see how young-minded I was....last year ;) ) Well the first thing I did is I made a list and I started to write down all the people I wanted in the wedding and I started to write me a budget and after that I annointed that paper and fasted over it. And I told God I don't have it like that and I need you to step in and provide and I told him what type of wedding I wanted and that I did not wanna pay for anything and to just let his will be done. Well ladies about a couple of weeks after that prayer one of my friends volunteered to pay for half of my dress.....and you know the type of God that I serve he does not do half jobs he completes them do you know by the end of that day someone else had went and gave me the other half of the money for my dress. So I was like really praisin God for that then I went to go get my dress and with the money that both of the people had blessed me with I was able to get two dresses and still have money left over. So then I started to think and I went and looked at my list for my budget, and I thought to myself I need to change the title of this paper from budget to cost because I don't want to put no budget on God I want him to do far more than what I have asked. So ladies since then my younger sister has bought me 3 veils, my older sister paid for my cake for the wedding and bridal shower, my mother paid for the reception, one of my sister-in-law paying for both of my shoes, and my other sister-in-law is paying for my photography and videography, God blessed me to pay for my decorations, my reception hall and ceremony is free, I got $500 save-the-date magnets for $50, I get to go to spa for free the day before my wedding,an old friend who used to babysit me is paying for my bridal shower and whatever else is needed for the wedding ceremony....I did not ask none of them to do this God laid it upon their hearts. there is so much more God has done I just can't tell it all. My FH desire is for us to go to London for our honeymoon and I'm just waiting for God to bless us with that. See ladies God can do amazing thing if you just put him first and put ur trust in him....take it from a girl he lives from pay check to pay check, whose mother was on welfare and section-8, whose father died at 6 leaving my mother to raise 7 children on her own. I know God is going to do so much more I'm just waitin and when he does I'm going to come and testify about it.
Seek you first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all
Shannon335..you BETTA testify girl about how good God is!! All praises go to HIM! Your post makes me want to testify on how good he is. He's also been blessing FH and I on our wedding. The reception hall that usually costs $1400...the guy is only charging up $800 with our deposit of $400 due back to us if all is clean and well after ceremony. Friends of the family are paying for all the champagne for the toast. My aunt is paying for all the paper products. ALL of the food is getting donated and cooked so we don't have to worry about caterers or catering. My sisters paid for half of my wedding dress. On average limos cost about $100 per hour with a 3 hours minimum which means that if we wanted 2 we would have to pay at least $600 but God is so good, the limo driver at our church hooked us up with charging only $150 per limo. Photography usually is CRAZY expensive, the places I called anyway, but we were able to talk to the guy that takes pictures for our church and he will do it for $750. He's VERY professional, we've seen his work, he's going to be with us before the wedding, during the wedding and about an hour into the reception. He's going to have a website with all our photos, we get about $300 pictures in a album in the order of the wedding, He's going to throw in a free bridal potrait and free picture for the newspaper! Just last night at bible study, a girl from my praise team said that God laid it on her heart to give me a love offering that I can use for my wedding....I mean out of nowhere...I thank the Lord for being SOOOO good and loving us more then we love ourselves...I thank Him for His grace, mercy and patience with us.....MAN is he AWESOME....I'm so happy for you Shannon!
God is good! I love your testimony!
allright shannon and soontobe u better testify, because maybe with my acquaintance with u two He might pitch me some sunshine :)
[quote="raysbride"]allright shannon and soontobe u better testify, because maybe with my acquaintance with u two He might pitch me some sunshine :)
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Honey all you got to do is ask and be SERIOUS about that thing....and he'll open those doors and hook you up! That's for real! Write down a list, fast and pray about it like Shannon did....or if you don't want to do that....just tell Him what you need....and if it's His will and HE get the glory from it.....it'll happen....then you'll run back to these boards with your own testimony!
Classy,
He alreasdy DAILY looks after me :) my company closed in December, sold to the Germans, and still i have a Maggir S dress, my site is paid off, everything i get we pay cash, the boy does not like credit, and everyone keeps wondering how we live and proceed with the marriage. I have a 2005 still in the driveway and since we live in Florida u know insurance has hit the roof!!! but mantains and sustains me often so much sometiomes i think he may be sick of me. FH always says how can we do... i dont worry about it because i know it will come. we have my oldest sons 3 kids,yup 2 months, 1 and 2 we do everything for them with no help from anyone so i know i am chosen cause if not I would be suffering right now. and he led me to u people who i have been searching for since i started this wedding quest in october. see i know he does things in his own time because he led me to u all when he thought i needed u most. i appreciate the whole lot of u......
[quote="raysbride"]Classy,
He alreasdy DAILY looks after me :) my company closed in December, sold to the Germans, and still i have a Maggir S dress, my site is paid off, everything i get we pay cash, the boy does not like credit, and everyone keeps wondering how we live and proceed with the marriage. I have a 2005 still in the driveway and since we live in Florida u know insurance has hit the roof!!! but mantains and sustains me often so much sometiomes i think he may be sick of me. FH always says how can we do... i dont worry about it because i know it will come. we have my oldest sons 3 kids,yup 2 months, 1 and 2 we do everything for them with no help from anyone so i know i am chosen cause if not I would be suffering right now. and he led me to u people who i have been searching for since i started this wedding quest in october. see i know he does things in his own time because he led me to u all when he thought i needed u most. i appreciate the whole lot of u......
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AMEN AND AMEN!!!.....
I'm so excited for you soon-to-be aint God just so awesome.....I"m so happy that I gotta somebody who got my same testimony.....I Know God is still in the blessing business in 2007
Seek you first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all
[quote="shannon335"]I'm so excited for you soon-to-be aint God just so awesome.....I"m so happy that I gotta somebody who got my same testimony.....I Know God is still in the blessing business in 2007
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YES HE IS!!!!
Shannon ...honey..u got me in tears!!
AMEN!!!! I'm happy for you!! God works in mysterious ways & his mystery has proven itself to you.
"I's married now" - "The Color Purple"
Well ladies, my day is drawing near! I have 274 accepted and 14 invited guest that have declined. This guest list is driving me crazy & there are days I don't want to think or talk about this wedding. There are days that I feel dissapointed, & I feel like it's no longer about my fiancee & I, but it's become more about pleasing other people.
Today I'm exausted & I pray that I return to the jovial soon-to-be bride I was a month ago.
I haven't had much time to check in here as often as I used to...I miss it here...I miss having the free time to be here :-)
Springbride 360, I am sorry but remember it is only for a short time. Soon you will be the fairy princess on your special day and will be to happy to remember all of this
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GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME; ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD. WHEN IN DOUBT, PRAY
[quote="springbride360"]Well ladies, my day is drawing near! I have 274 accepted and 14 invited guest that have declined. This guest list is driving me crazy & there are days I don't want to think or talk about this wedding. There are days that I feel dissapointed, & I feel like it's no longer about my fiancee & I, but it's become more about pleasing other people.
Today I'm exausted & I pray that I return to the jovial soon-to-be bride I was a month ago.
I haven't had much time to check in here as often as I used to...I miss it here...I miss having the free time to be here :-)
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Spring, Taj is right. It'll be worth it in the end. Where are you getting married/reception again?
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Spring, Taj is right. It'll be worth it in the end. Where are you getting married/reception again?
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Thank you both ladies! My final count os 296.....WHEW!!!!
The ceremony is at my church in Paterson, reception is in North Haledon at The Tides Estate.
[quote="springbride360"]
Spring, Taj is right. It'll be worth it in the end. Where are you getting married/reception again?
Thank you both ladies! My final count os 296.....WHEW!!!!
The ceremony is at my church in Paterson, reception is in North Haledon at The Tides Estate.
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Can't wait to see and hear about your day!...10 days and counting!
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