[quote="onyxswan"]I have told my coordinator not to let anyone into the reception that has not RSVP'ed. I am dead serious about it and don't care who dosen't like it. Like I have learned by visiting this site "My Day, My Way"
[/quote]
do what you gotta do! I feel you too, nobody's helping foot the bill, but they all damn sure want to invite themselves. I'll be having police detail, and I won't mind in the least to have them escort non-invited as well as anyone who over indulges in liquor, right on out of there.
[quote="MrsRobinson2b"]See... ya'll are laughin'. There's 2 much money on this day being spent for these ungreatful, no home trainin' havin', ill-mannered folks to be actin' a fool!!
I'm gonna post my picture one day. Just in the event that ya'll see me on the news for an assault case in July. :-) My sistas can send me commissary.
[/quote]
HA!!!!
Since FH and I decided on a destination wedding, our budget is going to be under $5000.
Those uninvited idiots can come to my wedding, even my reception, but there azzzzz better not touch a piece of food because I am not dishing out any extra money. They better stop by White Castle drive thru and get a snack pack.
since my caterer has lost his darn mind with these fees i will personally put out the uninvited. all this is becoming ridiculous. this is my wedding not a three ring circus. like one of my friends told me stop trying to bend over backwards cause they want to invite pookie and dem :) u have not seen or heard from these people in years they just want to be nosy, criticize (?) and free eats. at these prices NOT GONNA HAPPEN
We had some people actually ASK us, or ask his brother, and we decided after some conversation that we will allow them to come since we had some drops. However, best believe that they bought us some VERY nice gifts. So if they come uninvited, they'd better have a gift in hand! And if they don't have the right people turn them around:)
I guess as an afterthought I feel a little bad because some people who were not invited to the reception came Just to the ceremony (cause the ceremony was open to our whole church) and bought us some very nice, expensive gifts!
[quote="housewife147"]Those uninvited idiots can come to my wedding, even my reception, but there azzzzz better not touch a piece of food because I am not dishing out any extra money. They better stop by White Castle drive thru and get a snack pack.
[/quote]
[quote="housewife147"]Those uninvited idiots can come to my wedding, even my reception, but there azzzzz better not touch a piece of food because I am not dishing out any extra money. They better stop by White Castle drive thru and get a snack pack.
[/quote]
Total if I include the honeymoon? About 8500 bucks give or take. The most expensive single item is the honeymoon actually. Next - the dress. And why does the man get his tux for free while we have to shell out the big bucks for every piece of item? My alterations alone were 200 dollars. Tiara - 250 bucks. K, just thinking about it is making me feel sick. I haven't really counted exactly yet but that's the ballpark figure. IThe good thing is - we refuse to put any expense on a credit card and it's for 110 people. Originally, the budget we set was 5000 bucks (yeah right)...lol
Well let's see, including his ring we are at $18K, but that includes the honeymoon! We have also paid for all of it in cash but it has been an experience. I told FH that he was stuck with me! Actually I just put the last payment on the reception site. Whew!
Much props to all you brides! When I told my DH that we should set our budget at 10,000, he tripped out...So I told him $5000 (with $6000 in my head)....But after we added all those reciepts and inlcuded those rings....we were right at 9900 and some change. After we paid off our hotel stay (a couple weeks after the honeymoon) we went a little over 10,000. But its just crazy how those numbers just jump. I mean we litterally spent all that money between October and February (since the wedding was March 3rd), so thats like, we spent 10,000 in only 5-6 months...
When I think of what a lot of you guys are spending 12K plus, I had to remind myself that you all gave yourselves a lot more time to save, plan and spend. Had we waited until 2008, we likely would have hit the 20K mark...so go figure...
We're working on a grand budget of $15,000.00 and so far, we're doing very well. It looks like we will even be a couple of thousand dollars under budget.
When it's all said and done, we will be spending around $23,000. That includes every little thing from my dress to the panties and bra I'm wearing underneath to the marriage license fee. It doesn't include the rehearsal dinner or the honeymoon, but thank God my FH's family is paying for those things. Luckily, we will have paid cash for everything and will NOT be paying any wedding bills after the big day -- we both agreed that we didn't want to have any post-wedding debt.
I think that our grand total is about $40,000. As much as we tried to keep it to $35,000, people kept being added and the cost kept growing.
I finally put my foot down and told my parents "NO MORE GUESTS!"
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"To be a christian without prayer is no more possible than being alive without breathing" - Dr King Jr
Dang ajia! Girl, y'all are DOING IT UP!!! lol It's a good thing you two have good jobs! :-)
It's so easy to hit a high number. 3 months later from my first post, I've already added a couple of more thousands. When it's all said and done, my mother said we're going to sit down and add up EVERYTHING. But, I'm too scared. And Lord knows FH can't find out. lol
Askalot, it's only working cause both sets of parents are chipping in. My parents have the entire reception bill which is about 20k+ alone.
All of this money for one day. I swear once you attach the word "Wedding" to anything, the price triples!
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"To be a christian without prayer is no more possible than being alive without breathing" - Dr King Jr
[quote="ajiamarie"]I think that our grand total is about $40,000. As much as we tried to keep it to $35,000, people kept being added and the cost kept growing.
I finally put my foot down and told my parents "NO MORE GUESTS!"
[/quote]
You know that is right!!!
we just found out there are a number of people who are "upset" with us or should I say me. Because they did not get an invite.
I told my FH I asked you to sit down with your parents and get names and addresses. I would have rather have had sent out 200 invites and have 12 guests attend then start off on the wrong foot.
I told him I am pointing the finger when they come to me.
I also told him they are more than welcome to attend as long as we don't go over 65 people.
I know what you mean. I've asked FH over 5 times are you sure this is your final guest list and his answer is always yes. Now, when his folks start asking, I'm going to be sure to let them know it's his fault. lol
But I bet your wedding is going to be everything that you wanted, everything that you've dreamed of. You can make it perfect without having to rush anything
I need to add that i've been secretly paying for items on the lam, so FH doesn't find out.(I know i'm not the only one!)
Also it seems like you get a quote, think it's all inclusive, then go to pay and it's this fee, that fee, this tax, delvery charge, liability etc. People making me mad now with that mess. The quote for chairs started at 600 something. Now they talking $979 for the SAME damn chairs!!!
Bartender services original quote $800 something(w/us buying our own LQ) Oh they failed to mention that this was with the plastic 'glassware' Who the ____ wants plastic after you dun spent $1100 on renting China dinnerware?!?!? now that's bumped up another G. see they get you where they can.
We have 2 weeks left before we sit down and set the official budget. He has let me get a few things already but told me yo research EVERYTHING so we could make an informed decision. I have been ordered to save ALL receipts for what I have purchased, even down to the 25 cent spool of ribbon I used for the "Will you" cards!
I did alot of DIY (ring pillow, pew bows, flower basket, centerpieces, altar arrangements, favors, broom, programs) and we still spent a little over 30k.
"I'm a work in progress, God is not through me yet"
A quick calculation tells me that we are about 39k right now. I hope that I'm wrong.
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"To be a christian without prayer is no more possible than being alive without breathing" - Dr King Jr
[quote="MsBoston"]I need to add that i've been secretly paying for items on the lam, so FH doesn't find out.(I know i'm not the only one!)
Also it seems like you get a quote, think it's all inclusive, then go to pay and it's this fee, that fee, this tax, delvery charge, liability etc. People making me mad now with that mess. The quote for chairs started at 600 something. Now they talking $979 for the SAME damn chairs!!!
Bartender services original quote $800 something(w/us buying our own LQ) Oh they failed to mention that this was with the plastic 'glassware' Who the ____ wants plastic after you dun spent $1100 on renting China dinnerware?!?!? now that's bumped up another G. see they get you where they can.
[/quote]
OOOOHHHH Girls please please please get all the qoutes and final prices and additional fees and taxes in writing. Bcuz when it comes time to write the check, the extraness will add up on you!
OOOOHHHH Girls please please please get all the qoutes and final prices and additional fees and taxes in writing. Bcuz when it comes time to write the check, the extraness will add up on you!
[/quote]
Oh my God, if I should come close to telling my FH about a budget reaching $35 to $40,000 he will freak. We're paying for everything ourselves and our Max budget has been set at $15,000. From the quotes and research that we've been doing, it looks like we're going to make it. We cannot afford to go beyond that budget as my FH lives in Takoma Park, MD and I'll be moving there to joing him in December. We have other expenses to worry about (ie our new apartment, new furnitures,) and since we're getting married in New York, we will be returning 2 weeks before the event. I'm doing as much as I can before I go to MD, and the rest, we'll just set all the appointments for a couple of days each month and drive to take care of them.
What I would say is sit down with your FH and talk about your expenses after the wedding. You don't want to start your new life in debt. Then, if you sincerely can only afford to set aside $1,000 to $1,500 a month towards your wedding, then that's what you should stick to. Remeber that the wedding, although, one of the most significant days of both of your lives, is only one day. Your marriage will hopefully last a lifetime. Make wise choices and do as much yourself as possible. You'll surprise yourself to see what you and your bridal party can do.
My FH and I will be totally debt free after our wedding.
I guess I can safely say that our postponement was a blessing in disguise because we will have to spend less money before our day. I already have my dress and some other important items. But, this also give us the opportunity to add other things that I didn't think we could afford. So, we may spend $8,000. I'm pretty crafty so I enjoy doing the DIY projects.
Ladies, ladies, ladies, I've been hearing a lot about diy projects. What is that all about and is there a site I could go to in order to find out more. I'm hoping to save as much as I can, although my max budget is $15,000. My BMs and I are doing the centerpieces (that alone saved me $500 on the florist bill).
You can check out sites like www.Michaels.com and www.joanns.com for some ideas on do-it-yourself projects. If you need to purchase silk flowers to do your floral arrangements, www.efavormart.com is an excellent site for that.
My ceremony will take place at my church in Brooklyn and the reception will take place in Queens, at this huge hall that has 3 ballrooms. Housewife, Girl, would you believe that we were able to book our reception hall for a saturday night reception and it only costed us $1,600? Well it did. We're having 120 guests, so we took the ballroom that holds 130. I've been having great luck at locating a lot of things and paying very little in the process. Would you also believe that we will have a total of 26 attendants and yet, my floral bill is only $1,250.00?
The trick of the game is to start early and to bargain, and since I am a Wedding Consultant, we worked out deals whereas I would refer people to them as well. Where will your wedding take place? I see that you still have a lot of time ahead of you still. Don't be a bridezilla, but certainly research a lot more and negotiate. Don't be afraid to walk away. It's your day and only you and your FH truly know what you can afford without going into debt the day after your wedding.
You go Ginuoe with your great budget in such an area like NY. DIY projects are always fun! Many DIY projects include your
1) invites... (you can buy blank ones -some already decorated-that you can design and print yourself for a cost of around 20-40.00 per pack of 50 invites) We spent 40.00 on our invites and an extra 25.00 tp buy an extra ink cartridge for my printer....Other DIY projects are
2)favors....instead of having a pro do it, you can either cook it, design it, or bake it yourself. Use the pre-cut labels and design and print them yourself vs. ordering them online. Using stamps with initals, cute heart or flower designs add a personal touch to favors, invites, or programs....
3) DIY programs are very easy, and pretty self-explanatory. Even the intricate ones can be done on your own.....I think there is a post here on DIY projects.....Maybe we can find it and bump it up:)
Ok, Ginoue, not trying to be funny but how you going to be a wedding consultant and not know about the DIY stuff ????? As a consultant you want to be able to present this type stuff to the bride as an option to saving her money, there by making yourself more valuable to her.
"I'm a work in progress, God is not through me yet"
Fortunately or unfortunately for me, most of the brides had very specific ideas as to what they're looking for and want and for most of my clients, money is not an object. Usually, you give the client what they want. To the others, because I also do consulting for 4 area churches, I've been lucky enough to find what I needed around town. I have a great selection of vendors here in New York, Boston, D.C. and you'd be surprise just how much a consultant can bargain down by just a promise of future business. I'm not too proud to say that I'm not so crafty myself, but I have a lot of people around me who are. It's a win, win situation as I'm able to use them to make the things I need. The last wedding I did, I got my sister to sew a very special aisle runner, which was my gift to the couple.
Now don't laugh, but when I first heard about DIY, it never occurred to me that it meant (Do It Yourself) projects. Now how silly is that.
[quote="Ginoue"]
Now don't laugh, but when I first heard about DIY, it never occurred to me that it meant (Do It Yourself) projects. Now how silly is that.
[/quote]
Gin girl you had me nervous for a minute..LOL It's okay though, we all have our moments. Welcome Back.
"I'm a work in progress, God is not through me yet"
[quote="Ginoue"] Would you also believe that we will have a total of 26 attendants and yet, my floral bill is only $1,250.00?
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OK I gotta speak on this, because im dying over here. WHAT TYPE OF FLOWERS DO YOU HAVE?? I want to guess a dafodil, carnation and a wild grass mix!! Because I've never heard of a floral bill so low!
The lowest quote for my bouquet alone has been 125 and the highest 175! that right there is almost a 1/4 of your floral bill.
I mean really I'm buggin' right now, is everyone getting a bouquet? or just a single flower? And if you even think of telling me you have floral centerpeices....
MsBoston - you have to use florists that specializes on weddings. They actually have bridal packages. Now, the florist that I'm using in in Brooklyn and I chose 2 deluxe packages and some other things. This is the deal that I was able to work out for myself and check this out, the flowers are cream colored roses and she will even die some of them Mocha and Latte. Now check this out. For $790.00, I will have:
1 Bridal Bouquet
1 Maid Of Honors Bouquets
8 Bridesmaids Bouquets
1 Throwaway Bouquet
2 Flowergirl Baskets
4 corsages
1 Groom's boutonniere
1 Best Man boutonniere
1 ring bearer's boutonniere
8 groomsmen boutonnieres
***There's more***
For an additional $235.00, I will have 4 large altar baskets with stands, 8 pew bows with greens, 1 aisle runner and 2 pew arrangements of my choice.
I forgot to tell you that the $1250 was a quote. We now have a contract and I gave her a deposit and my total is now $1025. The balance of my floral budget I will use to make my own floral centerpieces and favors.
[quote="Ginoue"]MsBoston - you have to use florists that specializes on weddings.
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Normally, that increases the price when you mention wedding. I got a hook up on my florist bill because of one of the students at my school and I still ended up paying $900. That was for my bouquet (roses, peonies & callilillies), my 6 bridesmaids who had silk flowers mixed with 6 live roses & live greenery, a kissing ball that was silk mixed with live baby rose buds, 12 wrist corsages, 14 boutineers, and live rose petals for reception tables. I made all the centerpieces for my reception my self. I also made the pew bows, ring pillow, broom and altar arrangements using silk flowers which cost about another $600 to do. Total floral bill approximately $1500. I can only imagine what it would have been if I hadn't got a hook up on the fresh flowers and if I didn't do alot of DIY with the silks.
"I'm a work in progress, God is not through me yet"
MsBoston-
I am no planner here but I've done my research. Most florists may not mention it, but you can get your price down by asking for flowers that are XX color but are local and/or in season. Florists are always ready to ship roses and lilies, and all kinds of exotic flowers from Equador, California, Mexico, etc and that costs money with all the shipping, packaging, and if they are real, you are paying for an overnight shipping fee. No fresh flowers sit in a floral store for more than 24-36 hours. So thats where your fee is. Now, florists will bring the cost down if you are a reputable planner with guaranteed future business, its not a loss for them since more $$ is coming in, but thats just something to think about when buying flowers-so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Flowers in season are often lower to ship because they don't have to do much to grow and maintain them. Vs that certain flower that takes extra money to grow during more harsh seasons......However, flowers in the season you plan to purchase them in are abundant at the time so the demand doesn't exceed the supply which drives up the $$ for those not in season. Local varieties are easy to get for obvious reasons.
[quote="onyxswan"]I have told my coordinator not to let anyone into the reception that has not RSVP'ed. I am dead serious about it and don't care who dosen't like it. Like I have learned by visiting this site "My Day, My Way"
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do what you gotta do! I feel you too, nobody's helping foot the bill, but they all damn sure want to invite themselves. I'll be having police detail, and I won't mind in the least to have them escort non-invited as well as anyone who over indulges in liquor, right on out of there.
[quote="MrsRobinson2b"]See... ya'll are laughin'. There's 2 much money on this day being spent for these ungreatful, no home trainin' havin', ill-mannered folks to be actin' a fool!!
I'm gonna post my picture one day. Just in the event that ya'll see me on the news for an assault case in July. :-) My sistas can send me commissary.
[/quote]
HA!!!!
Since FH and I decided on a destination wedding, our budget is going to be under $5000.
Born Blessed!
Those uninvited idiots can come to my wedding, even my reception, but there azzzzz better not touch a piece of food because I am not dishing out any extra money. They better stop by White Castle drive thru and get a snack pack.
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since my caterer has lost his darn mind with these fees i will personally put out the uninvited. all this is becoming ridiculous. this is my wedding not a three ring circus. like one of my friends told me stop trying to bend over backwards cause they want to invite pookie and dem :) u have not seen or heard from these people in years they just want to be nosy, criticize (?) and free eats. at these prices NOT GONNA HAPPEN
We had some people actually ASK us, or ask his brother, and we decided after some conversation that we will allow them to come since we had some drops. However, best believe that they bought us some VERY nice gifts. So if they come uninvited, they'd better have a gift in hand! And if they don't have the right people turn them around:)
I guess as an afterthought I feel a little bad because some people who were not invited to the reception came Just to the ceremony (cause the ceremony was open to our whole church) and bought us some very nice, expensive gifts!
We've been Happily Married 2 Years and Counting:)
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[quote="housewife147"]Those uninvited idiots can come to my wedding, even my reception, but there azzzzz better not touch a piece of food because I am not dishing out any extra money. They better stop by White Castle drive thru and get a snack pack.
[/quote]
Lol!!!!!!
Born Blessed!
[quote="housewife147"]Those uninvited idiots can come to my wedding, even my reception, but there azzzzz better not touch a piece of food because I am not dishing out any extra money. They better stop by White Castle drive thru and get a snack pack.
[/quote]
Lol!!!!!!
Born Blessed!
Total if I include the honeymoon? About 8500 bucks give or take. The most expensive single item is the honeymoon actually. Next - the dress. And why does the man get his tux for free while we have to shell out the big bucks for every piece of item? My alterations alone were 200 dollars. Tiara - 250 bucks. K, just thinking about it is making me feel sick. I haven't really counted exactly yet but that's the ballpark figure. IThe good thing is - we refuse to put any expense on a credit card and it's for 110 people. Originally, the budget we set was 5000 bucks (yeah right)...lol
Well let's see, including his ring we are at $18K, but that includes the honeymoon! We have also paid for all of it in cash but it has been an experience. I told FH that he was stuck with me! Actually I just put the last payment on the reception site. Whew!
@Barnett
I admire that you and your FH had the discipline to pay all of your stuff in cash. 18K is a good bit of change.:)
Much props to all you brides! When I told my DH that we should set our budget at 10,000, he tripped out...So I told him $5000 (with $6000 in my head)....But after we added all those reciepts and inlcuded those rings....we were right at 9900 and some change. After we paid off our hotel stay (a couple weeks after the honeymoon) we went a little over 10,000. But its just crazy how those numbers just jump. I mean we litterally spent all that money between October and February (since the wedding was March 3rd), so thats like, we spent 10,000 in only 5-6 months...
When I think of what a lot of you guys are spending 12K plus, I had to remind myself that you all gave yourselves a lot more time to save, plan and spend. Had we waited until 2008, we likely would have hit the 20K mark...so go figure...
We've been Happily Married 2 Years and Counting:)
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We're working on a grand budget of $15,000.00 and so far, we're doing very well. It looks like we will even be a couple of thousand dollars under budget.
Good luck ladies
When it's all said and done, we will be spending around $23,000. That includes every little thing from my dress to the panties and bra I'm wearing underneath to the marriage license fee. It doesn't include the rehearsal dinner or the honeymoon, but thank God my FH's family is paying for those things. Luckily, we will have paid cash for everything and will NOT be paying any wedding bills after the big day -- we both agreed that we didn't want to have any post-wedding debt.
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I think that our grand total is about $40,000. As much as we tried to keep it to $35,000, people kept being added and the cost kept growing.
I finally put my foot down and told my parents "NO MORE GUESTS!"
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"To be a christian without prayer is no more possible than being alive without breathing" - Dr King Jr
Dang ajia! Girl, y'all are DOING IT UP!!! lol It's a good thing you two have good jobs! :-)
It's so easy to hit a high number. 3 months later from my first post, I've already added a couple of more thousands. When it's all said and done, my mother said we're going to sit down and add up EVERYTHING. But, I'm too scared. And Lord knows FH can't find out. lol
Askalot, it's only working cause both sets of parents are chipping in. My parents have the entire reception bill which is about 20k+ alone.
All of this money for one day. I swear once you attach the word "Wedding" to anything, the price triples!
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"To be a christian without prayer is no more possible than being alive without breathing" - Dr King Jr
Girl, I know what you mean. The word "wedding" would make something go from $50 to $575!
Thank God for your parents and your Future in laws!!!! That's really a blessing! (I know that you know this already lol)
[quote="ajiamarie"]I think that our grand total is about $40,000. As much as we tried to keep it to $35,000, people kept being added and the cost kept growing.
I finally put my foot down and told my parents "NO MORE GUESTS!"
[/quote]
You know that is right!!!
we just found out there are a number of people who are "upset" with us or should I say me. Because they did not get an invite.
I told my FH I asked you to sit down with your parents and get names and addresses. I would have rather have had sent out 200 invites and have 12 guests attend then start off on the wrong foot.
I told him I am pointing the finger when they come to me.
I also told him they are more than welcome to attend as long as we don't go over 65 people.
Cuz my budget is set.
Introducng the new Mrs. Durrant!!!
I know what you mean. I've asked FH over 5 times are you sure this is your final guest list and his answer is always yes. Now, when his folks start asking, I'm going to be sure to let them know it's his fault. lol
Anyone brave enough the go back into this subject? New brides - any updates to your final total? August and September ladies - where are you now?
Child since we pushed our wedding date back we have already added another 5,000 to our budget easy.
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But I bet your wedding is going to be everything that you wanted, everything that you've dreamed of. You can make it perfect without having to rush anything
I need to add that i've been secretly paying for items on the lam, so FH doesn't find out.(I know i'm not the only one!)
Also it seems like you get a quote, think it's all inclusive, then go to pay and it's this fee, that fee, this tax, delvery charge, liability etc. People making me mad now with that mess. The quote for chairs started at 600 something. Now they talking $979 for the SAME damn chairs!!!
Bartender services original quote $800 something(w/us buying our own LQ) Oh they failed to mention that this was with the plastic 'glassware' Who the ____ wants plastic after you dun spent $1100 on renting China dinnerware?!?!? now that's bumped up another G. see they get you where they can.
We have 2 weeks left before we sit down and set the official budget. He has let me get a few things already but told me yo research EVERYTHING so we could make an informed decision. I have been ordered to save ALL receipts for what I have purchased, even down to the 25 cent spool of ribbon I used for the "Will you" cards!
I did alot of DIY (ring pillow, pew bows, flower basket, centerpieces, altar arrangements, favors, broom, programs) and we still spent a little over 30k.
"I'm a work in progress, God is not through me yet"
A quick calculation tells me that we are about 39k right now. I hope that I'm wrong.
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"To be a christian without prayer is no more possible than being alive without breathing" - Dr King Jr
[quote="MsBoston"]I need to add that i've been secretly paying for items on the lam, so FH doesn't find out.(I know i'm not the only one!)
Also it seems like you get a quote, think it's all inclusive, then go to pay and it's this fee, that fee, this tax, delvery charge, liability etc. People making me mad now with that mess. The quote for chairs started at 600 something. Now they talking $979 for the SAME damn chairs!!!
Bartender services original quote $800 something(w/us buying our own LQ) Oh they failed to mention that this was with the plastic 'glassware' Who the ____ wants plastic after you dun spent $1100 on renting China dinnerware?!?!? now that's bumped up another G. see they get you where they can.
[/quote]
OOOOHHHH Girls please please please get all the qoutes and final prices and additional fees and taxes in writing. Bcuz when it comes time to write the check, the extraness will add up on you!
Introducng the new Mrs. Durrant!!!
OOOOHHHH Girls please please please get all the qoutes and final prices and additional fees and taxes in writing. Bcuz when it comes time to write the check, the extraness will add up on you!
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Amen to that!
We've been Happily Married 2 Years and Counting:)
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Oh my God, if I should come close to telling my FH about a budget reaching $35 to $40,000 he will freak. We're paying for everything ourselves and our Max budget has been set at $15,000. From the quotes and research that we've been doing, it looks like we're going to make it. We cannot afford to go beyond that budget as my FH lives in Takoma Park, MD and I'll be moving there to joing him in December. We have other expenses to worry about (ie our new apartment, new furnitures,) and since we're getting married in New York, we will be returning 2 weeks before the event. I'm doing as much as I can before I go to MD, and the rest, we'll just set all the appointments for a couple of days each month and drive to take care of them.
What I would say is sit down with your FH and talk about your expenses after the wedding. You don't want to start your new life in debt. Then, if you sincerely can only afford to set aside $1,000 to $1,500 a month towards your wedding, then that's what you should stick to. Remeber that the wedding, although, one of the most significant days of both of your lives, is only one day. Your marriage will hopefully last a lifetime. Make wise choices and do as much yourself as possible. You'll surprise yourself to see what you and your bridal party can do.
My FH and I will be totally debt free after our wedding.
I guess I can safely say that our postponement was a blessing in disguise because we will have to spend less money before our day. I already have my dress and some other important items. But, this also give us the opportunity to add other things that I didn't think we could afford. So, we may spend $8,000. I'm pretty crafty so I enjoy doing the DIY projects.
Born Blessed!
Ladies, ladies, ladies, I've been hearing a lot about diy projects. What is that all about and is there a site I could go to in order to find out more. I'm hoping to save as much as I can, although my max budget is $15,000. My BMs and I are doing the centerpieces (that alone saved me $500 on the florist bill).
Now dish about DIY
You can check out sites like www.Michaels.com and www.joanns.com for some ideas on do-it-yourself projects. If you need to purchase silk flowers to do your floral arrangements, www.efavormart.com is an excellent site for that.
Born Blessed!
Girl where are you getting married at in NY with that budget? Let me know!
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My ceremony will take place at my church in Brooklyn and the reception will take place in Queens, at this huge hall that has 3 ballrooms. Housewife, Girl, would you believe that we were able to book our reception hall for a saturday night reception and it only costed us $1,600? Well it did. We're having 120 guests, so we took the ballroom that holds 130. I've been having great luck at locating a lot of things and paying very little in the process. Would you also believe that we will have a total of 26 attendants and yet, my floral bill is only $1,250.00?
The trick of the game is to start early and to bargain, and since I am a Wedding Consultant, we worked out deals whereas I would refer people to them as well. Where will your wedding take place? I see that you still have a lot of time ahead of you still. Don't be a bridezilla, but certainly research a lot more and negotiate. Don't be afraid to walk away. It's your day and only you and your FH truly know what you can afford without going into debt the day after your wedding.
You go Ginuoe with your great budget in such an area like NY. DIY projects are always fun! Many DIY projects include your
1) invites... (you can buy blank ones -some already decorated-that you can design and print yourself for a cost of around 20-40.00 per pack of 50 invites) We spent 40.00 on our invites and an extra 25.00 tp buy an extra ink cartridge for my printer....Other DIY projects are
2)favors....instead of having a pro do it, you can either cook it, design it, or bake it yourself. Use the pre-cut labels and design and print them yourself vs. ordering them online. Using stamps with initals, cute heart or flower designs add a personal touch to favors, invites, or programs....
3) DIY programs are very easy, and pretty self-explanatory. Even the intricate ones can be done on your own.....I think there is a post here on DIY projects.....Maybe we can find it and bump it up:)
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Bumblebeekee, Thanks a million for the info. I will definitely check out the invitations as I will be doing the favors myself.
Someone also mentioned Michaels and Joanns - you ladies are so crafty. I'm so blessed to be part of this site.
Don't forget Hobby Lobby if there is one near you!
I forgot about Hobby Lobby. I love that store! Also, check out A.C. Moore.
Born Blessed!
Ok, Ginoue, not trying to be funny but how you going to be a wedding consultant and not know about the DIY stuff ????? As a consultant you want to be able to present this type stuff to the bride as an option to saving her money, there by making yourself more valuable to her.
"I'm a work in progress, God is not through me yet"
Fortunately or unfortunately for me, most of the brides had very specific ideas as to what they're looking for and want and for most of my clients, money is not an object. Usually, you give the client what they want. To the others, because I also do consulting for 4 area churches, I've been lucky enough to find what I needed around town. I have a great selection of vendors here in New York, Boston, D.C. and you'd be surprise just how much a consultant can bargain down by just a promise of future business. I'm not too proud to say that I'm not so crafty myself, but I have a lot of people around me who are. It's a win, win situation as I'm able to use them to make the things I need. The last wedding I did, I got my sister to sew a very special aisle runner, which was my gift to the couple.
Now don't laugh, but when I first heard about DIY, it never occurred to me that it meant (Do It Yourself) projects. Now how silly is that.
[quote="Ginoue"]
Now don't laugh, but when I first heard about DIY, it never occurred to me that it meant (Do It Yourself) projects. Now how silly is that.
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Gin girl you had me nervous for a minute..LOL It's okay though, we all have our moments. Welcome Back.
"I'm a work in progress, God is not through me yet"
[quote="Ginoue"] Would you also believe that we will have a total of 26 attendants and yet, my floral bill is only $1,250.00?
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OK I gotta speak on this, because im dying over here. WHAT TYPE OF FLOWERS DO YOU HAVE?? I want to guess a dafodil, carnation and a wild grass mix!! Because I've never heard of a floral bill so low!
The lowest quote for my bouquet alone has been 125 and the highest 175! that right there is almost a 1/4 of your floral bill.
I mean really I'm buggin' right now, is everyone getting a bouquet? or just a single flower? And if you even think of telling me you have floral centerpeices....
My floral bill is low as well and I am having a mixture of calla lilies and roses.
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MsBoston - you have to use florists that specializes on weddings. They actually have bridal packages. Now, the florist that I'm using in in Brooklyn and I chose 2 deluxe packages and some other things. This is the deal that I was able to work out for myself and check this out, the flowers are cream colored roses and she will even die some of them Mocha and Latte. Now check this out. For $790.00, I will have:
1 Bridal Bouquet
1 Maid Of Honors Bouquets
8 Bridesmaids Bouquets
1 Throwaway Bouquet
2 Flowergirl Baskets
4 corsages
1 Groom's boutonniere
1 Best Man boutonniere
1 ring bearer's boutonniere
8 groomsmen boutonnieres
***There's more***
For an additional $235.00, I will have 4 large altar baskets with stands, 8 pew bows with greens, 1 aisle runner and 2 pew arrangements of my choice.
*** GRAND TOTAL FOR MY FLOWERS - $1025
I forgot to tell you that the $1250 was a quote. We now have a contract and I gave her a deposit and my total is now $1025. The balance of my floral budget I will use to make my own floral centerpieces and favors.
I hope my total works out to be around that when I start meeting with florists!
[quote="Ginoue"]MsBoston - you have to use florists that specializes on weddings.
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Normally, that increases the price when you mention wedding. I got a hook up on my florist bill because of one of the students at my school and I still ended up paying $900. That was for my bouquet (roses, peonies & callilillies), my 6 bridesmaids who had silk flowers mixed with 6 live roses & live greenery, a kissing ball that was silk mixed with live baby rose buds, 12 wrist corsages, 14 boutineers, and live rose petals for reception tables. I made all the centerpieces for my reception my self. I also made the pew bows, ring pillow, broom and altar arrangements using silk flowers which cost about another $600 to do. Total floral bill approximately $1500. I can only imagine what it would have been if I hadn't got a hook up on the fresh flowers and if I didn't do alot of DIY with the silks.
"I'm a work in progress, God is not through me yet"
Oh, I forgot to mention that my cake flowers were also included in that $900. Cake flowers were orange orchids, roses and callilillies.
"I'm a work in progress, God is not through me yet"
WAY TO GO PAMCROW!!! You worked out a pretty good deal for yourself as well.
MsBoston-
I am no planner here but I've done my research. Most florists may not mention it, but you can get your price down by asking for flowers that are XX color but are local and/or in season. Florists are always ready to ship roses and lilies, and all kinds of exotic flowers from Equador, California, Mexico, etc and that costs money with all the shipping, packaging, and if they are real, you are paying for an overnight shipping fee. No fresh flowers sit in a floral store for more than 24-36 hours. So thats where your fee is. Now, florists will bring the cost down if you are a reputable planner with guaranteed future business, its not a loss for them since more $$ is coming in, but thats just something to think about when buying flowers-so you know exactly what you are paying for.
Flowers in season are often lower to ship because they don't have to do much to grow and maintain them. Vs that certain flower that takes extra money to grow during more harsh seasons......However, flowers in the season you plan to purchase them in are abundant at the time so the demand doesn't exceed the supply which drives up the $$ for those not in season. Local varieties are easy to get for obvious reasons.
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