So during the wedding planning process, I've discovered one universal truth.
The wedding industry is all about separating happy people from their money. We're both teachers. My parents have generously offered to pay for it, but I don't want to take advantage of them.
In an attempt to save money, I plan on doing the following:
- Grow my own wedding flowers - bulbs now and seeds in Spring.
- Create my own wedding centerpieces from dollar store frames, vases, and Good Will finds. This has been so fun thus far.
- Small venue with 50 of the bestest people.
However, I just can't bring myself to skimp financially on these things:
- Food - Family has offered to cater, but I would rather everyone just come and not have to worry about bringing anything or preparing food for 50 people. Restaurant catering seems like the way to go.
- Photography - Again, family and friends have graciously offered, but I really want people to come and have a good time without having to worry about taking pictures. I think that's worth paying a couple of professionals with expensive equipment to get pictures of us and the people we love on our happy happy day.
- Booze - Um, what's a wedding without free booze?? Wine, beer, and two signature cocktails.
- Dress - I am looking to spend around 300 bucks on a tea-length dress. Used and rental dresses creep me out.
Things I am still iffy on:
- Wedding DJ: I just haven't had a positive experience with wedding DJ's. I always think of some cheesy guy who's going to play the Electric Slide for 4 hours. I also realize the danger of putting on a playlist. It seems like someone's got to be in charge of the music.
- A wedding "coordinator"- It's been hard for me to wrap my head around how we're going to pull off ceremony and reception at one small spot, but I don't want to pay someone to come and organize everything.
- Side events - Have the urge to skip on the niceties of marginal events. On Pinterest, I've seen a ridiculous amount of money and time go into these things. A Bridal shower cake? A special dress and invitations for the rehearsal dinner? Are you kidding me?
I'd love to hear your thoughts and advice.
