Category: Wedding

Do More With Less

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I’ve gotten a few questions as to how S and I are managing to keep our wedding on budget, yet still have everything we wanted and more. I hate the phrase “do more with less,” but I feel like that’s what we’re doing. We’re getting more out of very little. So for those interested, here are some ways we’ve managed to use less funds, but still get married in a room with dinosaurs.

1. Use Friends – Our DJ works for the top DJing company in Orlando. Incidentally, he’s also one of my high school friends. This clearly came as an advantage, as I know he’ll do an amazing job, and he was able to work with our budget. Of course, not everyone has a DJ as a friend…but someone else may. For instance, I didn’t know a photographer, but my friend Valerie’s college roommate started her own wedding photography business a while back. We met with her, and instantly loved her. She gave us a great deal, and we, again, know she’ll do a fabulous job. See if friends have friends who are in the business. If not, look for recommendations. You’ve probably had a friend get married prior to your wedding. Ask who they used, and then contact that vendor. Saying you’ve seen them in action before may give you a bit of break.

2. Negotiate – We loved the Orlando Science Center as soon as we saw it, but unfortunately it was WAY out of our budget. Thankfully, they worked with us. The reception area is large enough for 300 people. Since we’re only planning on having around 130, we asked it if was possible to use half the room. Luckily, it was – and the price dropped almost half the amount. Talk with the vendor – they want your business and often they’ll work with you. Of course, don’t go in saying “I can’t pay that much; what will you do for me?” That won’t work. But be nice, discuss your budget, and see if things can be altered.

3. Shop Smart – Our florist, who’s absolutely lovely, was charging $15 a table for renting his vases ($5 a vase, and we’re having three vases on each table). Instead of doing that, we decided to buy our own vases. For $13, there was a lovely set of three at IKEA. $2 less! Even better? We found perfect vases at…The Dollar Tree. Seriously. $3 a table? Sign me up. IKEA and The Dollar Tree may sound cheap, but there are some amazing options at both places. Candles, candle holders, rocks for the bottom of vases…all there, all wonderful.

4. Cut the Unimportant – We’re having six cocktail tables set up during our cocktail hour. Each table will have a tablecloth. The caterer (who we’re going through for linens) asked if we wanted ribbons to tie around the base of the tables. The price? $9 a ribbon. We decided against it because, really, it’s unnecessary. There are many things we’ve discovered that are similar. Personalized server set? Chair ribbons? Chargers? Some people love these things, but we didn’t find them essential. So, we cut them. (Incidentally, I went to Michael’s a few days later and found similar ribbon on sale for a $1. Seriously. Guess who’s having table ribbons after all?)

5. Do It Yourself – I admit it, I’m not that crafty. My matron of honor hand-made all of her wedding invites. They were GORGEOUS, but I knew I wasn’t capable of that. (If you are, go crazy!) What am I capable of? Creating programs, menus, table settings, etc. I created a template on Word and am getting them printed at CopyMax. Quick and cheap. Also – for our invites, instead of buying another card for hotel information ($83), I found the same stationary paper and am making them myself. A friend even made all of her own centerpieces – they were beautiful!

6. Local Vs. Chains – We wanted to support our independent businesses and shop local. We did for the florist, caterer, photographer, DJ and more. But certain things, like invitations, we decided to get online. Using Weddingpaperdivas.com was amazing because their prices are quite low, and their stationary is beautiful (this is not an ad, honest). Sure, others will have the same invites I had, but I don’t really care. Also, for cake? A local baker wanted almost twice as much as Publix charges. And have you tried Publix cake? It’s amazing.

6. Exchange – I have a blog. It has some readers (hello!) I’ve actually offered exchanges to certain vendors. For instance, free ads or production promotions on my blog for a discount on their service. And it worked! It’s really a win-win situation because I’m getting what I want at a more affordable rate, and they’re getting publicity. See what you can do – it never hurts to ask.

7. Research, Research, Research – I had a list of around 30 photographers I wanted to check out. Thirty. It’s ridiculous how many options their are, but researching is the only way to find the vender that’s perfect for you. You’ll learn the norm for prices in your city that way, and get a larger array of options. I have several Excel spreadsheets for this.

Planning a wedding is hard. Staying budget-friendly is also hard. But, personally, I don’t want to go broke just for a giant party. By working with my vendors and researching a whole lot, I’ve found a way to ensure our wedding is gorgeous…and still pay my rent next month.

Funds

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I wasn’t quite sure what kind of post should be next on my blog. Optimistic? Humorous? Melancholy? How do I go back to blogging after such an announcement?

Eh, I guess like this.

I really, really appreciate everyone’s comments regarding my mom’s situation. All of the kind thoughts and loving words really meant a lot to me. It’s amazing how much support comes from the blogging community. I already knew about it, which was why I felt comfortable sharing that announcement. I knew you wouldn’t judge.

That said, you can imagine how things are around here right now. Mom’s situation takes precedence, but she’s still quite passionate about our wedding. Which is good, of course – she wants to make it nice and it keeps her mind off of everything. (And I’ve come to learn that a wedding is just as much for the parents as it is for the main couple. I offered delaying the wedding due to her condition, but it’s the, as she puts, one thing that makes her happy right now. Woo hoo!) We’re just really struggling trying to pay for everything.

I mean, seriously, how do people even afford weddings?

I’m going to research into freelancing again. It’s something I like to do, and will require less time than a part-time job (which I do not have the time for, sadly, between my job, grad school, mom’s tests, and actually planning the wedding). Any advice on finding gigs?

I have, however, found amazing ways to save while planning the wedding (which will be included in a future post!) Let’s just say Ikea and I have (once again) become best friends.

I promise a more fun post later.

Dinosaurs

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I’ve gotten a few questions about how wedding planning is going. Good, really good. We have the date (September 24, 2011), location, florist and photographer already. We sent out save the dates. But the most exciting part has to be the venue.

We’re getting married at the Orlando Science Center! The ceremony will be on a 4th floor balcony, overlooking downtown Orlando’s skyline. Really classy, pretty. The reception…will be in Dino Digs. That’s right, while dancing and eating, our guests will be surrounded by dinosaur skeletons.

Different? Sure. Unique? Yep. Us? Definitely.

Because, really, a party isn’t a party without a T-rex.

The Engagement Story

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Did you know there are hundreds – I mean HUNDREDS – of different bridal magazines? One for every state/city/type of bride/hair color. I mean, seriously. How does one go through all of that?

They don’t. That’s why I’m writing in my blog.

And so, the engagement story:

A few weeks ago, Samir asked if I wanted to go down to Sarasota with him to visit his parents and (most importantly) relax by the beach. Of course I agreed. And so, this past Saturday we left.

The drive was really easy up until the very end when it a) started raining and b) turned into nonstop traffic. I was getting irritated. Samir was edgy. Truly, it was forming to be the perfect afternoon. But, he still wanted to bring me some place nice, since we had the time. So we decided on the marina.

It was really pretty there, and the weather cleared up. After walking around for a bit, we sat on a bench and watched the boats we’ll never own float across the water. After a while, he started saying nice things and I got suspicious (not because he never says kind things, but – you know). Then he stood up. Then I said the first stupid thing.

“Are you really doing this?” In my mind, I was excitedly asking him. Apparently, it didn’t come out that way.

So he got down on one knee. Stupid thing #2.

“You don’t have to kneel!” Again, in my mind I was saying that because the ground was hot and he was wearing shorts. And, of course, it did not come out that way.

But he continued anyway, offering pretty words, and finally put the ring on my finger. There was shaking and tears and hugs and so on. A few minutes later he had to make sure I said yes because, apparently, I didn’t really say anything. I’m obviously great under emotional situation.

It was perfect in so many ways. It was us together with no one else really around. No spectators besides random people a few benches down. No grand gestures. No cheesy lines. It was simple – and simple, to me, is always more.

Now, here’s what I didn’t know:

Two weeks prior, while I was in New York, he had gone to my parents’ house to ask my dad’s permission.  My dad excitedly called my mom, who told my aunt, who promptly called my cousin – who I was standing next to at the time. My cousin did an amazing job of covering things up, because I didn’t suspect a thing.

A week prior, he went to my parents’ house for the ring. Here’s the story behind the ring: it was, originally, my Great Aunt Faye’s from the 1930s. She was the first person in my family to marry outside of the religion. Obviously, I’m doing the same, so I really wanted that specific ring. I was emotionally attached to it, so really, it’s perfect.

A few days prior, he got it cleaned while I was at work. At that point, my family knew, his family knew. EVERYONE knew but me. But that’s the best, isn’t it?

And so – that’s the story. We’re both extremely excited – and really stunned by all of the messages we’ve received. (We love you all!) Now, I’m sorting through wedding magazines and trying to pick a venue so we can set a date. We’re thinking late September 2011. I’m thinking pumpkins.

This is going to be one exciting year.

Engaged!

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I’m moody
And I really like to get my way
My hair is huge in the morning
And I can listen to show tunes for hours
I cry during some commercials
And I can’t even look at snakes
My eating habits are horrible
And I read more books for young adults than adults
Things have to be done a certain way
And my toes are quite crooked

But despite all this and more – he still asked me to marry him.

And of course I said yes.

More details later. 🙂