Courthouse Wedding Dress and Marriage Announcement?

Question

Few days ago, I posted a question regarding which David's Bridal gowns would look best for me. Turns out, we're not even going to have any ceremony due to other expenses that we have to deal with right away; so we can't afford any party or guests.

Even though we're just going to get the license and get it signed (no vows), I still would like to feel special. So this is a dress that I'm getting: http://content.nordstrom.com/ImageGallery/store/product/MediumLarge/3/_5351363.jpg

And I'll have this announcement card: http://www.finestationery.com/product.cfm?prod_id=48577&cm_thiscategory=69&cat_id=69&subcat_id=2&cat=2

My questions are:

1. Do you think the dress is too much? Because there'll be no ceremony or guests.

2. I just want to announce our marriage with the card (no other intention), but do you think some people would take it as tacky and a hint to give gifts?

3. Any suggestions on how to make the day a little more special?

Add. information: we already got wedding bands.

Answer 1

1.  I think the dress is appropriate.  It's still a special occasion, and it's nice if you have a white dress that you like to be wearing for it.

2.  The card is fine, but you can also just spread the word by word of mouth if you want to save money on it.  I wouldn't worry too much about people taking it as a sign to get you gifts though.  I didn't even get gifts from people who couldn't come to the wedding when I sent out actual invitations even though it's supposed to be  proper etiquette to do so.

3.  If it was me, I would at least go out to a nice restaurant afterwards to celebrate.  You can also invite a few friends and family that you are close to over for cake as a way to celebrate.  I don't know how you feel about camping, but my fiance and I are going on a mini camping trip after our wedding since we can't afford an actual honeymoon.  You may want to do something like that.

Answer 2

1. the dress is beautiful!! dress up for sure, its a very special day!! and just fyi, a courthouse marriage does include a ceremony and vows, its legally required.

2. you may want to consider a photo announcement card, so people could have a picture of you both since they weren't there in person. we used these guys http://www.photoannouncementsweddinginvi... . it doesn't have to be a photo from your wedding, even just a photo you both love of you two.

3. my suggestion... don't do the courhouse thing. between the ceremony fee and license fee its going to run you about $100. in my opinion (and this is what we did, because we were in a similar situation), you both should find a place you love; a beach at sunset, a mountain, a park, a lakeside, hill, anyplace... and find an officiant to marry you there. ours did it for $100... and we also found a photographer for $100. and it was beautiful, we were married in an oceanfront gazebo on a beautiful day, under God's blue sky... and it was my dream wedding.

best of luck to you!! remember you do have options!! if you have questions email me :)