I need help planning a wedding

Question

hi im a woman needing help obviously i have never been married. my family is not rich so its up to me and my boyfriend to pay for everything. i want a wedding. i live in salina kansas. have no clue where to get married. have no clue what to do for a reception. how much should i save up. when is the best time to get married. please someone out there help me.. i cant afford a wedding planner. i dont know what to do. i know about 100 people might be there

Answer 1

Try getting some help at

http://www.bestweddingcoach.com/index.ht...

Answer 2

The most important thing to remember is that it doesn't make much difference at all where you get married or how much you spend.

Make sure that you are spending as much time preparing for the marriage as you are preparing for the wedding.

Answer 3

Start by going to your church/JP to find available dates

Once you have date, look for reception hall/restaurant

(Try to find one where you can BYOB, however keep in mind you might have to apply for a liquor permit)

Decide/buy Invitations.  Do yourself a favor and include email address on RSVP card....you'll get a lot more responses!

Check out ebay for great dress deals, decorations, etc.

Buy Flower/Bouquet Arranging book or look on Internet

The most beautiful bouquets I have ever seen were 3/4 silk flowers with 3 real orchids inserted slightly above the rest of the bouquet.  All the bouquets were made months in advance, the real flowers inserted the night before wedding.

Buy an IPod and start compiling a song list (cheaper than an DJ and you keep the IPod)!

Decide menu/drinks.  If you find Hall with BYOB, you can begin buying basic liquor on sale (Rum, Vodka, Beer)

Break the day down into pieces and you will not get overwhelmed.  Listen to the TONS of advice you will get, and chose what works best for you.  If family starts with the demands.....stay calm and tell them if they want, they can pay for it, otherwise 'this' is how it will be.

Congratulations!

Answer 4

You may want to check out local bed and breakfast inns:

http://www.circlesranch.com/secOffer/Wed...

http://www.cwranch.com/weddings.cfm

http://www.scenicvalleyinn.com/rates.htm

Go to the Knot.

http://theknot.com/

Check out their wedding checklist and budget calculator.  Follow the checklist.  You may not want or need everything mentioned at the Knot, but it is a good place to start.

Good budget tips here:

http://community.theknot.com/cs/ks/user/...

Answer 5

The most important thing to do is set a budget and stick to it.   you may need to be a little flexible in how you spend it as you may budget $500 for a dress and get it on sale for $300 or vice versa.  The most important action to take (at least to me):  pick your date and confirm your ceremony venue and officiant.

IF you are having a reception at a location (reception hall, hotel ballroom, etc) you'll need to confirm that ASAP.  Be aware of deposit deadlines and cancellation fees (be sure that's the location you want before you sign the contract).

Watch for clearance sales - often at the end of the season you can find great deals on dresses (i.e. JC Penney, Dillard's - all clear out their formal wear regularly and you may be able to find dresses for your attendants).  

The formality of your ceremony may affect costs.  If you have a formal ceremony it may be more appropriate to have pretty flowers on your pews, where a less formal may be satisfied with a pretty tulle bow with some decoration.  

If you have a reception at a family/friend's house you can ask people to make food or have your ceremony at a time where appetizers would be appropriate.  If you had your ceremony at 3 and then a cocktail reception you could have some drinks and appetizers and cake....

It seems to me that the biggest expenses are often the dress, fancy invitations, and the reception.  Open bars, plated meals... you're looking at $100 per person minimum... where a cash bar and finger foods or if your reception is at someone's home and you provide the alcohol and mixers or have no alcohol, money saved.  

So, I'd say sit down with your honey bunny and decide when, where, and what and then start making lists.  There are several wedding planning sites on the net, one is www.theknot.com and it has many resources.

Congratulations and best wishes.  

Answer 6

Congrats! Go to the knot.com for a free checklist and other great ideas to have a fab. wedding on budget. Remember its not about how much money you spend, but rather how you spend your money and incorporate the things that are important to you.

Davids bridal or check to see if there are some consignment formal wear shops in your home town. Also try craigslist, people list gowns and used wedding things on there all the time.