We want to get married! but how?

Question

My boyfriend and I have discussed getting married ALOT! and have both decided this it's something we both want but can't afford right now.

We both don't want to cheap out, we both have a vision of having a big traditional wedding.

M question is, how much money is it initially...regarding deposits on venues and everything else.

I'm hoping to tell him the idea of just being able to pay for all the deposits and then being able to pay the vendors off after the wedding and all the money gifts are received.

Answer 1

It really depends on where you live and the kind of vendors you choose. My wedding budget is $100,000. $66,000 is going to the hotel and food alone. But one of my friends got married last year and her whole wedding cost $12,000. So like I said before it depends on your situation. Go to TheKnot.com and go into local and search your area, also try HereComesTheGuide.com and search all sorts of vendors. Good Luck and remember, you won't be "cheaping out" if you don't have a fancy wedding. Marriage is about your love for one another and spending the rest of your lives together and taking your vows before God and your loved ones. It's not about a big party, and I know I'm not really one to talk with such a large wedding budget but if I didn't have the money I would still be just as excited and grateful to be marrying my fiance. No matter what the cost.  

Answer 2

Between $3,000 and $10,000

Depends on so many things like where you live, how many people you are having, if you are being buffet style, sit down dinner ect ect.

Answer 3

jeez, i think it's dumb how much money people spend on weddings. you don't need all that stuff to make it the most special day of your life. my suggestion is get married in a church and take your family out for dinner! well, thats just me. the money you save from not having a huge wedding can help you start a life together

Answer 4

I've heard of weddings that cost $2,000 and weddings that cost $50,000. It depends on a lot of things. I'd suggest calling some vendors in your area.

Answer 5

here is my advice: get a pastor, a nice dress, your family together and get married at the beach, court house or something and then go out to dinner. Save your money and plan a larger wedding on your 5th, 10th or something anniversary.  

Answer 6

Outside in a pretty garden or large yard area owned by a family member or friend - borrow folding chairs from a church?

Davids bridal dress (as cheap as $99!)

Single flower bouquets wrapped with ribbon (buy in bulk and make them yourselves in a "flower party" the night before your wedding with all your girlfriends) (easily under $200)

cake from a grocery store (under $500)

no favors

food in bulk from costco and have a friend arrange it or find a cheapo caterer to do finger foods (under $1000 for a caterer)

hire a couple friends to take pics (have you seen the pics on myspace?  people are doing just fine)

no tables or few tables with borrowed white table cloths from the special family members (grammas?)

plates and silverware from dollar tree...

You're set for under $3000.

Answer 7

http://www.costofwedding.com/

This website lets you look up what the people spent on average on their wedding by zip code.   Remember, it's the average, people spent more, and people spent less.

I work as a bridal consultant, and see couples with this dilemma all the time.  My advise to you, as someone who works in the industry, is to talk with both sets of parents here.  See what each set of parents can contribute to the wedding expenses.  Then, look at how you can arrange your finances so that you can save some extra money for your wedding.  Maybe consider even getting a second job in the evenings or on the weekends, and putting all that money towards the wedding expenses.  

I can tell you this though--your plan of paying vendors AFTER the wedding won't work.  If your wedding gown isn't paid in full, you don't get it.  If your reception venue isn't paid in full, they don't let you in.  If your floral order isn't paid in full, they don't show up with your flowers.  Same for caterers, bakers, djs, etc.  These people are professionals, and expect to be paid in full before they show up at your wedding.  

Another thing, please for your own financial well being, don't try to put these expenses on a credit card.  If you can't pay for it, please don't go into debt for a wedding.  You can get married and not have a big massive celebration.  Remember, the important thing is that you're married, and also remember that financial issues are the #1 reason couples divorce.  

I wish you both all the best.

Answer 8

For my wedding I'm looking at around $6,000 for 50 guests.

That is on the low end of the wedding price scale, but my wedding is certainly not cheap. Its very traditional.

First make a list of what is the MOST important. dress? centerpieces? a specific flower?

For me, it was having peach gerbera daisies, which I got for a very low price.

The deposit for our venue was $500 (and that is typical of most in our area), so the total with food and everyting was around $1500. Its at a restaurant with an outdoor lawn and patio. However, when shopping for places most of them start at $1,000 so you end up paying $1500 BEFORE food.

We had a $50 cake deposit, but the woman waived it because we gave her a credit card number for her charge the total at the end. We also got a $500 credit for the reception venue just by having the minimum number of 50 people.

The florists didn't have a deposit, but I would figure on $50 just to be on the safe side

So for total deposits, estimate high around $800-$1000 and then see if they won't waive the fees if you promise to do something else (such as pay at once, or pay a higher cancellation fee IF you cancel, etc)

Answer 9

It all depends what you want and what's important... All I can really say is don't cheap out on your photos... When its all done those are what you have left!

and I disagree with the dinner that someone else said... but then again that's me I did the whole thing 14 years ago and I would do it all again today... No regrets!