I originally wanted a destination wedding because that's what I've always wanted to do but now I'm reconsidering it because I want my grandparents to be able to attend. Grandma raised me until I was 9. They are too old to fly. Also, it would be costly to guests. I am looking at venues here in Houston and man, they are expensive. We would run up 20k or more easily for our ceremony & reception. I am not too thrilled at the idea of a 300 guests wedding. I have a big family, 8 aunts, 4 uncles and over 50 cousins on my mom side. Dad's family is in Mexico and I don't speak with them at all. Fiance's families are not quite large as mine but still big. I am not close to all of my aunts, uncles and cousins...in fact, only 5 aunts and their kids. I can't see myself inviting them and excluding others because they will get upset. A 20k is a pricey tag for a wedding. I would rather use it on the house. I would just go to the courthouse and get married in my pajamas but I've always wanted a wedding and a beautiful dress so I'm kinda torn. Any of you had this dilemma? Why did I have to have a big ass mexican family? Lol.
As long as your world does not shatter by having a 'lesser' wedding, then go ahead and pocket a portion of the 20k and have a humble ceremony.
It's just one day. Plus, it can still be special without spending lots of money. Do you have a dress in mind?
Agree with Finalsbound.....if your setting it up yourself; very stressful. Just do it small......We did. It was great.
$20k is a below-avreage cost for a wedding. http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&=&q=wedding+"average+cost"&btnG=Google+Search
Save the money...you'll never get any of it back other than photos and memories. Put the money towards a house. Fly to Vegas and let Elvis get the deed done. Then come back home for an informal post-wedding/honeymoon reception.
I think the reception is going to be the expensive expense, no? Yeah, I absolutely love Pronovias. Check out their dresses. I'll see if I can find any simple dress that is beautiful but less expensive. http://www.pronovias.com/index_entrada.asp?idioma=us I could do it small, I don't have a problem with that but it's the issue with my family. For uninvited relatives, when they find out that I didn't invite them, they will be upset so I'm trying to figure out a way without upsetting anyone. I know it is for both of us and our immediate families but still...
have a destination wedding with just your spouse and closest family friends if they want to attend then have a party/reception when you get back.
That just made my head hurt. We already have a house together. That's what I thought but I want my grandma to see me married.
Have a pot luck/bbq wedding down at Hermann Park. Schedule it during a Miller Outdoor Theater event and now you have live music too. Win.
have a small wedding ceremony at someones house for immediate family and close friends. then have a big reception where you can say the vows in front of everyone...
Well, you're already ahead of the curve by not requiring a band. I've got a wedding dress you can have.
We could have the ceremony in our backyard but it's too small. I asked fiance to ask his cousin if we could use his huge backyard but fiance said he didn't want the guests to mess up his cousin's grass. Well, our backyard could fit approx 20-30 people standing up.
Getting married on a Friday or Sunday can save a lot. Cash bar can save a ton -- of course your friends won't like it -- tell the heavy drinkers to flask it. Buffet dinner saves over a sit-down dinner.
Funny but my guests do have working ears. Did you wear it for Halloween? I'm strongly leaning to have a reception on a Friday. I didn't think about the cash bar and buffet. That would be cheaper!!
