2004 bride with nothing booked....need to vent :(

Willow1 Posted: Sep 01, 2003 08:16 PM

2004 bride with nothing booked....need to vent :(

I read a posting of someone asking what everyone has accomplished and I think only one person seemed to be in the same predicament as I am.

We have picked the place but haven't signed a contract with the outside caterer yet - they have a busy summer season so I guess they'll get it together soon.

And I'm trying to pay for most of the wedding myself although my dad says he has 30K for me but I really don't want to spend all that money on a wedding....but I can't afford the whole wedding myself either.

And my boyfriend and I don't agree on the type of band to have yet he hasn't really helped at all with the planning because he's still in school and I think is like I am in a sense that I can't believe I need to start planning!...I read a posting of someone who was thrilled that their photographer and videographer was only $3,750 - that's a lot of money to me !!!

I guess I'm just wondering if there anyone else out there that is feeling overwhelmed with all the planning and expense of having a wedding??

Thanks!

palebride Posted: Sep 01, 2003 08:25 PM

Re: 2004 bride with nothing booked....need to vent :(

it's definitely overwhelming at the start...but once you get a few things done it falls into perspective. forcus one one thing at a time and then when you finish then - move onto another! make lists if that helps!!
good luck!!

butterfly91804 Posted: Sep 01, 2003 08:37 PM

Re: 2004 bride with nothing booked....need to vent :(

I believe everyone gets overhwelmed - especially the day you put pen to paper and start totalling! However, take a deep breath and begin to prioritize. There may be some areas where you will want to splurge and others where you can employ cheaper 'do it yourself ' options. This is always a sore subject between Fi and I - you are not alone!!

Willow1 Posted: Sep 01, 2003 09:12 PM

Re: 2004 bride with nothing booked....need to vent :(

Thank you - I feel better already....one task at a time sounds like a better way of looking at things.

HearzBellz Posted: Sep 01, 2003 09:41 PM

Re: 2004 bride with nothing booked....need to vent :(

when in 2004 are you planning? There are definately certain times of the year when planning is easier because it is not the 'busy' season for weddings. If you are looking for a 'better deal' for a great weddign, look after October, that's when the prices generally begin to come own. Also, if you can avoid a Saturday wedding you may also save a bit of $$.

It will always seem a bit overwhelming, unless you are used to spending $20,000 on one day! But it will be worth it in the end.

Also try to find trunk shows & sample sales for your wedding & BM dreses - you can save a bundle there as well.

And of course, use this site to help you- we love to give advice & help each other out!

Best of luck.

Willow1 Posted: Sep 01, 2003 09:52 PM

Re: 2004 bride with nothing booked....need to vent :(

Thank you....I think if I ask you guys I'll get all the help and support I really need

Thank you again

hsdfl Posted: Sep 02, 2003 12:23 AM

Re: 2004 bride with nothing booked....need to vent :(

I hear ya! I am planning for Aug 2004. We are doing a beach wedding. Only have to get a permit. Then we are going to use a pavilion that is by the beach closer to a campground. No one 'ever' uses it. (my luck they will that day). But you can rope it off and put a note saying reserved for a funtion. They dont rent it out. It is just there for the public. Park people told us that. You need a pemit for the tent also to make the pavilion bigger.
So for us there is no booking. I am so nervous about this!!!! We need everything else that follows too. Only problem is that we are on a serious budget and most of our money wont be coming in until we get our taxes back. This makes me nervous too because if you have to do deposits I feel it is going to really add up and we aren't going to have the money. So I know what your feeling. Good luck and keep us posted on how you are doing. There are a lot of great people on this site that give a lot of good information. I learned a lot of money saving ideas and what is not worth having at a wedding.

aliciahelene Posted: Sep 02, 2003 11:49 AM

Re: 2004 bride with nothing booked....need to vent :(

YES>.we are definately overwhelmed with the expense of a wedding, having to buy another E ring didnt help either..we are STRESSED!!! I have tuition, student loans, a wedding, its SCARY!!! have you checked out patken for Photography? We shopped around..and found tehm to be GREAT! Our package is 2400..but we are getting ALOT!!You definately dont have to have as much..you can downgrade..tehy ahve great prices and do GREAT work. believe me..we are on a TIGHT budget..very tight..and if theer is a way to cut costs..we have done it!!! Just ask f ya need any thing!!

wenndypoo Posted: Sep 02, 2003 12:54 PM

Re: 2004 bride with nothing booked....need to vent :(

Palebride and butterfly gave some very good advice. Focus on one thing at a time. Splurge on whats important, save money where you can. Just because 'everyone else' is spending a bundle on your wedding, doesn't mean you have to! Do whats comfortable for you. I think it's great that your dad is willing to help you out.
In the beginning, I thought I was going to lose my mind! I was soo overwhelmed with the planning and the money, and although it sounds like a cliche, everything does come together.

Good luck and hang in there It will all be worth it on that day.

Willow1 Posted: Sep 02, 2003 09:15 PM

Re: 2004 bride with nothing booked....need to vent :(

Thank you again - I would love any money saving tips you guys come across

Alicia - thanks for the tip I'll look into them.

Thank you so much - I don't know how well this whole process would be going without you guys !