CHANGE OF PLANS!!!! ***UPDATED****

Hi everyone!

I've posted a few times (either BHB or 09 Brides) and am really sad to report that FH and I due to financial difficulties (I loss my job and FH is not likely to get a bonus next year - he works in the financial area) are going to have to change our wedding plans from beautiful RH at $80-90pp on a Saturday afternoon for 160 people to ?????

- WE DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO!!!! We have been planning on one thing and now have to totally change the plans

So - here's my questions ladies if you could stand in my shoes how would you go about changing your wedding plans to be less expensive but still beautiful? I would appreciate names of locations if you have them.

TIA
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Again, I want to thank everyone for your wonderful suggestions. FH and I have decided to move the wedding to 2010 (although our BM at the RH we were going with was really nice and dropped the price by $5 and the guarantee by 25 people). However, we are NOW considering just getting married in 2009 at our church and then saving the BIG RECEPTION for 2010. We can't wait to be married!!!!! But we also want to celebrate with everyone who has been so supportive to us since we have been together (we've been together for about 7 years)!

So, although I'll probably be married in 2009, I'll still be planning a wedding in 2010 - what do you ladies think about that? Or should we just wait and do everything in 2010? Please note, that FH and I are religious and have religious family so there is no moving in before marriage.

THANKS AGAIN LADIES!!!!!

I totally feel you. Right now i feel like my job is not secure as i work in the financial industry and they are beginning to lay people off here.

That being said, i would try to have a really small wedding of about 50-60 people with just immediate family (aunts uncles cousins etc)

eta: hope everything works out for you guys and i wish you both the best!

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Posted by FuTuRe MrS MaZz

honestly, i would do a destination wedding... it wouldnt cost you a fortune and you know the most important people in your life will be there regardless

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I am sorry for your trouble. I agree a destination would be your cheapest way to do things.

I worry about this happening to me. They say they aren't going to lay people off here, but they actually did let someone go about 2 months ago... but swear up & down no one is in jeopardy of losing their job.

Maybe smaller wedding of 50-60 like someone else suggested. Check Verdi's of Whitestone & Wesbury. They had Saturday nights for $72/pp & Sun at $62/pp at the Westbury location when I went there to look.

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Posted by RitasEngaged

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Posted by FuTuRe MrS MaZz

honestly, i would do a destination wedding... it wouldnt cost you a fortune and you know the most important people in your life will be there regardless

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I am sorry for your trouble. I agree a destination would be your cheapest way to do things.

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I agree a destination wedding would be just as beautiful and a lot cheaper.

If not you can:
a- lower i mean have it in the hall in a much smaller room with less people
b- look for venues with the price person not as expensive.
c- when u look for places try having a saturday afternoon or sunday wedding as well as friday night as they are less expensive.

So sorry you are going through this.

If I were in your shoes, I would have a destination wedding with just your immediate families. You can do this for a fraction of the cost and have beautiful scenery!!!

Good Luck with whatever you decide to do!

How about the Memorae club in Seaford.....a fancy knights of columbus. I think you would really be impressed.

Good luck to you.

i was going thru a LOT of that when me and my FH first got engaged also. I always thought that I'd have my parents' help, but with my family's sudden financial issues, me & FH are literally doing this entire thing on our own, and it's hard.

Some of my plans were to first off make it small. 100 or less guests - which was mainly set to be family (at least the ones I'm close to) and important friends. For the hall, it can be cheaper to do it at a firehouse (which isn't as bad as it sounds) or one of those empty halls that you need to decorate yourself. My sister did this and saved a lot of money by renting it out for two days. We went there late the night before and decorated. The place was beautiful. Then all you need is to get some food (could be a buffet), DJ, etc.

One of the places i looked at was PAIC (The Polish American Independent Club) in Port Jeff Station. It's actually very pretty inside. They do a lot of weddings and Sweet Sixteens. They don't charge per person, obviously. I believe it's only $640 for a night (that doesn't include drinks or bartender). It's worth looking at if you're in a bind!

The hall I'm booked with is also really good, but it's definitely more expensive than PAIC or anything else like that. FM me if you want any details though.

I hope things work out

What about setting a date that's not in the peak season? During the winter months, prices go down, but it can still be beautiful with a winter wonderland theme.

Another option may be to try to move your date up. When we were looking at halls, those that still had dates available in the near term were offering significant discounts.

Good luck!

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Posted by meg922

What about setting a date that's not in the peak season? During the winter months, prices go down, but it can still be beautiful with a winter wonderland theme.

Another option may be to try to move your date up. When we were looking at halls, those that still had dates available in the near term were offering significant discounts.

Good luck!

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I forgot about that, but that's really good advice! So true!! Winter Weddings are definitely when the prices go down. And when i began booking the halls, I was only 5 or 6 months away from the date I wanted. Halls were definitely more willing to drop prices because they wanted to fill that time frame. It's better for them to have a 'cheaper' wedding than none at all that night.

And Winter Wonderland is a great theme. I'm having a Christmas wedding. I always thought things would be MORE expensive during that time, but it's my favorite season and i wanted it so bad. I didn't realize the prices actually went DOWN, so i was pleasantly surprised.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH!!!!! I really appreciate everyone's input. At first I wasn't going to post on here anymore because I just have been feeling a little depressed - but I'm so happy that I did post.

FH and I are going to sit down this weekend and come up with a new game plan. And now because of all of you I have some ideas to present him with.

THANK YOU ALL AGAIN

Definitely consider cutting the list, and having the wedding on a Thursday night or Sunday any time.
When I looked at halls, of course they were for '08, not '09, but I found a couple of places that were below $80 pp. for a Sunday
Coral House
Swan Club
Riviera

All beautiful, and all around 70--75 pp, I think CH was even less.

Don't go crazy with extras -- simple centerpieces, invites from costco.com, use a DJ, not a band and you should be able to save a lot of $.

Vegas...the competition for the wedding biz keeps the prices down. You can get decent photos for 500.
Have the ceremony at the Flamingo.
If you want more info FM me!

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Posted by FuTuRe MrS MaZz

honestly, i would do a destination wedding... it wouldnt cost you a fortune and you know the most important people in your life will be there regardless

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Totally agree!

So sorry about everything that is going on.

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Posted by Kricket212

How about the Memorae club in Seaford.....a fancy knights of columbus. I think you would really be impressed.

Good luck to you.

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I agree about the Memorare Club, it was really nice! I think their price is the same no matter what time of year you book, also. We almost booked with them, but we ended up booking with the Brentwood Country Club (we loved it there and the price was great!). You may want to look into them, too because they have a package that includes everything. There are other all-inclusive venues besides that one and that might be the way to go if you are looking to do a RH. Also, I don't know if you would consider changing the date, but I got married in January and the prices for everything were much lower. I believe the lowest prices were in Dec through Feb. Also, check out your local florist for prices instead of the big name florists. That may be a way to save...just a few ideas for you. Hope it helps, good luck!