I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

After much thought and consideration, my FH and I have decided to cancel our wedding reception and do something smaller. It was a very difficult decision, but we are relieved and much happier now! So many of you here have helped me in my planning so far, and I felt that I wanted to share this happy news with you!

My FH and I have always wanted to do something small and informal. The problem is that we thought that since all of our friends had big receptions, we should too. It is very hard to steer away from the norm and do something different, especially when families get involved. Our families weren't in a position to help us out financially, and we were left to pay for our wedding 100% on our own, which is fine. The major issue is that between us, we own over $100,000 in student loans! We were excited with the planning at first, but then we both started to not feel right about it. We knew deep in our hearts that it wasn't the right thing to do...for us. Along with Flowerfield, came a DJ or Band, favors, flowers, transportation, gifts for the bridal party, etc. It just all adds up, as you all know. We just don't want to start our new life together so in debt!

We had our reception planned at Flowerfield. We both fell in love w/FF the moment we stepped into the place! I still think that it is one of the most beautiful places on LI to hold a reception. The staff at Flowerfield has been so understanding and has been absolutely amazing to us. If you are a Lovin Oven bride, you have nothing to worry about...they truly are a class act!

We have decided to still get married in my church. However, with no bridal party, only a best man and matron of honor (we orginally had 8 BM & 6 GM). We will then hold a small, intimate dinner party afterwards for our immediate family and closest friends.

This decision is not for everyone. I applaud everyone for having their own ideas of what type of wedding is right for them. I will still visit the board, as I am still a bride!!!

Happy planning!
Jessica

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

I think its fabulous that you are having the wedding that you and FH truly want. Bravo!!

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

I agree. It sounds like it will be even more beautiful because it means that much more to you two, and because it will be more intimate. Best of luck!

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

That's great - I sometimes wish that's what we chose to do - and it is very hard to go on your own against what's popular!

Congratulations - sounds like you're making the right decision!

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

I agree with the others! IT's your wedding you should do what makes you both happy!!!

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

Best of Luck to you!! Enjoy your day no matter how big or small you make it.

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

Bravo Jessica for following your heart!!

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

Congrats,
I wanted a much smaller wedding (100 people), instead FH wanted a larger wedding (close to 200) .
I would have much rather put the difference in money towards other things.
I applaud your decision to do what your hearts really wanted and not what people expected!
All the best!

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

Good for you!!! It is a tough decision to make but as long as you are happy, then you definately made the right choice. I was going to do the same thing but eventually decided that I would regret not doing it more than I would regret doing it, so that was the deciding factor. We ended up cutting the list, changing dates, getting a dj instead of a band and cut other corners as well so it isn't as expensive as it was originally going to be. Good luck!!

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

Follow YOUR heart

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

Thats exactly what we did. We were planning on having a bigger wedding later on, but with the costs of houses these days we decided to have a smaller wedding and focus more on the house purchase. We were married at a gazebo in a park, and a dinner party for about 50 people at a resturant close by. We dont regret a minute of it. we had a beautiful day we will NEVER forget. Im sure you will have the same. Good luck and congratulations!!!!

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

Congrats!!

Jen

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

I am very happy that your wedding will be the way you want it. You need to be happy with the plans, not anyone else.

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

Bravo! Standing ovation to you for following your heart!! It's so easy to get swept away with planning and forget what it is that you really want out of the most important day of your life.

Please keep posting here! You're still a LI bride, after all.

Have fun planning this truly special day. Any ideas of where you'll be having your wedding dinner party??

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

I'm sorry you had to cancel your reception, but I'm happy that the both of you made a smart decision.

Best wishes!

Re: I CANCELLED MY WEDDING RECEPTION!...Long

Thanks for all of your support!

ss2002...I was thinking of a couple of places for the dinner party. Our favorite restaurant is Pasta Pasta in Port Jefferson, so that is an option. Also, we have heard rave reviews about Collins & Main in Sayville. I guess that we will have to look into them!

Does anyone have any restaurant recommendations in Suffolk County? The main issue is that they will have to have a separate room, or be large enough to hold the party in it's own area.

THANKS!