I hate to do this but i need some advice...

mariela2006 Posted: Sep 23, 2005 08:46 PM

I hate to do this but i need some advice...

To make a long story short money that was promised to us for our big day is no longer available because of financial difficulties and family issues from my side. I guess in the back of my mind i was a little afraid and therefore did not book a hall yet especially because 70% of the guests were for my mom. Good thing. Now the planning and creativeness has to come out of me. FI an me want to get married next year regardless and now are looking at new options. Any thoughts or ideas? Please girls put your thinking caps on. Thank you in advance.

NPTbride Posted: Sep 23, 2005 08:54 PM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

If you can be extremely flexible with your day of the week and time you should be able to find a good deal. Especially if you book a date that is less than six months away.

The most important thing we did after getting engaged was determining our budget. After you are comfortable with that number then you will have a good idea of how much you can spend.

Best of luck!

L&M2006 Posted: Sep 23, 2005 08:57 PM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

Have you thought about maybe having your wedding off of Long Island? I know there are nice places upstate (maybe Saratoga) or in CT (Mystic) or Maine that are sooo beautiful. You could probably rent out a really nice mansion or castle or estate for a lot less than it would be here. And all the vendors would probably be cheaper there. You could do some of the decorating yourself, like maybe pick up some white Christmas lights on sale for cheap after the holidays. As long as it's not too far to drive to, people shouldn't have too much trouble getting there. And the 'obligation invites' probably wouldn't go so you wouldn't have to pay for them. One of my friends is thinking about doing this (at some point, don't know when) b/c she can't afford a LI wedding. So I have already been trying to come up w/ some ideas for her.

ChrissynRicky Posted: Sep 23, 2005 09:05 PM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

Mariela, there are plenty of ways to cut back. Like the other posts above said, you can do a weeknight wedding, even a Sunday wedding. You can do a hall (like Fox Hollow) that's very affordable on a Sunday Night at an off-peak time of year (December - March) - you can skip out on a whole bunch of things - limos, favors, bridal party, guestlist)

Let me know if you want help. We're working with a 20K budget and sticking to it so far!

EmberLynn Posted: Sep 23, 2005 09:19 PM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

Have you considered having a brunch or luncheon wedding? Its a lot cheaper than a dinner. Also instead of renting a catering hall, why not have the reception at the church your getting married in? Church halls are a lot cheaper and might be tax deductable. Also you could have your own cater instead of using the house cater. Plus you don't have to pay as much for limos. You can cut back on flowers by having the ceremony flowers moved to your reception. And supermarkets offer great deals on flowers. King Kullan is making my cake for a 100 people for only $200. Also what joe and I are doing is instead of a bar, we are only serving wine and beer. Its cheaper and it will lower the chances of people becoming fall down drunks. Also Friday and Sunday weddings lower prices greatly, and if your open to it, a december wedding is a lot cheaper than april. Just things to consider.

mariela2006 Posted: Sep 23, 2005 09:54 PM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

thanks guys we are going to sit down and really look at this and determine our situation and our budget. This should have been done earlier but i guess i thought it was going to workout by itself and reality hit me finally after we went to the Fox Hollow.

Thanks again and i will keep you posted.

070306 Posted: Sep 23, 2005 09:58 PM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

I know someone who is paying for there own wedding and wanted next fall. They are doing there ceremony at the place and then a 3.5 coctail hour total 4 hour affair. There are ways to cut prices. Good luck

esb980 Posted: Sep 23, 2005 11:00 PM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

I read somewhere once that when you call the halls, don't say wedding, say 'event' and it will be a lot cheaper! I don't know if it will work, but it's worth a shot!

mariela2006 Posted: Sep 24, 2005 01:54 PM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

Thanks girls i really appreciate your input we are looking at different options maybe a destination wedding with just a few friends and immediate family.

Blu-ize Posted: Sep 24, 2005 06:22 PM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

Good luck hon..

hmpena Posted: Sep 26, 2005 09:18 AM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

Mariela-

You can definitely have a beautiful wedding without paying through the nos! Maybe you could have a daytime wedding. FH is beautiful (if that is where you want it!) during the day! Also, you may have to cut the guest list. Families have to understand that if you are paying lots of $$ for guests, then some of those who are not as close have to be cut.

idovig Posted: Sep 26, 2005 09:35 AM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

Posted by esb980

I read somewhere once that when you call the halls, don't say wedding, say 'event' and it will be a lot cheaper! I don't know if it will work, but it's worth a shot!

I heard that too and stick with the event word. At the end say it's a wedding and tell them you want them to stick with the quote they gave you first. :)

suzybilly819 Posted: Sep 26, 2005 10:24 AM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

Have you considered an destination wedding? I went to a wedding on a 4day cruise. they got married at the Port with a reception that followed. some guests did not stay on for the cruise. it was a lot of fun.

seta Posted: Sep 26, 2005 11:17 AM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

i agree with christine...the Fox Hollow offers a great deal on Fri/Sun eve and weekend afternoons...so does other CH's on long island...there are always ways to cut down prices....

lulugrrl Posted: Sep 26, 2005 12:02 PM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

I have cut a lot of corners, still spending a LOT of money, but about half of what having the wedding in the peak season months would cost. Also, try to find an all inclusive type place where they have flowers etc... included, beleive me you can still have a classy affair withought going overboard cash wise. Flexibility on your part will be key! GOOD LUCK!

metmymatch Posted: Sep 26, 2005 01:52 PM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

what about an all-inclusive place? brentwood country club is the one that's coming to my mind. i know there are others on the island. usually they are like $10K for 100 people, flowers, limo, photography, videography, dj, invitations and usually a low per person charge for additional people.

also, try to get your dress online from a reputable online vendor: rk bridal, house of brides, netgown. dresses through them are deeply discounted, some of them have 'we'll beat our competitor's pricing by X%', and then you can find a seamstress so you arent paying out the nose for bridal salon alterations.

JessicaM. Posted: Sep 26, 2005 02:16 PM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

how's this going for you mariela? I am working on a VERY strict budget with NO input from our families (tehy just can't do it) please fm me. I'd be happy to swap ideas with you. it CAN be done and be done beautifully. you just need an open mind!

mariela2006 Posted: Sep 26, 2005 06:38 PM

Re: I hate to do this but i need some advice...

thank you guys we are in the middle of changing a lot of things and i am sure it will work out the important thing is that we truly love each other and everything comes after. thanks for all your input i will consider all options and will contact those who offered to help me. you guys are great.

Sorry for being so dramatic but i am sure you can understand were i am coming from.

Thanks again girls.