Need help...

My fiance and I need to cut costs on a bunch of things. Telling a couple of bridesmaids and groomsmen that they can't be in the wedding party are one of them. We're not as close to them as the others in the party, but I still don't know how to tell them we're having money problems and can't afford to have as many bridemaids and groomsmen as we would like. Well, I guess I can say just that, but I still feel horrible. Are we horrible people for wanting/needing to do this??? Do you think they'd understand and not feel bad? HELP!!!

Need help...

I assume these are people you have already asked to be in your wedding? That may be hard to now uninvite them. Just wondering - what financial impact will it have for them to be in your party? Were you planning to pay for their dresses, etc? For me, the only cost factors for the bridal party is bouquets, sharing the limo, the addition to guest number at the hall, etc. Everything else is usually picked up by the members of the bridal party.

Some ideas

I think it may be very hard to tell people that you are not as close to that you want to take them out of the bridal party. My suggestion is to cut back some place else, such as favors. Do a very small, inexpensive but nice favor such as bookmarks. People always use them and they are not expensive. Also, consider doing the programs yourself. Cut a day off of your honeymoon. That can add up sometimes. I am really sorry to hear that you are having these troubles. I get very stressed sometimes when I think of the economy. If my FI or I lose our job we would have a very tough time paying for the wedding.

Need help...

Melissa; Take a look at Denise and Alan Field's book - Bridal Bargains. It has some terrific ideas for cutting costs as well as pitfalls to avoid in a lot of areas. As for cutting out members of the bridal party... Unless you could tell them that you are scaling back to only family members, or only a best man and maid of honor, it's kind of hard to ask some to step out, as it seems like they are the 'least important' to you and they may be hurt. Maybe you could go with carnations for the bouttonaires (less expensive than roses) and something very simple for the bouquets - just a single blossom, or 3 simple blossoms tied with a ribbon. My cousin got married last fall in Vermont, and all their centerpieces were flowers collected from all the neighbors, displayed in mason jars decorated with tulle and pearl cord - simple, inexpensive and very pretty, so their are creative ways to cut the costs.

As them to assist in other ways (readers, etc.) *NM*

Mary...

What else could I ask them to do? There isn't anything for them to read at the ceremony. Do you have any other suggestions??? Not having them in the party would save money. The flowers, a smaller limo, etc. I think they'd understand, but I would like to have something else for them to do. Thanks!

Need help...

This is a tough one Melissa. I have to say I agree with the others. I would find some other way to cut down on costs. How many people are you talking about? If that was my final cost cutting area. I would try to put myself in the shoes of each person being asked to step down. You know your friends/family best. Do you think they would want to do something else or just participate as a guest.

Also don't use limos

I am sure your friends will understand that are trying to save money. Only get a car for you and your husband. Get very small hand-tied flowers, use in season flowers. Do small centerpieces. People don't care if you have small candles or huge expensive centerpieces. And don't gift big BM gifts. Just buy a small pair of inexpensive earings for each. Friends love you and don't care about$$.

Melissa

You could ask them to hand out programs, bubbles, etc.; if you are having a non-religious ceremony, you could ask them to read a poem. You could ask them to make a toast at the wedding. That's all I can think of right now, but if I think of anymore ideas, I will post them.

Melissa

My cousin was in medical school when she got married and only had a car for her and her husband...We derove ourselves...no big deal...I actually am not having any limos, b/c my reception is at the same place as my ceremony. She also had simple daisy bouquets. Simple chocolates for favors. gave us a picture frame as a gift (to put the picture of us in there)