XOXO

I would suggest you write down a list of all the other costs associated with a wedding, and stay in the average range. I was not really shocked by the hall pp price, because they tell you that up front and you add the tax and grat. to it. The things that blew me out of the water were the costs of things like the dress, photography, DJ, flowers, gifts, invitations, etc. Maybe if you have a list of all of those things (which in my case the total ended up being more than the cost of the reception) you can better argue your case of choosing a more affordable hall. And remember bigger bridal party = more limos + more flowers + more gifts + more people at the rehearsal dinner (which we are also paying for). I did not choose to have bridesmaids for other reasons, but was happy I didn't once I saw how much more money I would have had to spend if I had them.

Good luck, my FI is the one that wanted the bigger wedding too, but luckily we seem to be on the same page often when we talk money.

I'm sorry you're going through this. You can have a beautiful wedding, on a budget, without settling. But your FH has to be reasonable about this.

As for your FILs, If they have such high standards, why don't they pay for it?

Good luck and

George Washington Manor is beautiful. Thier menu starts at 68$ a person. That is not too bad. As for vendors you may want to try one of those places that does all of them in one package. I think there is one called wedding world that my mom friend is a part owner in. They do invites, video, photo, flowers and limo all togehter.
I live in Seaford and used to a member of the K of C girls group i High school. It is okay. I don't remember the food. The banquet room in nice.. the bar downstairs I remember not being too nice.... But that was almost 10 years ago. I see a lot of people doing parties there. It would be worth going to see it.

You can do this for 15 thousand. I promise. Just decide what is most important to you.. do your own flowers, ( I am only using one limo), don't pay for parent albums and stuff (I'm not). There are ways to do it. I got a book that told you ways to save money and it helped.. Can't remember the name now and it is at home

It can be done....look into the package places that the girls mentioned before.

Shop around...you have time to look for vendors & such.

Also, as far as extras are concerned...do not be afraid to negotiate. I walked into a few vendors & said 'this is what I can spend & this is what I want, can I get it.'
If they said no, I would get up to leave before they'd try to sell me something else. Most times it worked & I got what I wanted.


ALSO...try for a different night/time of year, or even on the EXACT day of a holiday, as you may already know, these days are less costly.

ETA: also, if you have not purchased your dress yet, then you may want to check out Commack Wedding center. They can give you packages for video, photo, dresses, flowers, etc. A friend of mine used them for all her stuff & was very satisfied. They also had my dress & her dress for almost 1/2 of what my bridal shop charged.