We are paying everything ourselves. I opened an account yesterday where I can't touch the money until I take a hold off of it until next year. I tend to spend the money I have, so this made things much easier. I'm less tempted to use the money if I can't touch it. I set up my direct deposit today. From now on, half of my pay check will go to this account. I only work part time and don't get a guaranteed amount of hours, but I'm estimating at least between 100-120 going into this account each week. I have 25 dollars from each of hubby's checks going into this account as well. This means that this time next year, we will have at least between 6500 and 7800. We're still going to continue saving through until our July wedding date. I am really surprised we are able to save that much! I'm not expecting to pay that much, so we might use any money we have left over to buy some furniture or continue saving for a down payment on a house.
Here are some things we are doing to cut costs:
Bought my dress at an outlet mall (paid 630 for a 900 dress- I was only looking to spend 200, but I found THE dress) It's my only "splurge."
Ceremony will be at my Parish (cheaper for members, and I love the Church)
Reception: we MIGHT do an outdoor ceremony at our local metro park and have a cheaper caterer
OR go with a hall. I have an Excel spreadsheet with about 40 reception venues, how much they charge per person for food, drinks, and gratuity + tax. I added up a total for 150 people, and we will choose from the cheapest places.
There is a package with one of the cheaper venues that includes invitations, cake, dj, and linens.
If we don't go with this place, I am DIYing invitations, centerpieces, and probably using fake flowers
We have 2 cousins on each side that are amateur photographers, and we will have them do our wedding.
We will probably find a DJ from our friends or family.
At the end of the day, I know, I know, it just matters that we are together.
Here are some things we are doing to cut costs:
Bought my dress at an outlet mall (paid 630 for a 900 dress- I was only looking to spend 200, but I found THE dress) It's my only "splurge."
Ceremony will be at my Parish (cheaper for members, and I love the Church)
Reception: we MIGHT do an outdoor ceremony at our local metro park and have a cheaper caterer
OR go with a hall. I have an Excel spreadsheet with about 40 reception venues, how much they charge per person for food, drinks, and gratuity + tax. I added up a total for 150 people, and we will choose from the cheapest places.
There is a package with one of the cheaper venues that includes invitations, cake, dj, and linens.
If we don't go with this place, I am DIYing invitations, centerpieces, and probably using fake flowers
We have 2 cousins on each side that are amateur photographers, and we will have them do our wedding.
We will probably find a DJ from our friends or family.
At the end of the day, I know, I know, it just matters that we are together.