This party planning business, that is. I started to research the cost that we're going to be looking at, and although I was initially thrilled at hall rental prices (around $20-$80 a day, depending on which one), I then started to research the price of catered finger-food. Basically, I think we're looking at roughly $500-$1000 for food, and I'm not even sure if that includes waitstaff.
I don't have any problems asking the guests to bring their own alcohol, but I do think we should supply the food. Simply because some of these people will be travelling hours to get here, and also it's not feasible to ask them to bring a plate because of that reason as well - and we have already ruled out having this thing at a restaurant (too many people to organise having it at a 'nice' restaurant, and restaurants seem to jack up the price at the mere SMELL of the word 'wedding' etc).
I imagine that there are a million other things that will incur 'hidden costs' that I haven't even begun to think of. I am not particularly skilled in visualising a 'theme' or the 'decor' for an event, those types of things - I just don't see the point, so when someone asks me something along those lines, my mind goes blank. Do people really notice ribbons, chair coverings, sashes, balloons, candles, flowers, table cloths? I don't - but that doesn't mean other people don't. (Though, I wish they wouldn't...)
I *realise* that wedding gifts will probably cover the cost of this thing, but that's not really important. I just hate organising stuff like this, and I don't see the point in a lot of it.
And I feel like I should be organising something fancy because people will get disappointed when they arrive, expecting something that it is most definately NOT. And then I get angry! Because I think, why should I be stressing out over someone elses expectations? Why are people placing these expectations on us in the first place? What's so wrong with the world where something intimate is turned into a public show to be judged and compared?
I understand it's a big dream for a lot of girls, but I can take it or leave it.
A friend suggested a wedding planner - yeah, I think not. I can just imagine them trying to cram a whole heap of junk down my throat and charging me an exhorbitant amount for the service. Or taking one look at my 'plan' and running for the door.
Anyway. Long story short, this is me venting. :/
hmmph, over it already.
November 24th, 2010 at 02:53 am
November 24th, 2010 at 03:55 am 1290570952
I donīt see how your friends could be disappointed, if they are traveling to see a wedding and you two DO get married!... Yes, people notice, unfortunately. But, fortunately the people that love you know all that is just fluff.. plus, even if you do it, it doesn{t have to be too expensive! OH, and if you want them to know this isnīt one of those over the top affairs, choose an invitation that is very simple... I have received invitations that consisted of no less than 6 different pieces...embossed, engraved in gold, the envelope closed with a gossamer ribbon... you take one look at those and you know the wedding is just going to be crazy!
November 24th, 2010 at 06:10 am 1290579037
November 24th, 2010 at 03:07 pm 1290611234
November 24th, 2010 at 03:14 pm 1290611650
For our reception, the venue was free (it was BEAUTIFUL). My mom went crazy with flowers, which I could care less about. The food was expensive, yes, but came with the wait staff. Really, the only big money we spend was food. The place was very elegant, but we didn't have to pay for it.
I suppose my advice would be to keep it simple. From my experience, it is easy to keep it simple and frugal. I didn't want to organize a big affair, so I didn't. I found a nice location, hired them to do the food, my mom bought some flowers, and that was all there was to it. (Getting the cost down on the food will take more work, is all). As far as decor? Find a place with nice decor. I suppose we may have gotten to choose table clothe colors, but I really don't remember it being a big ordeal. (I mean, believe me, we looked at placed that nickel and dimed for chair covers and stuff like that. I just refused to pay for all that stuff). Meanwhile, I could care less if we had a table clothe color choice, where we ended up.
November 24th, 2010 at 06:51 pm 1290624667
Also, try to take advantage of your knowledge. For example, since you are a baker, you probably can get a line on a cake apart from the caterer...perhaps even make it yourself.
November 24th, 2010 at 08:14 pm 1290629644
http://kathleenamelia.com/blog/
I especially love Liz and Jason's colors and theme. Maddy and John had a very elegant cake.
Good luck and enjoy your day. For YD's wedding, we had the same venue as Cassie and what's his name, Arrington Apples. She did everything for YD's wedding and it was very nice.
November 25th, 2010 at 04:14 am 1290658445
SCFR: my previous post explains our change of mind on the whole issue. me, I'm not thrilled, but I'm also not the only one in the relationship - so we have decided to compromise: still doing the 'just us' thing on 15th Feb, and then a few months later having a 'party' in a rented hall for friends and family. and if certain individuals start problems, I plan to ignore them.