we got engaged in february, but neither of us were working and it was a very unplanned impromptu popping of the question. (i mean, he didn't even have a ring!) so we decided to sort of keep it quiet for awhile until we got back on our feet. But of course, i hadn't told anyone but my bff and a few others so no planning was being done. Well we finally decided to start trying to plan, or at the very least price things out so we could determine a workable budget for what we had in
I finally started by going to a bridal show, calling venues, getting prices, and dragging the poor fh all over nj checking out places within our budget. But now i realize how much is actually involved, and i'm getting stuck on so many questions with what is and is not appropriate. Most are in ways i'm trying to cut costs. Can anyone give me some feed back on some ideas?
1.) I want to ask my cousin if he would be the photographer. but i know he's on the guest list regardless. Is it ok to ask a family member, knowing that now they dont get to be a guest and enjoy the wedding? Or how much do you offer to pay them? I was kind of hoping he would do it as a gift.
2.) I have a 3yo from a previous relationship, which is giving me alllllllll sorts of "whats appropriate?" questions. His father and i still get along. (not like, go hang out get along, just, we see each other often enough and we're friendly with each other) I'm also still relatively close with his family. So as of now I'm thinking of him and his gf, his sister and bf, mother and bf, and father and wife, on the guest list. But at the same time I'm trying to cut that list down a bit. But i'm not sure where to draw the line if i cut some of them out, nor am i sure how it looks for them to be at my wedding. And i was also considering asking the new gf to do my makeup because thats what she does for a living.
3.) While talking to a planner at a venue, she suggested considering renting flowers for centerpieces. Some nurseries will evidentally rent potted plants for the day. And some florists located near large hotels will rent cut flowers and then resell them to the hotel the day later (obviously assuming you choose ones that will not wilt in 1 day). My fear is that sometimes people take centerpieces after the fact, and i don't want to have that confrontation, especially since the fh says his gm is one of those people. Is it tacky to rent flowers? And has anyone actuallly explored that option? I'm trying to get a feel for price differences.
4.) we're still open to the idea of a backyard wedding (like i said, still pricing things out) i'm trying to keep it at least semi formal though if we do go that route. Does that eliminate the option of the looks like real china plastic plates and silverware, because renting these items is a LOT more expensive than i realized. That's actually the reason i switched from the backyard idea to checking venues, because i figure if its not that much more expensive and saves you a lot of hassel it just might be the way to go.
Anyway, sorry for my ramblings. I'm sure as soon as i hit send i"ll think of more. Any input would be greatly greatly appreciated!!!!!