It may be time to just give in..

leandrewedding

It may be time to just give in to the idea of Vegas. I seriously just don't know how people afford big weddings. I've considered all avenues - cutting the guest list, pushing it back 2 years, cheaper venues, etc. Everything is still so EXPENSIVE! Plus, it's difficult for me to cut back my guest lists. Make a long story short.. my dad passed away 15 years ago unexpectedly, so it's important for me to have my extended family there on our big day. Neither my mom nor the FI parents are in any way able to contribute (medical bills out the wazoo). The FI suggested Vegas and at first I was like "No way!" but now... I may have to reconsider. The idea of coming up with $10,000 for a wedding is causing me anxiety and that's not what this whole process should do. This is me rambling... 

Time for some chocolate and wine. 

radleyboo

You don't need to spend $10,000 on a wedding.  I'm sure you've considered lots of ideas, but here are a couple to consider/remember:

You don't have to serve alcohol-huge savings right there.

You don't have to dance, no fees for DJ or Band.  We didn't have dancing, and the canned music at the restaurant did just fine for dinner music.

Remember that a lot of the 'trappings' of weddings are pushed upon us by the wedding industry.  Favors, STDs, escort cards, a videographer, professional hair and makeup, limos, frilly guest books, and programs are all non-essential items that you can forego.  

You don't have to serve your guests a full meal if you have your wedding during a non-meal hour.  Cake, punch, and coffee would do just fine for a 10am or 2pm wedding.  

Invite your family to watch you get married at the courthouse (no decorating, no rental fees), and celebrate afterward with a dessert/cake/punch reception at a family member or friends' house.  

Just about anything can be bought second hand at a huge discount.

There are tons and tons more ideas on this site and others that can help you cut corners and have a lovely wedding at the same time.  Staying on budget can be one of the most challenging parts of planning a wedding, good luck to you!  

ReturnOfKuus

Why not wait and save?

JCbride2015

Pushing it back two years still doesn't give you enough time to save?  Fi and I have been together almost 11 years (gosh, sounds so long-- since high school) and have pushed our wedding so we can afford the celebration we really want.  If a large guest list and other aspects are really important to you: see a financial professional, make a savings plan, and wait.