New & Overwhelmed

ScoobyPebb

Hi Everyone,

My name is Jen and I'm getting married sometime this winter - 11/11 or slightly after in Key West, FL.

I don't know how to get married, I guess.  At least that's what everyone is telling me, LOL.  It seems like there is a lot more involved that what I want.  I can't believe how much info there is, and how much I don't want to be a part of it.  Bridal shows have given me hives and the magazines frighten me.   I tossed off every wedding dress I tried on and eventually found the perfect dress - a bridesmaid's dress with some color and breeziness to it.   Everyone says I "have" to do this and that.  I don't know why!  That's not who I am. 

I haven't had an offer to help with the cost of a wedding, so I guess it's all on me and my fiancee.  We are in our forties, live in the Midwest, first weddings for both of us, no kids.  We work full time to pay the mortgage, two cars, get a few nice things here and there, and meet our basic expenses.  We just can't afford a grand wedding, even if we wanted one.  I think with all the money in the world I'd still keep it simple.

*** This is what I want:  a easy inexpensive wedding with less than 10 people in Key West.  On a beach.  With one place doing all the work for me - finding a great location, officiant, bouquet and pictures.  *I'm trying to decide between Aaron's Key West weddings, or Weddings to Go Key West. *  If you have any input, let me know - both sound great.   ***

I don't even know who else would want to come or why.  Maybe parents, of course.  And anyone who needs a vacation.  I'd like a short event - to celebrate the love between me and my fiancee.  Marry us and say congrats!  I've said to people that they shouldn't come unless they plan to vacation in Key West - why travel 2000 miles just to be in a 30 minute wedding?  What do you do with others who may express an interest?  Scare them off or invite them?  And what are my obligations?   How do I start - just pick a date and stick with it?  These are things I'm trying to figure out.

I'm looking forward and excited to getting married - I just don't want to go overboard.  Are there others like me out there?

CrazyMary77

This is your day. For the most part there is no standard way of doing things anymore, and you can customize your wedding to how you like it and what you can afford. I think what you want sounds fabulous! A few people with the ceremony on the beach, then maybe a dinner at a restaurant followed by some fun on Duval St? Perhaps have it at sunset? Come up with the list of people you two want there, and when others express interest, just tell them it's an intimate ceremony and you're only inviting those closest to you. Most people will understand. As selfish as this sounds, since you're paying for it, this is about what you two want and no one else!

BlueEyedBrideFL

Just remember to keep taking deep breathes throughout it, and everything will work out fine!

First off, as previous poster said, it's your wedding.  It's all about you and FI, so don't listen to anyone else.  As long as you stay strong with what you want, people will (eventually) accept that, and then it will become a lot less stressful.

You idea sounds perfect, and it shouldn't be too expensive for a wedding that size.  Key West also has a wide range of prices for accomodations, so that shouldn't be a huge factor for people.

I know there are a few different companies like the ones you mentioned that will handle everything for you.  Search online for photos or reviews of weddings they have done, contact them and see what they can offer and for what price, and then go with your gutt.

It will slowly get less overwhelming once you get a couple checks out of the way. 

anaroo87

Welcome!
I don't have any feedback about either of the companies but I will say that there is NOTHING wrong with having a wedding the way YOU want it. When I first started planning, I had everyone giving me opinions about how things are supposed to be.. but I stuck to my guns and just kept saying "that's not me." Eventually, people saw it my way and if they didn't, who cares.

As for planning - to me, the easiest way to begin was to pick a date. Once I picked a date, I started looking for a venue. Once that was chosen, the rest of the little things just started falling in place. But the date is definitely a good anchor to help get things going. Also, use this board for help ... the girls here are awesome and full of information. Right now there aren't many who are getting married in the Keys so not everyone will have specific vendor help, but they are here for moral support any time you need.
Good luck with everything