Hi local ladies! I have posted on some other boards, but figured I need to get on my local one as I still have yet to tie up some of my vendors, like photograpy. (Although with my budget, there is a VERY high probability of me using a CCAD student or three. I just contacted the Student life (or some such title) person yesterday to find out how to go about doing this. I am a budget bride for sure, as my FI are not only picking up the tab, but we also just bought a house in April, (got a great deal on a perfect little house for the two of us and the furbaby!) and I am on permanent disability to a lovely collection of rare diseases AND more common ones. Why have just one, when four are so much more likely to confound the professionals involved in your care!
I am actually, despite my health issues, more blessed than just about anyone I know. FI is supportive and understanding, almost beyond belief. I have an incredibly support network, as evidenced by my SIX bridesmaids! And a very bad, but absolutely adorable black and white kitty who knows who the boss is: HER.
This is what I have done so far.....
Flowers: Eva at Ecoflora is handling the flowers. I love, love, love her designs! Really imaginative and unusual, and she does as much as possible to use sustainable practices, and carries primarily organic blooms. For those with chemical sensitivities, she is an awesome choice. Plus her shop just opened in September, and while she has been doing weddings for a while, since she is still getting off the ground her prices are really reasonable.
http://ecofloradesign.com/Venue: The Gahanna Sanctuary is perfect! It has the historic church look I was desperately wanting, and discounts their fee for Friday and Sunday weddings, as long as they do NOT fall on a holiday weekend. We get the venue all day, and it is only $875! I can bring in the caterer of my choice, and my own alcohol. The only caveat with booze is you can't have a cash bar. But even with my microbudget, I am planning on open bar, and this works perfectly for me. I could never manage it if I was forced to use a "preferred caterer" and stuck payin $6 a drink! And it can accomodate both my wedding and reception, and as we have a huge amount of out of town guests, being able to do it all in one spot is a HUGE win!
Caterer: Weiland's Gourmet Market on Indianola came in THOUSAND'S below the next closest caterer. And their food is amazing. They can satisfy the biggest foodie, without blasting your budget. We are serving "heavy hors d'ouerves" because with all of the food allergies and diet restrictions in my bridal party alone there was no way I could come up with a plated meal or a buffet dinner that could accomodate everyone.
The current estimate I have now is under $30 a person, and the menu is currently too much food! By the time I trim it down to a reasonable amount, I am looking at about $25 a person. Their catering managers are awesome. And best of all, you purchase alcohol from their on premises state store at state minimum pricing. Anything left over after the event is yours to take home with you!
My font is doing all sorts of bizarre things and irritating the heck out of me, will post more later!