FI and I think we have decided on a venue!

melissadavis0226

FI and I have discussed various places and various ideas of what we would like to do. And we have now decided to have a small intimate wedding ceremony at the Japanese Garden at the Fort Worth Botanical Garden with a total of 25-30 of our closest friends and relatives. Then I believe we will have our reception at Taverna in Fort Worth. Then those who would like to join us for drinks and entertainment afterwards. Then FI and I will be staying at a nearby hotel. I'm SO EXCITED!!

fallbride1109

That sounds lovely.  I know this was a hard decision for you--congrats!

melissadavis0226

Thank you. The more and more I thought about it, I sort of felt like if I did a "wedding" that in a way it was more money just to sort of a "ha ha I had a better wedding than you" amongst the people I know. So when it really boils down to it, the people we want there and mean the most should be the ones that are there. So FI and I talked and talked and we really wanted our friends and family most important to us to enjoy in the celebration. FI loves downtown Fort Worth. I wanted an outside ceremony but something somewhat quick and to the point. And this would be less of a financial strain on us and we could focus more on what was important to us. 

fallbride1109

As much as I loved my wedding, my original vision was much like yours.  Had DH's parents not insisted on paying for our wedding, we would have gotten married on a beach or in Vegas with less than 10 people and had dinner together in a hotel and then partied in a suite all night.  It will be great!

melissadavis0226

The hard part for me will be the dress. I feel like sice the ceremony will be short that i should not invest a ton into the dress and actually have a short simple dress. But since I have started looking for one I am finding it really hard to find one I like but does not look like a "doiley" as FI says.

fallbride1109

I don't think you have to have a short dress just because you're having a simple ceremony.  I've seen girls get married on the beach with full length gowns and long veils.  So don't limit yourself--if you find a dress you love, wear it!  You only get to do this once. 

professorscience

What Stephie said.  Don't let the style of your ceremony dictate what your dress looks like.  Find the one you love.

melissadavis0226

I know. And I get it. But I can't see myself spending the same amount of money on a dress if I were having just a short ceremony as opposed to a big wedding. But I will keep it in mind if it comes down to it.

aeliza06

I got my dress used and loved it. Never looked back and spent a fraction of the cost. There are ways of spending less while still getting what you want  

melissadavis0226

Thanks for all of the support and encouragement everyone. Since (at this point) we have made this decision (and I haven't turned back from it for once) I do feel so relieved. I don't have to worry about decorations really. Don't have to worry about a DJ. So I can focus more on searching for a dress and shoes. The boquet. The honeymoon. The important things in a girls life right?!