Worries about Reception

LilMissScareAll · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_worries-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:a7fa343f-a725-4fbd-aafa-a301521671b7Post:8ad547b2-1bf7-467a-aa11-2f17feba87d8">Re: Worries about Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Worries about Reception : If OP needs to do what is best for her like you said, then she should either not invite anyone else/scale down to a handful of people or have her wedding at home. I find it hard to believe that OP is having her ceremony at CP, which packages start at $1500 I believe and only have $500 for reception for 30 people. If I'm having that many people, then I would go to a cheaper ceremony location.
Posted by kara811[/QUOTE]

CP has a weekday package for $850 available on T, W, R. I assume she got this since July 7th is a Thursday.

OP: please listen to our advise.
Cut your guest list and make sure you are properly hosting your guests. No need to go into debt for a day. Cut back on any of your expense at home to save up as much as you can. I set aside a certain % of the money I make each night (I'm a server) and it goes into a box for the wedding fund. Spare change goes into a bucket for the wedding fund. We take bottle & cans to the recycling center goes into the wedding fund. We stopped going out to eat as much and cut out other unnecessary expenses (including our trips/vacations <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-cry.gif" border="0" alt="Cry" title="Cry" />). Track all your money and set up a monthly budget. Doing stuff like this may help you find an extra $100- $200. Which isn't a ton, but it will help.

And feel free to us us to help find everything/anything. Most of us have scoured the web/vendors/etc to find the best deals. I know I have an entire folder of saved links in my "favorites" and files/pics/info saved on a flash drive of everything I have checked out, looked at, or been interested in in all of my wedding searching.

kara811 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_worries-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:a7fa343f-a725-4fbd-aafa-a301521671b7Post:ece6904e-3c12-4d1e-9cca-a6807d6ca687">Re: Worries about Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Worries about Reception : <strong>CP has a weekday package for $850 available on T, W, R. I assume she got this since July 7th is a Thursday.</strong> OP: please listen to our advise. Cut your guest list and make sure you are properly hosting your guests. No need to go into debt for a day. Cut back on any of your expense at home to save up as much as you can. I set aside a certain % of the money I make each night (I'm a server) and it goes into a box for the wedding fund. Spare change goes into a bucket for the wedding fund. We take bottle & cans to the recycling center goes into the wedding fund. We stopped going out to eat as much and cut out other unnecessary expenses (including our trips/vacations ). Track all your money and set up a monthly budget. Doing stuff like this may help you find an extra $100- $200. Which isn't a ton, but it will help. And feel free to us us to help find everything/anything. Most of us have scoured the web/vendors/etc to find the best deals. I know I have an entire folder of saved links in my "favorites" and files/pics/info saved on a flash drive of everything I have checked out, looked at, or been interested in in all of my wedding searching.
Posted by LilMissScareAll[/QUOTE]<div>
</div><div>
</div><div>Stand corrected, just saw her wedding date. </div><div>
</div><div>OP- PP gives such great advice. Set up a strict budget and stick to it, but also be a good host. </div><div>
</div>

LilMissScareAll · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_worries-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:a7fa343f-a725-4fbd-aafa-a301521671b7Post:31473c4c-5810-4fad-9fe5-b940db91e358">Re: Worries about Reception</a>:
[QUOTE] Yeah, as a guest I'd be absolutely delighted if the bride was wearing a $10,000 dress but served cocktail weenies at the reception...
Posted by direy25[/QUOTE]

I would be sad at that wedding. I would have nothing to eat since I don't eat dead animals :(

And yes. I cut many things that I would love to have: upgraded linens, huge floral centerpieces, etc. Because yummy food and open bar are way more important.

aerinpegadrak · April 2011

We did our ceremony out of our suite because there was no way we could both afford a chapel package and properly host our guests. If having a particular ceremony venue trumps meeting the bare minimum of social obligation as a host, then, well, those are your priorities, but then just elope.

direy25 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_worries-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:a7fa343f-a725-4fbd-aafa-a301521671b7Post:702a5a40-1442-491f-9a3f-2efb08d4e4cd">Re: Worries about Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]We did our ceremony out of our suite because there was no way we could both afford a chapel package and properly host our guests. If having a particular ceremony venue trumps meeting the bare minimum of social obligation as a host, then, well, those are your priorities, but then just elope.
Posted by aerinpegadrak[/QUOTE]
Kind of off topic but I'm bored - this reminds me of all the SYTTD episodes where the consultants tell the brides that it's ok to cut other things out of their budget in order to afford their dream dress. Yeah, as a guest I'd be absolutely delighted if the bride was wearing a $10,000 dress but served cocktail weenies at the reception...

ebonyivory10 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_worries-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:a7fa343f-a725-4fbd-aafa-a301521671b7Post:379e1d63-5134-47d4-83a2-1e8c758f5d48">Re: Worries about Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Worries about Reception :
1. It's They're or They are
Posted by Olivea12[/QUOTE]

<a href="#" title="Click to view a larger photo" onclick="return gSiteLife.LoadForumPage('ForumImage', 'plckPhotoId', 'c8a1204f-774c-452a-b2ed-3ff4e82f9714', 'plckRedirectUrl', gSiteLife.EscapeValue(window.location.href));"> <img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/images/store/8/2/c8a1204f-774c-452a-b2ed-3ff4e82f9714.medium.jpg" alt="" /></a>

I've been wanting to post that since I saw it LOL!

direy25 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_worries-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:a7fa343f-a725-4fbd-aafa-a301521671b7Post:261280ab-8c72-41c9-a4bc-e4d9a724a9f9">Re: Worries about Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Worries about Reception : I've been wanting to post that since I saw it LOL!
Posted by ebonyivory10[/QUOTE]
LMAO!!

aerinpegadrak · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_worries-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:a7fa343f-a725-4fbd-aafa-a301521671b7Post:31473c4c-5810-4fad-9fe5-b940db91e358">Re: Worries about Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Worries about Reception : Kind of off topic but I'm bored - this reminds me of all the SYTTD episodes where the consultants tell the brides that it's ok to cut other things out of their budget in order to afford their dream dress. Yeah, as a guest I'd be absolutely delighted if the bride was wearing a $10,000 dress but served cocktail weenies at the reception...
Posted by direy25[/QUOTE]
Srsly. Guests care about three things: food, booze, and general fun. These should not be afterthoughts. The day stops being all about what the couple wants the second they ask others to share it with them.

Olivea12 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_worries-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:a7fa343f-a725-4fbd-aafa-a301521671b7Post:261280ab-8c72-41c9-a4bc-e4d9a724a9f9">Re: Worries about Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Worries about Reception : I've been wanting to post that since I saw it LOL!
Posted by ebonyivory10[/QUOTE]

LOL that is awesome. And ps, I love your siggy pic! I don't think I've seen that picture of you before.

kara811 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_worries-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:a7fa343f-a725-4fbd-aafa-a301521671b7Post:31473c4c-5810-4fad-9fe5-b940db91e358">Re: Worries about Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Worries about Reception : Kind of off topic but I'm bored - this reminds me of all the SYTTD episodes where the consultants tell the brides that it's ok to cut other things out of their budget in order to afford their dream dress. Yeah, as a guest I'd be absolutely delighted if the bride was wearing a $10,000 dress but served cocktail weenies at the reception...
Posted by direy25[/QUOTE]

<div>
</div><div>Oh yeah. I'd probably leave the wedding then and get myself a proper meal! </div>

ahhhitsshannyn · April 2011

Wow my head is hurting

LPRUETT:
You are wayyyyy out of line thinking that is appropriate to make your guests pay, when they have already spent hundreds (probably closer to 1k) to celebrate WITH you. They did not go to Vegas for a vacation and you decided to get married, that may be a different story, but asking people to fork out a ton of money to celebrate with you and then saying "screw you" after the ceremony if beyond rude. PLEASE take our advice and host your guests, skip the reception back home and thank the people who came to celebrate the most important day of your life.

ebonyivory10 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_worries-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:a7fa343f-a725-4fbd-aafa-a301521671b7Post:0022b053-7ac3-4b37-9340-d20226d09f65">Re: Worries about Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Worries about Reception : LOL that is awesome. And ps, I love your siggy pic! I don't think I've seen that picture of you before.
Posted by Olivea12[/QUOTE]

Thanks :)

ricekim · April 2011

Getting married on the strip can be pretty pricey. I agree with pp about switching to a cheaper chapel and using that money for a reception, or cutting the guest list down.

Some of the chapels off the strip have packages starting at 300 dollars. Hypothetically, lets say you paid 1000 for your Caesars ceremony with tax and tip. Thats 700 dollars you could have had for a reception. Add that to your 500 and now you have 1200 for a reception for 30 people. Much more do-able for 30 people.

We are having a brunch reception (which was about half the cost of the dinner menu at our venue) for 25 people. 500 dollars wouldn't even cover the cost of the meal.

j_jaye · April 2011

Off the topic as well-
We had one girl on the Aussie Knot forums post a thread about asking guests to pay for their plate in lieu of a present (since they lived together and had everything) and putting it in the invite. I was first to post and was a little harsh but other posters actually validated her and scolded me for being mean and old fashioned (I get that a lot on there). After a couple more people posted that it was ridiculous she DD and unfortunately that deletes the whole thread on the AU knot (which sucks as some of my best work is often DD'ed ! I channel SmokeyBailey and the E board girls at times)

Edit- for clarification SmokeyBailey when I want to be flippant/funny but get the point across and the E girls when it is just a ridiculous thread and they know how to express it so well.

smokeybailey · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_worries-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:a7fa343f-a725-4fbd-aafa-a301521671b7Post:ca133e6a-f544-4538-ba42-a70e9707e682">Re: Worries about Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]Off the topic as well- We had one girl on the Aussie Knot forums post a thread about asking guests to pay for their plate in lieu of a present (since they lived together and had everything) and putting it in the invite. I was first to post and was a little harsh but other posters actually validated her and scolded me for being mean and old fashioned (I get that a lot on there). After a couple more people posted that it was ridiculous she DD and unfortunately that deletes the whole thread on the AU knot (which sucks as some of my best work is often DD'ed !<strong> I channel SmokeyBailey and the E board girls at times) Edit- for clarification SmokeyBailey when I want to be flippant/funny</strong> but get the point across and the E girls when it is just a ridiculous thread and they know how to express it so well.
Posted by j_jaye[/QUOTE]

Well, spank me twice on Sunday and call me Betty. This is a first. I take it as a compliment.

Since I am here anyway...never charge your guests to come to your wedding. What if I wasn't going to buy you a gift anyway? What if I was going to make you a quilt or something? Do I not get to eat?

singer82 · April 2011

I did not expect this reaction wow. I totally agree that if they pay to come down for our day that they should be fed. My FI is actually the one that thought everyone would be paying for themselves. I told him hell no, that I wanted to feed my loved ones that came all the way down there for us. I came here for support and I feel attacked. Its not like 30 guests and $500 limit are the exact number. That was just something I threw out there since I dont know exact numbers. All I wanted was some suggestions for an affordable place to go. We dont know the exact number yet. May 15 is the cut off for them to let us know. Were inviting about 30 but I KNOW for a fact not everyone thats invited will be attending cause it is a destination wedding. And I totally understand that.

Me and my FI are pretty much paying for this whole thing by ourselves. We dont come from rich families or anything. They cant afford to pay for our wedding like lucky brides get to. But My Aunt wants to help us out a little since she cant attend the wedding. And my Mom is going to help as much as she can. So theres a lil help. I didnt pay 1000 of dollars on my dress either. It was 150$ and it looks like a prom dress cause I'm not into the traditional and neither is my FI. Everyone already knew it wasnt going to be an lavish white dress before I even got it, it doesnt mean I'm not a lil bummed that its not a trad dress. And we paid 850$ for the ceremony package.

So I think maybe everyone should hear the whole story before they make me feel like crap. I feel even worse than I did before. I am crushed that I cant have a reg wedding. I've been a stressed sad mess and came here for some help. I just wanted some ideas.

singer82 · April 2011

I might just change the time of the Ceremony. So it will be lunch prices and not dinner.

Maybe I'm being too offensive. I just feel bummed that it cant be a reg wedding. And I figured i'd ask for some help and got more of a reminder that we are very limited and I'm sad about that. You were just being honest. I let my insecurities get in the way.

j_jaye · April 2011

@Smokey- definately a compliment (for the E girls as well) ! The things you post crack me up!

@singer82- a lot of people are paying for their own weddings so personally I don't find this a valid excuse for not hosting your guests. Also the posts gave you good advice and ideas which is what you asked for.

singer82 · April 2011

Ya I know, some very good ideas. Some just made me feel worse about my situation is all. I KNOW I have to host my guests. Not paying is not an option at all. I agree. Thought I could come here and make some friends. But I am very sensitive, guess thats my downfall here.

kara811 · April 2011

Ditto what j_jaye said. Many brides on here are not "lucky brides" as you put it OP. A lot of couples save money for years so they can have the wedding they want. If you are this stressed out and worried about the budget, maybe a DW isn't for you and your FI. You can have a better wedding at home since you'll be cutting so much costs like airfare and rooms.

And FYI, the final number of guests that actually attend weddings are so unpredictable. Some have 50%, some have 80%, and some even have 100% attendance, so don't bank on the fact that not everyone will come since it's a DW. Always budget for the number of people invited. I do hope you figure something out.

singer82 · April 2011

Thank you Kara.It's kind of funny that you mention that. We actually wanted to do the Vegas thing cause we thought it would be cheaper lol guess I found out the hard way that thats not true. We just knew we couldnt afford a big lavish wedding at home so we were like hey, we go to Vegas for the 4th of july every year so lets just get married while were down there. I didnt just wanted a quicky wedding.

So I suppose this is all my fault for not planning better. We should have saved more longer and planned more in advance. But part of my family has already booked rooms and we paid for the ceremony package, so I cant back out now.

So looks like we'll have to save and save until then. I am expecting some extra cash before then too. Luckally I got 3 credit card bills paid with taxes so I got a lil more money than usual. I have a tendency to panic and worry a lot about everything. And my wedding is important to me so I'm def a lil on edge and sensitive. Seems the best thing to do is change the time to earlier so it will be lunch prices instead of dinner.

There are some places in the hard rock hotel that have decent prices

jccswl · April 2011

I believe the ladies here were trying to be more realistic in the advice they were giving you. It's frustrating the number of posters come in and asking if it's ok to make their guests pay for their meal after they went through the expense to make it to the ceremony then do an AHR for those that couldn't go and feed those guests.

We did our RD at Planet Hollywood in the Forum Shops. We had about 22 people and I believe we paid around $500, but I don't think it included service charge or bar. I would call or send an email for more info. They were really nice and answered any questions in a timely manner. Good luck.

singer82 · April 2011

I see that now. I'm just sensitive right now. I never planned on making anyone pay. Thats why I was stressing. I didnt research enough before planning everything. I'll apply for another credit card if I have to.

smokeybailey · April 2011

OP, someone else said to have the guests pay. Everyone here directed budget answers to you about dealing with your $500 budget. You can get married midweek at the golden nugget chapel for $295. Now you have $1050 for your budget. But your assumptions about people are super shallow. For your information, I am 39 and have plenty of time to establish myself. FI and waited until we could afford to have the wedding we wanted. My parents aren't paying for the wedding but are giving me about 20%. Again, they've had the time to save for that. If you want more than you can afford now, I advise waiting and saving. Regardless, don't use your broad brush to paint individuals on this board. Also, read the whole post before you fly off the handle. You would have seen that none of the self paying guest posts were about you.

singer82 · April 2011

I didnt think things through enough before deciding all the details of this wedding. I agree with you. And I admit, I did rush through the posts, cause I felt attacked at first. But I realize that isnt the case now. I apoligize. Ive been struggling with depression lately about my place in life right now and didnt mean to take it out on anyone, theres no excuse for it.

I should have come to this board before I planned anything. Than I would have realized we wernt ready. I would have done what you are doing by saving and waiting till we could afford it. But I didnt and am kicking myself in the ass for it now. All I can do now is take a deep breath and figure something out. And know you are all just trying to help. Live and Learn

aerinpegadrak · April 2011

I'm glad you understand that we are just trying to help, and I'm very glad that you want to make sure you feed your guests!

Have you checked off-Strip locations? We took our guests for a post-wedding brunch at the Orleans buffet. It was technically lunch because they only do brunch on Sundays, but it was $7/person, before tax with no booze, and the food was a little better than we were expecting (granted, our hopes weren't all that high). If you call around looking for pricing on just group dining rather than on wedding reception packages, you might find a better deal.

aegrish · April 2011

How many guests of the 30 you are iniviting do you expect to come? Flights from CO to LV are usually cheap...You may be surprsied as to who RSVPS yes. Be careful.

Allison26 · April 2011

Singer82 -First things first, don't feel attacked, stressed or upset -Take a deep breath - things will be ok. Getting married is about you and your future husband - do what makes you happy when it comes to the reception. And,iIf you can stumble upon some extra money or pinch some pennies here & there until wedding time, all will be ok.

Next, get a firm number of guests - there are tons of restaurants in LV that aren't on the strip where you could host your reception. Spend some time looking into restaurants & start making calls. Or have a little nosh back in your room - order some sandwich platters or pizza, buy a couple bottles of vodka & soda and celebrate!

If it's too late to change chapels, ask about a time change so that you can do a lunch/early dinner reception. Also, you are under NO obligation to provide alcohol for your guests - you can have a dry reception.

I wish you the absolute best on your wedding!

direy25 · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_worries-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:a7fa343f-a725-4fbd-aafa-a301521671b7Post:68d12cc3-c8eb-4b6c-8b65-6cf613a3cfd6">Re: Worries about Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]How many guests of the 30 you are iniviting do you expect to come? <strong>Flights from CO to LV are usually cheap...You may be surprsied as to who RSVPS yes. Be careful.
</strong>Posted by aegrish[/QUOTE]
Plus, depending on where in Colorado she's from, people may drive. We have a lot of guests that will be driving because the drive is only 8.5 hours from where we live...

aegrish · April 2011

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_worries-reception?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:a7fa343f-a725-4fbd-aafa-a301521671b7Post:f2558163-cca4-47f0-b411-fde538c86259">Re: Worries about Reception</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Worries about Reception : Plus, depending on where in Colorado she's from, people may drive. We have a lot of guests that will be driving because the drive is only 8.5 hours from where we live...
Posted by direy25[/QUOTE]

I didn't even think of that....You have a lot of guests coming for a DW, with 77!

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