Nevada-Las Vegas

Some things we simply can't afford

...gotta draw the line somewhere...
I would love to host a meet and greet one or two nights before the wedding. I'd also love to have professional boudoir pictures taken (something I learned from you ladies ^_^).
But, unless I hit the lotto, we're not going to be able to afford anything else.

Tell me something ladies, does one have to pay a fee just to enter the clubs in Vegas?
«1

Re: Some things we simply can't afford

  • edited December 2011
    Don't worry, everyone does different things. Just do what you can afford, it'll be fine :)

    One thing I have learned is the wedding industry is constantly trying to beat you over the head with things you absolutely must do!  Don't let it get to you. Or if you like those ideas, maybe think of a way to do them on a smaller scale that won't break the bank.
    Anniversary
  • edited December 2011
    Wiwi, we just came back from a scouting trip and yes, most clubs on the strip you have to pay to get into. Which is ridiculous to me. Unless you are going with a group of ladies, then it is usually free. LOL.

    I agree with ebony. It makes me mad especially since we have a "different" set of rules because we are destination. If you can not afford something do not beat yourself up. It is your wedding and you do what you want. I would have loved to have my reception at the Foundation Room, but I am just not going  to pay that much money. I could have had a big old grand wedding here for that amount of money. You do what is important to you and that is all that matters. Maybe you could do boudoir pics for your first anniversary?

    For me I just love ebay. LOL. I have gotten almost everything off of there. I am weaaring two Alfred Angelo dresses, one for the wedding and one for the reception. I found an amazing woman on ebay who orders them direct for me from AA for a pretty good discount. So if anyone needs an good wedding dress lady let me know!

    I am sure your wedding will be amazing wiwi. Actually the thing I have found is that most of our guests are just happy to be able to go on vacation!
  • aerinpegadrakaerinpegadrak member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    We were really worried that we weren't going to be able to afford all the extra meals, but we scrimped and saved like crazy and did a ton of research, so the meet and greet, rehearsal lunch, and post-wedding brunch combined came to around $500.  Same thing with paying for a stylist: months of saving, and months of research to find someone I could afford for me and all six of the attendants.  We ended up scaling back, DIYing, or cutting out a lot of the extra crap that no one cares about like flowers and decorations in order to provide all of our guests with the best weekend possible.  I think it's all about priorities.
    This is a neglected planning bio.
    This is a belated married bio, with no reviews yet because I'm lazy.

    image
    Sometimes I feel like people think that brides are delicate little flower princesses who get all dressed up and pretty for one special moment of their dreams, when really they're just normal people who just happen to be getting married. Things shouldn't have to be sugar-coated for grown-ass women. -mstar284
  • wallacjewallacje member
    2500 Comments Fifth Anniversary 5 Love Its First Answer
    edited December 2011
    I agree with pp. You have to decide what matters most to you. I am DIY'ing my wedding invitations and centerpieces because I want nice ones but don't think I should have to spend $600 for them, so with a little extra time (which I have now that i"ve been laid off of work) I can make a few things that will save us in the long run.

    I'm still trying to decide on the meet and greet, not sure where I could have it that's not gonna be more than $500. I wanted the ballroom for my reception so we had to cut things out and cut the guest list to really only those I know for sure are going to show up. There's going to be some hurt feelings, but they'll get over it in the end, this day is about me and my FI if guests want to celebrate that with us and have the means to do so then I'm all for it, otherwise I don't want to hear about it.

    In the end whatever you choose to do is going to be AWESOME!!!!
    hth
  • edited December 2011

    i am not sure what your budget is for the wedding, but their have been ladies on the site that have had some great ideas for M&Gs  that did not break the bank, maybe you can consider having a M&G in your room , a pizza party , one bride had a bowling party that was less then $200. you could considered not hosting your M&G.
    The club in Vegas all cost a fee to enter, you may want to check out some of the hotel lounges they are free and play great music and have a club feel . I agree that you can do the boudoir pictures for an anniversary gift.

  • edited December 2011
    When I had my BRIDE shirt or some other decorations on they let me in to the clubs free, but some of them you need to be dressy (and in heels) to get in and most have a fee. Other I saw have ladies night so you can get in. The best bet is to have a group of girls going (scantily dressed always seems to help, LOL)

    and there is no need to break the bank - we didn't and we had a great time. A place to go where not too much $ is spent was Freemont St. It feels a bit outdated (cuz it is) but it was ALOT of fun. Everything is cheaper. From food, to drinks, free $ for gambling. It was great. Take the metro to the last stop then hop the bus, or take a cab (it was only $23 from Freemont St to the MGM wher we stayed)
    Anniversary
  • smokeybaileysmokeybailey member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_things-simply-cant-afford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:8cd2853e-e014-4a17-b336-aa99bc2c87cfPost:a073c53b-38e7-496e-9e5e-c80ba576d04e">Re: Some things we simply can't afford</a>:
    [QUOTE]When I had my BRIDE shirt or some other decorations on they let me in to the clubs free, but some of them you need to be dressy (and in heels) to get in and most have a fee. Other I saw have ladies night so you can get in. The best bet is to have a group of girls going (scantily dressed always seems to help, LOL) and there is no need to break the bank - we didn't and we had a great time. A place to go where not too much $ is spent was Freemont St. <strong>It feels a bit outdated (cuz it is)</strong> but it was ALOT of fun. Everything is cheaper. From food, to drinks, free $ for gambling. It was great. Take the metro to the last stop then hop the bus, or take a cab (it was only $23 from Freemont St to the MGM wher we stayed)
    Posted by pizzanfries4me[/QUOTE]

    Keep in mind that Fremont Street is supposed to feel like old school Vegas. I would disagree with the characterization of Downtown as "outdated."  This is coming from someone who has stayed in more places on the strip that I can count (from the Wynn at one end to the MB/theHotel/Four Seasons at the other end) and also stayed downtown.  We actually LOVE downtown.
    Bi-oh-rama
    Now with more wedded bliss.


    I don't get married often, but when I do, I do it in Las Vegas.

    image

    "Lvharpy could be your AE." - direy25
    "smokeybailey is the one shining beacon of light in this steaming turd of a thread." - daffodil_jill
    "The almighty smokeybailey has spoken." - some bitch on the Las Vegas board

  • direy25direy25 member
    2500 Comments Fourth Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_things-simply-cant-afford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:8cd2853e-e014-4a17-b336-aa99bc2c87cfPost:f4b2d09b-9597-473a-a763-81dd9c44d841">Re: Some things we simply can't afford</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Some things we simply can't afford : Keep in mind that Fremont Street is supposed to feel like old school Vegas. I would disagree with the characterization of Downtown as "outdated."  This is coming from someone who has stayed in more places on the strip that I can count (from the Wynn at one end to the MB/theHotel/Four Seasons at the other end) and also stayed downtown.  We actually LOVE downtown.
    Posted by smokeybailey[/QUOTE]
    I agree with this entirely.  I absolutely love staying at the Golden Nugget and Fremont street is an absolute blast.
    Married 5.6.11

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  • edited December 2011
    Ditto Bailey & Direy! I love to stay on that end of the strip!
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  • edited December 2011
    Ladies, thanks for the tips and inputs!
    Our priorities are clear and there aren't many things left I could save on... meaning, we only have 10 guests (which also means less $ for invitations), we're having a simple in-suite reception, we don't have bridesmaids/groomsmen and we're saving on the wedding bands. Our only splurges are the photo and video combo and a tower suite (FI really really on spending each of the 4 nights in one of them). 
    Still, we're going to have to fly there, eat while we're there, let our guests eat something during the reception, have extra cash for the honeymoon and so on. It adds up so fast! 
    I'm going to propose a night out once we're there and hopefully our friends will join us and understand that we can't pay for everyone.
    I like the lounge idea, shaq!


  • edited December 2011
    I'd like to add that we won't flower decorations either.
    I love every detail of this wedding, it's going to be perfect! I was acting all spoiled for a moment :-) 
    thanks ladies!
  • smokeybaileysmokeybailey member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_things-simply-cant-afford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:8cd2853e-e014-4a17-b336-aa99bc2c87cfPost:65ee7c06-e1be-45d8-92e6-381b8c9031a3">Re: Some things we simply can't afford</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Some things we simply can't afford : I agree with this entirely.  I absolutely love staying at the Golden Nugget and Fremont street is an absolute blast.
    Posted by direy25[/QUOTE]

    I'm on the GN like white on rice. You can get a big suite for way less than strip hotels.  And?  Gold Diggers is more fun than you might think.  Do bottle service and dance your ass off. The steak restaurant is awesome.  We did my parents 40th Renewal dinner there after the renewal at the Elvis chapel.  Tres yum.

    Oh, and play craps at 3 am at Binions or BJ at the Cal.  That is old school Vegas right there.
    Bi-oh-rama
    Now with more wedded bliss.


    I don't get married often, but when I do, I do it in Las Vegas.

    image

    "Lvharpy could be your AE." - direy25
    "smokeybailey is the one shining beacon of light in this steaming turd of a thread." - daffodil_jill
    "The almighty smokeybailey has spoken." - some bitch on the Las Vegas board

  • zitiqueenzitiqueen member
    Knottie Warrior 2500 Comments 500 Love Its First Answer
    edited December 2011
    I second, third, fourth and fifth downtown.
  • edited December 2011
  • direy25direy25 member
    2500 Comments Fourth Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_things-simply-cant-afford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:8cd2853e-e014-4a17-b336-aa99bc2c87cfPost:bcda132a-a988-4705-ade5-009d39ed2a68">Re: Some things we simply can't afford</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Some things we simply can't afford : I'm on the GN like white on rice. You can get a big suite for way less than strip hotels.  And?  Gold Diggers is more fun than you might think.  Do bottle service and dance your ass off. The steak restaurant is awesome.  We did my parents 40th Renewal dinner there after the renewal at the Elvis chapel.  Tres yum. Oh, and play craps at 3 am at Binions or BJ at the Cal.  That is old school Vegas right there.
    Posted by smokeybailey[/QUOTE]
    Awesome - haven't made it to Gold Diggers, we'll have to check that out next time.  We went to one of the seafood buffets during our last trip - all you can eat crab legs and it was super cheap.  And not cheap in the "yuk I can't believe I'm eating here" way.  Oh, and $3 BJ at Fitzgeralds definitely had me hooked...
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  • smokeybaileysmokeybailey member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    I would recommend staying away from the steak place at the 4 Queens.  Yes, most definitely.

    Oh and GN has BJ by the pool which is really nice.  We sat out there one day for hours.  The shark tank is pretty cool too.  I haven't been in the pool yet (I'm always there on the off season) but it is pretty cool.


    Bi-oh-rama
    Now with more wedded bliss.


    I don't get married often, but when I do, I do it in Las Vegas.

    image

    "Lvharpy could be your AE." - direy25
    "smokeybailey is the one shining beacon of light in this steaming turd of a thread." - daffodil_jill
    "The almighty smokeybailey has spoken." - some bitch on the Las Vegas board

  • smokeybaileysmokeybailey member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_things-simply-cant-afford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:8cd2853e-e014-4a17-b336-aa99bc2c87cfPost:4c3f3b2a-d339-4922-9291-42daff97e2c0">Re: Some things we simply can't afford</a>:
    [QUOTE]Awesome. Downtown it is!
    Posted by wiwicaty[/QUOTE]

    Wiwi, make sure you know what you are getting into.  Check out some of the hotel sites and pictures of the area.  It's not all glitz and glam like the strip.  If that is what you are looking for, you will be disappointed.  However, if you are looking for cheap gambling, cheap drinks, etc. then it will work for you but if you are thinking that the clubs or lounges are like those you have seen on the strip, they aren't. 

    I just want to make sure you are aware.  I would hate for you to go and be disappointed. 
    Bi-oh-rama
    Now with more wedded bliss.


    I don't get married often, but when I do, I do it in Las Vegas.

    image

    "Lvharpy could be your AE." - direy25
    "smokeybailey is the one shining beacon of light in this steaming turd of a thread." - daffodil_jill
    "The almighty smokeybailey has spoken." - some bitch on the Las Vegas board

  • aerinpegadrakaerinpegadrak member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    We're going back for our 1st anniversary and debating where to stay.  I've considered Golden Nugget, mainly because I really, really want to check out the pool.
    This is a neglected planning bio.
    This is a belated married bio, with no reviews yet because I'm lazy.

    image
    Sometimes I feel like people think that brides are delicate little flower princesses who get all dressed up and pretty for one special moment of their dreams, when really they're just normal people who just happen to be getting married. Things shouldn't have to be sugar-coated for grown-ass women. -mstar284
  • direy25direy25 member
    2500 Comments Fourth Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    I personally feel that you can't go wrong with the Golden Nugget.  I REALLY wanted to check out the water slide that goes through the shark tank but we never seemed to have the time.  We just stayed in a standard room but like smokeybailey said, you can get a great suite for a great price, or at least the newly renovated section. 
    Married 5.6.11

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  • direy25direy25 member
    2500 Comments Fourth Anniversary
    edited December 2011
    Ok, I sort of fibbed on that last post - what I really meant to say was that we were too hungover...
    Married 5.6.11

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  • smokeybaileysmokeybailey member
    2500 Comments Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_things-simply-cant-afford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:8cd2853e-e014-4a17-b336-aa99bc2c87cfPost:0e16ff78-3fb9-4fcb-ab04-e24c2fb91b5b">Re: Some things we simply can't afford</a>:
    [QUOTE]We're going back for our 1st anniversary and debating where to stay.  I've considered Golden Nugget, mainly because I really, really want to check out the pool.
    Posted by aerinpegadrak[/QUOTE]


    Do EeeEET.  I love the GN and you can do an upgraded room.  If you can't do one of their parlour suites, do the Golden Club Rooms.

    Oooh...or stay in the Rush Tower.  They just opened that last year.

    <a href="http://goldennugget.com/accommodations/rush_tower.asp" rel="nofollow">http://goldennugget.com/accommodations/rush_tower.asp</a>
    Bi-oh-rama
    Now with more wedded bliss.


    I don't get married often, but when I do, I do it in Las Vegas.

    image

    "Lvharpy could be your AE." - direy25
    "smokeybailey is the one shining beacon of light in this steaming turd of a thread." - daffodil_jill
    "The almighty smokeybailey has spoken." - some bitch on the Las Vegas board

  • aerinpegadrakaerinpegadrak member
    10000 Comments 5 Love Its Combo Breaker
    edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_things-simply-cant-afford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:8cd2853e-e014-4a17-b336-aa99bc2c87cfPost:4af91150-0d54-404f-9cf3-783a97dcbbaa">Re: Some things we simply can't afford</a>:
    [QUOTE]In Response to Re: Some things we simply can't afford : Do EeeEET.  I love the GN and you can do an upgraded room.  If you can't do one of their parlour suites, do the Golden Club Rooms. Oooh...or stay in the Rush Tower.  They just opened that last year. <a href="http://goldennugget.com/accommodations/rush_tower.asp" rel="nofollow">http://goldennugget.com/accommodations/rush_tower.asp</a>
    Posted by smokeybailey[/QUOTE]
    Oh man, that looks pretty swanky, and crazy cheap for what you'd be getting.  We still haven't decided yet (our anniversary trip would be one leg of a move from SoCal to Kansas City, so a lot is going to depend on how much we can save up and how much everything else costs), but it's definitely an option.
    This is a neglected planning bio.
    This is a belated married bio, with no reviews yet because I'm lazy.

    image
    Sometimes I feel like people think that brides are delicate little flower princesses who get all dressed up and pretty for one special moment of their dreams, when really they're just normal people who just happen to be getting married. Things shouldn't have to be sugar-coated for grown-ass women. -mstar284
  • edited December 2011
    WOW!! Those are nice! hummm....I was think the same as arein about an anniversary trip and not sure where to stay....
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    12/4/11 Vegas RockNRoll Half 3:14:53
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  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_things-simply-cant-afford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:8cd2853e-e014-4a17-b336-aa99bc2c87cfPost:f1bafb12-406d-4b40-84fb-ab439b358503">Re: Some things we simply can't afford</a>:
    [QUOTE]Ok, I sort of fibbed on that last post - what I really meant to say was that we were too hungover...
    Posted by direy25[/QUOTE]
    BAAHHHAA!! that's Vegas for you :)
    image
    2011-2012 Races
    10/29/11 LA RockNRoll Min Half (5K) 42:58
    12/4/11 Vegas RockNRoll Half 3:14:53
    1/7/12 WDW Half 3:13:42
    1/15/12 RnR AZ 2:55:27 (PR!!)
    1/29/12 Tinkerbell 1/2 3:22:37 (To many picture stops!lol)
    Me:32 DH:33
    IFV w/ DE Only Option (On Hold For Now)
  • ellenalabamaellenalabama member
    500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Ok I only skimmed through the previous posts, BUT  I say Golden Nugget all the way!!!!!   That is actually our one Vegas regret:(  That we didn't know about Fremont Street sooner!  WAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!  We went for a few hours on our last night there and were kicking ourselves in the A** for not checking it our sooner.  Plus, huge bonus in my opinion, GN pool stays open until 2am!  Um, yeah Flamingo pool closes at 7pm  Booooooo!  You can certainly stay on Fremont Street and make your $$$ go a lot further!  That's where we will be for our 1st anniversary next year.  Just my 2 cents:)
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_things-simply-cant-afford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:8cd2853e-e014-4a17-b336-aa99bc2c87cfPost:0e16ff78-3fb9-4fcb-ab04-e24c2fb91b5b">Re: Some things we simply can't afford</a>:
    [QUOTE]We're going back for our 1st anniversary and debating where to stay.  I've considered Golden Nugget, mainly because I really, really want to check out the pool.
    Posted by aerinpegadrak[/QUOTE]

    The pool is AWESOME!

    My dad always stays there when he goes to Vegas. Actually when he got married in Vegas he stayed at one of their swanky rooms. I have no idea the name, but you had to have a key to get into the elevator. It definitely was  one of the nicest suites I've seen. So you can always upgrade!
    image
  • edited December 2011
    Oh and I forgot to add that we didn't do a hosted "meet and greet" ugh I hate that term.

    The night before the wedding we invited everyone to a buffet dinner at MB. Everyone paid their own way and no one complained. 30 of our 60 guests made it to that. Then we were just roaming around the casino and went into the piano bar. It was SO much fun!!

    The piano players called my DH and I onto the stage and sang us a song, You Look Wonderful Tonight by Clapton. Everyone in the bar was cheering! It was definitely memorable!

    There was no charge, and the drinks were kinda pricey, but they are expensive everywhere in Vegas! I would do a piano bar anyday! I know many of the hotels have them!
    image
  • edited December 2011
    In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_things-simply-cant-afford?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:8cd2853e-e014-4a17-b336-aa99bc2c87cfPost:fa7bb7ce-cf1b-43c4-bba4-b74e715d6b32">Re: Some things we simply can't afford</a>:
    [QUOTE]Oh and I forgot to add that we didn't do a hosted "meet and greet" ugh I hate that term. The night before the wedding we invited everyone to a buffet dinner at MB. Everyone paid their own way and no one complained. 30 of our 60 guests made it to that. Then we were just roaming around the casino and went into the piano bar. It was SO much fun!! The piano players called my DH and I onto the stage and sang us a song, You Look <strong>Wonderful Tonight by Clapton</strong>. Everyone in the bar was cheering! It was definitely memorable! There was no charge, and the drinks were kinda pricey, but they are expensive everywhere in Vegas! I would do a piano bar anyday! I know many of the hotels have them!
    Posted by dvohnout[/QUOTE]
    OMG D!! I <3 that song and what a perfect song for the night before...awww!!
    image
    2011-2012 Races
    10/29/11 LA RockNRoll Min Half (5K) 42:58
    12/4/11 Vegas RockNRoll Half 3:14:53
    1/7/12 WDW Half 3:13:42
    1/15/12 RnR AZ 2:55:27 (PR!!)
    1/29/12 Tinkerbell 1/2 3:22:37 (To many picture stops!lol)
    Me:32 DH:33
    IFV w/ DE Only Option (On Hold For Now)
  • pebbs_17pebbs_17 member
    Seventh Anniversary 500 Comments
    edited December 2011
    I'm not hosting a M&G either.  I am having drinks with our parents and the wedding party in the suite the night before. 
  • wildstylewildstyle member
    10 Comments
    edited December 2011
    Downtown is a great idea!  Orginally we planned to have our M + G at Firefly which was VERY reasonable and gets super great reviews.  I'm bummed that our guests didn't get to probably see it.

    Also like the lounge idea - EyeCandy at MB is no cover and I liked it! 
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