Help planning a low key wedding

Singerkay · January 2012

We are getting married in Vegas in May. We've agreed not to spend a lot of money (maybe a couple hundred dollars) Was thinking about doing it at the Flamingo, where we are staying. Any suggestions on low cost, nice locations near the strip?

wiwicaty · January 2012

Any chance you mean two *thousand* dollars?

07ultraclassic · January 2012

The casino chapels are more pricey than the standalone ones.

You can probably "get the job done' for $350 or so pretty much anywhere, but it's absolutely NO frills. A minister, and a rose with a ribbon on it for the bride - that's about all you'll get for that price.

If you'll go up a bit more, we're getting married at Chapel of the Flowers - they have a handful of decent ceremonies, with boquet and boutenir (sp?) and <20 professional pics (and some other misc perks) for $500-600, depending on the day / time you're considering.

nycheryl · January 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_planning-low-key-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:620ea9fa-2c9d-45d7-8b71-769d10016bf1Post:cd06c251-255e-443b-a737-a836ea3ddaad">Re: Help planning a low key wedding</a>:
[QUOTE]Any chance you mean two *thousand* dollars?
Posted by wiwicaty[/QUOTE]

LOLz.

Maybe a local knows if there's a city hall-type place...?

LilMissScareAll · January 2012

Whats "a couple hundred"? $200? $500?

-We can't give you any ideas if we don't know your budget

Are you bringing guests or eloping?

- If you are inviting people to come out, spend there hard earned money and vacation time to witness you getting married, you need to recieve them properly after. Which means some sort of meal.

Your marriage licence is going to cost you $60 right off the bat.

If you want to get married, no frills, at the courthouse, that's $50

Little Church of the West has packages starting at $199 (plus $60 minister fee)

http://www.littlechurchlv.com/

Graceland Wedding Chapel also has packages starting at $199 (plus $60 minister fee)

http://www.gracelandchapel.com/

Flamingo's backages start at $605 (for a weekday w/o a room) (plus $75 minister fees)

Getting married in Vegas is not always the cheaper option

vegasgroom · January 2012

Cab from Flamingo to the marriage license office and back is probably going to be $60 or more as well, unless renting a car, and that will be $120+ for a week.

VegasCalling · January 2012

From what I've found, unfortunately, the "Wedding Industrial Complex" (WIC) is alive and well in Vegas, just like anywhere else.

It all boils down to a bunch of people taking advantage of you and acting like your marriage is more legitimate and likely to last longer if you spend more.

Which, any rational person knows is complete bullshit.

But nevertheless, the WIC in Vegas will try to stick it to you any way they can, and they can do so in any orifice you allow them to. So in the end it boils down to looking around and seeing what will work for your goal and budget.

If the 6-10 people I expect will come to ours weren't going to show up, I like the idea of getting married on NYNY's rollercoaster. But even with that 15-minute ceremony, they still charge around $600 or so, from what I recall.

wiwicaty · January 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_planning-low-key-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:620ea9fa-2c9d-45d7-8b71-769d10016bf1Post:81add96e-6225-489d-90f2-3e43db618140">Re: Help planning a low key wedding</a>:
[QUOTE]From what I've found, unfortunately, the "Wedding Industrial Complex" (WIC) is alive and well in Vegas, just like anywhere else. <strong>It all boils down to a bunch of people taking advantage of you and acting like your marriage is more legitimate and likely to last longer if you spend more.</strong> Which, any rational person knows is complete bullshit. But nevertheless, the WIC in Vegas will try to stick it to you any way they can, and they can do so in any orifice you allow them to. So in the end it boils down to looking around and seeing what will work for your goal and budget. If the 6-10 people I expect will come to ours weren't going to show up, I like the idea of getting married on NYNY's rollercoaster. But even with that 15-minute ceremony, they still charge around $600 or so, from what I recall.
Posted by VegasCalling[/QUOTE]

<div>Maybe I'm naive but I doubt every single vendor involved in any given wedding is offering services based on this concept. I wouldn't even dwell so much on it. The way I see it is simpler, working professionals offering honest services deserve to get paid.</div><div>Pretty much everything in the life of an adult involves some kind of transaction, usually monetary, so I really don't see what the big deal is if getting married (aka hiring vendors) also costs money.</div><div>I think the issue here is that some people really think if it wasn't for the abominable so-called WIC they could have their dream, one-of-a-kind Vegas wedding virtually for free... I'm sorry but that's just delusional. </div><div>I'll tell you what the closest thing to "for free" is, ask your neighbor to get ordained and marry you by a tree in a public park. </div><div>No offense intended, I'm only addressing the money issue, not judging any style choices.</div>

VegasCalling · January 2012

@ wiwicaty: If you don't notice the jacked up prices people charge brides/grooms, then perhaps you aren't used to hosting non-wedding events.

The fact is, most places rent out venues for weddings at 3x the price they rent the venue out for any other function.

There is NO reason that a cake, something that people put in their mouth, digest, and then expunge the following day should cost $200, much less $2k. This is the WIC at it again. And the idea that we should be making expensive pieces of art out of fondant (which tastes like crap), rather than delicious food for people to enjoy, is the WIC at it again. FACT: A delicious cake should include the cost of the materials + the time the Baker actually spent BAKING it. But they usually jack up the price 3x what any other cake costs.

There is no reason one piece of mozzerlla should cost $5.75. And yes, that is the price for ONE piece of mozzerlla on my hotel/casino's wedding reception package catering menu. The have about 30 other single-piece apps at that price, and they demand you get at least 25 PIECES!! That is not paying someone an honest wage, that is ROBBERY!

Also robbery, are the prices of the post-wedding/pre-reception refreshments on my hotel-casino's wedding reception package: 12 candy bars for $45!!!! WHAT??? And 12 granola bars for $45!!!! And those are just examples.

Just because you don't/won't recognize the ridiculous prices of the WIC doesn't mean everyone else has their head stuck in the sand.

There are places on the strip that the original poster CAN get married for a couple hundred bucks. Instead of snottily looking down your nose and asking the OP if she meant $2k, you could have offered helpful advice or not posted anything at all.

wiwicaty · January 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_planning-low-key-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:620ea9fa-2c9d-45d7-8b71-769d10016bf1Post:32df1285-1c45-4f7f-8a13-655910ec3bb0">Re: Help planning a low key wedding</a>:
[QUOTE]@ wiwicaty: If you don't notice the jacked up prices people charge brides/grooms, then perhaps you aren't used to hosting non-wedding events. The fact is, most places rent out venues for weddings at 3x the price they rent the venue out for any other function. There is NO reason that a cake, something that people put in their mouth, digest, and then expunge the following day should cost $200, much less $2k. This is the WIC at it again. And the idea that we should be making expensive pieces of art out of fondant (which tastes like crap), rather than delicious food for people to enjoy, is the WIC at it again. FACT: <strong>A delicious cake should include the cost of the materials + the time the Baker actually spent BAKING it. But they usually jack up the price 3x what any other cake costs</strong>. There is no reason one piece of mozzerlla should cost $5.75. And yes, that is the price for ONE piece of mozzerlla on my hotel/casino's wedding reception package catering menu. The have about 30 other single-piece apps at that price, and they demand you get at least 25 PIECES!! That is not paying someone an honest wage, that is ROBBERY! Also robbery, are the prices of the post-wedding/pre-reception refreshments on my hotel-casino's wedding reception package: 12 candy bars for $45!!!! WHAT??? And 12 granola bars for $45!!!! And those are just examples. Just because you don't/won't recognize the ridiculous prices of the WIC doesn't mean everyone else has their head stuck in the sand. There are places on the strip that the original poster CAN get married for a couple hundred bucks. <strong>Instead of snottily looking down your nose and asking the OP if she meant $2k, you could have offered helpful advice or not posted anything at all. </strong>
Posted by VegasCalling[/QUOTE]

<div>1) I think you're oversimplifying. <em>You</em> might think that a cake should cost $x and nothing more and that the price is jacked up, but there are also various levels of quality at which professionals perform their work. To follow your example, a highly experienced baker who knows and respects his own worth will charge you more than others. I understand and agree with this logic, it makes sense to me that a higher quality would translate into a higher price. Of course that's not always the case, clearly not <em>everyone </em>is honest with it, but here I'm referring to the pure concept not to specific vendors. </div><div>The good news is that you're free to hire whoever you like, based on whatever criteria you choose.</div><div>
</div><div>2) This is again, your opinion and your way to read into my words. My question was very matter-of-fact, it didn't hold any "snotty" undertones. My first thought was that OP had probably meant another amount; having a "couple [of] hundred dollars" budget for a wedding when travelling to Vegas itself is pricier, made it sound confusing to me. Just as I mentioned on the other post that followed. OP hasn't in fact come back to elaborate, so no need to get jumpy just yet.</div><div>
</div><div>edited for typos</div>

wiwicaty · January 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_planning-low-key-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:620ea9fa-2c9d-45d7-8b71-769d10016bf1Post:32df1285-1c45-4f7f-8a13-655910ec3bb0">Re: Help planning a low key wedding</a>:
[QUOTE] There is NO reason that a cake, something that people put in their mouth, digest, and then expunge the following day should cost $200, much less $2k.
Posted by VegasCalling[/QUOTE]

<div>Also, this sounds a little insulting to the category, you're depriving the work of a baker of all its value. So if the theoretical cake took 4 hours or more to complete and the people who "created" it devoted care and craftsmanship to it, you don't think it's worth anything because it'll be digested? You're free to be appalled at the price but let it not become an attitude of degrading other people's work. </div>

VegasCalling · January 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_planning-low-key-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:620ea9fa-2c9d-45d7-8b71-769d10016bf1Post:6bb8429e-a0b5-4d86-99e1-be8361b8bc82">Re: Help planning a low key wedding</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Help planning a low key wedding : Also, this sounds a little insulting to the category, you're depriving the work of a baker of all its value. So if the theoretical cake took 4 hours or more to complete and the people who "created" it devoted care and craftsmanship to it, you don't think it's worth anything because it'll be digested? You're free to be appalled at the price but let it not become an attitude of degrading other people's work.
Posted by wiwicaty[/QUOTE]
<div>Translation:</div><div> "Yadda yadda, I spent way too much on my wedding and now I am seeking validation by posting my non-stop industry-supporting drivel on a pre-wedding board even though I've been married awhile now and obviously have nothing else to do with my precious time, yadda yadda yadda". </div>

wiwicaty · January 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_planning-low-key-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:620ea9fa-2c9d-45d7-8b71-769d10016bf1Post:78ad3762-cdf0-4b65-8fd8-984a3ce3e81a">Re: Help planning a low key wedding</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Help planning a low key wedding : Translation: "Yadda yadda, I spent way too much on my wedding and now I am seeking validation by posting my non-stop industry-supporting drivel on a pre-wedding board even though I've been married awhile now and obviously have nothing else to do with my precious time, yadda yadda yadda".
Posted by VegasCalling[/QUOTE]

<div>Oh, silly me, all this time I thought I was having an adult conversation, instead I was having an average newbie one. </div><div>You forgot to mention that you're sorry for my husband, sweetie. No worries, I know you are. </div><div><img src="http://cdn.cl9.vanillaforums.com/downloaded/ver1.0/content/scripts/tinymce/plugins/emotions/images/smiley-money-mouth.gif" border="0" alt="Money mouth" title="Money mouth" /></div>

VegasCalling · January 2012

With 3829 posts Wiwicaty, and judging by the few of those I've seen, I knew right away you've been on here way too long. Your posts come across as pretty jaded. Maybe it's time to move on. You are married now, afterall. Why continue to spend so much time and energy posting on a pre-marital board? If you are so happy, why not spend more time with your dear husband or at least posting on a pre-mommy board or something? This place is for upcoming brides. Sure, some post-wedding insight can be helpful, but at some point, the natural progression would seem for the old tired posters to move on to greener pastures as the new soon-to-be brides come up in their place. I get it: you're happy. We're probably all happy here due in part to why we're here. Rather than always raining on people's parades, no matter how low budget, maybe you should retire. Just a thought.

wiwicaty · January 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_planning-low-key-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local Wedding BoardsForum:91Discussion:620ea9fa-2c9d-45d7-8b71-769d10016bf1Post:098003fc-d999-434b-b1e2-d293d07c454f">Re: Help planning a low key wedding</a>:
[QUOTE]With 3829 posts Wiwicaty, and judging by the few of those I've seen, I knew right away you've been on here way too long. Your posts come across as pretty jaded. Maybe it's time to move on. You are married now, afterall. Why continue to spend so much time and energy posting on a pre-marital board? If you are so happy, why not spend more time with your dear husband or at least posting on a pre-mommy board or something? This place is for upcoming brides. Sure, some post-wedding insight can be helpful, but at some point, the natural progression would seem for the old tired posters to move on to greener pastures as the new soon-to-be brides come up in their place. I get it: you're happy. We're probably all happy here due in part to why we're here. Rather than always raining on people's parades, no matter how low budget, maybe you should retire. Just a thought.
Posted by VegasCalling[/QUOTE]

afeliz79 · January 2012

Wow! Way to win friends around here, VegasCalling.

afeliz79 · January 2012

OP, the posters are right, you may not be considering all the costs associated with getting married in Vegas. You may have to consider increasing your budget just a little.

Singerkay · January 2012

Wow.that really turned into something. My original plan was to go with one of the low end packages at the Flamingo that was priced around $700. My dear fiancé has it set in his mind that going to Vegas to get married is going to be very inexpensive and paying that much is crazy. His words exactly, " isn't it about the fact that we love each other? Why do we need to spend a bunch of money getting married?" Then I thought okay maybe he has a point. People spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to get married to put on a show. We do not need to put on a big show to get married. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with having big weddings. If it fits your life then perfect. This is just us and a few friends, who will not care what we do. I DO NOT want to get married at the courthouse. So I figured there might be a decent alternative in the middle. Something about $200-300 (I understand the marriage license fee and ministers fee is separate).

wiwicaty · January 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/local-wedding-boards_nevada-las-vegas_planning-low-key-wedding?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Local%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:91Discussion:620ea9fa-2c9d-45d7-8b71-769d10016bf1Post:507359f4-1869-45fa-a9aa-5113791f082b">Re: Help planning a low key wedding</a>:
[QUOTE]Wow.that really turned into something. My original plan was to go with one of the low end packages at the Flamingo that was priced around $700. My dear fiancé has it set in his mind that going to Vegas to get married is going to be very inexpensive and paying that much is crazy. His words exactly, " isn't it about the fact that we love each other? Why do we need to spend a bunch of money getting married?" Then I thought okay maybe he has a point. People spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to get married to put on a show. We do not need to put on a big show to get married. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with having big weddings. If it fits your life then perfect. This is just us and a few friends, who will not care what we do. I DO NOT want to get married at the courthouse. So I figured there might be a decent alternative in the middle. Something about $200-300 (I understand the marriage license fee and ministers fee is separate).
Posted by Singerkay[/QUOTE]

<div>Your FI is mistaken, Las Vegas isn't necessarily cheap and almost never cheaper than a hometown wedding, even if you eloped. For one thing, it costs money only to get there. You should set your priorities straight and figure out if you want to allocate most of your budget to the travelling + staying at the Flamingo or if it makes more sense to put all your funds towards the actual wedding. With such a limited budget, Las Vegas would be a challenge.</div><div>The fact that you see your FI's point doens't mean that looking for a $300 destination solution is really what you want. Plus that same $300 could let you accomplish more in your hometown than in LV. I'm merely suggesting it for the sake of exploring all options.</div><div>The only alternative I can think of would be to have an in-suite ceremony. Hire a minister to come up to your suite, get married, get on with your day.</div><div>
</div><div>Just as a side note, most people don't spend <em>hundreds of thousands</em> of dollars on weddings, that's hardly the case for anyone. </div><div>
</div><div>HTH!</div>

jessecadeshotel · January 2012

http://www.labellaweddingchapel.com/

this is where im getting married. I will have about 20 guests. the package i chose was 499 and that includes minister photographer dvd bouquets etc etc. its a beautiful place and they also have cheaper packages. I went with the 499 so my friends could take photos too. (if you dont have anyone taking photos other than the professional photographer i think its 299) you should check it out! its at the Las Vegas Hilton

diamonddog78 · February 2012

You can spend less than $1k if you book a fancy hotel room for ONE night, light a bunch of candles, and toss some petals down the living room “aisle” as you look out onto the balcony. Order some cupcakes and have a champagne toast with your family. We are booking wedding officiant Angie Kelly with peachykeenunions.com. We are doing a bigger wedding than what I just described for your budget, but I know that she will come to your suite and do a civil ceremony for about $150. Good luck!

Help planning a low key wedding

Re: Help planning a low key wedding

Choose Another Board

Search Boards