What do you do when you are feeling discouraged?
I know the moment we got engaged that this wedding is going to be a budget wedding. I knew it would be stressful and I'd be planning a lot of it. But now I am about 4 months into the planning and I just feel discouraged. I feel like I am researching and researching and not finding what I want at all AND when I do, its well out of my budget. We found a fantastic venue, had everything I wanted and currently they have a deal if you book asap. We have until March 31st until this deal runs out. It really isn't over priced but its too much for us to come up with 1k this month. I felt like it was perfect and it helped me out a lot. I felt as if I'd be a lot less stressed because they have a caterer also, they have a bar and its included in price with all the staff, they set up everything (linens, plates, chair covers, ect) and they have a day-of-coordinator... did I mention the uplighting is free of charge if we book in the next month. and we can decorate up to 36 hours in advance. We have about a year until our wedding but everything hinges on the location and venue. I was just wondering from you budget friendly peeps, what do you do when you feel discouraged?
How do you decide on a venue? Is it all about the money? I feel like I found what I loved and its about 7k but that includes everything. ...and my fiancé said..we can wait to book it. but if we wait the venue goes up to about 10k. I feel 6k is reasonable for everything it includes.
Is it worth it to just do everything separate on your own? If I choose a venue that is plain; Id have to worry about a caterer, plates and silverware and cups, napkins, linens and setting up everything the day before. Not to mention Id have to hire a staff, bartender, order whatever alcohol we wanted, and get a permit to serve it. I would have to worry and coordinate everything on my own when I know id rather just be as stressfree as possible on my big day.
I'd still have to get my own cake, photographer, dj, and flowers. But that does not worry me. I plan on making centerpieces, all the gifts, and bouquets/boutonnieres. I have a large diy list for the wedding.
Please don't suggest just going to a courthouse. It means a lot to me to have a big day about it.
Re: What do you do when you are feeling discouraged?
Before you sign anything, read the contract carefully. Are tips and taxes included in the price you were quoted? They can add 35% to the final bill! Be certain you understand everything before you sign.
I may be a little late on this thread, but here's some ideas because sometimes the best venues are hard to find.
Contact caterers in your area. Many of them have a couple if not several they cater to and sometimes they are the exclusive caterer so you wont always find it. My fiance does sales for a catering company and they have 2 venues they cater to exclusively and they are hard to find other wise. One is free with a minimum and one has a room rental fee. Test your options that way.
Also, think of something unconventional. In my hometown, there is a giant pedestrian bridge (thats where my ceremony will be actually) and you can rent it for the whole day for fairly cheap and not many people know you can even rent it. Look at your city or county website to see what is avalible in your area. Additonally, many caterers will provide all glassware and dishes for your event and will help you rent linens and many of the things you will need.