How much was your wedding and how did you pay for it?
02-22-2009, 06:45 PM
#81
~Da Nocturnal Cheetah~
Poor lil squirrel...Hahahahahahahahaha....I own you squirrel...I mean "lil squirrel"...
Awww...I'll make it up to you. You can come to my wedding. It will be small, around the 2-3K range, without a lot of freeloaders, but I plan to have a bbq (where you can roast your nuts) and a formal reception later. it will be outside so you can find lots of other "lil squirrels" to play with...
02-22-2009, 06:50 PM
#83
Team Owner
Damn...that "lil squirrel" shit hurt you like a motherfucker today didn't it? You striking out wildly like a hurt, wounded animal! Got your ass real good!
Poor lil squirrel...Hahahahahahahahaha....I own you squirrel...I mean "lil squirrel"...
Awww...I'll make it up to you. You can come to my wedding. It will be small, around the 2-3K range, without a lot of freeloaders, but I plan to have a bbq (where you can roast your nuts) and a formal reception later. it will be outside so you can find lots of other "lil squirrels" to play with...
Poor lil squirrel...Hahahahahahahahaha....I own you squirrel...I mean "lil squirrel"...
Awww...I'll make it up to you. You can come to my wedding. It will be small, around the 2-3K range, without a lot of freeloaders, but I plan to have a bbq (where you can roast your nuts) and a formal reception later. it will be outside so you can find lots of other "lil squirrels" to play with...
I was joking along with the guy, but you don't understand people so you don't get that.
And you really think "lil squirrel" gets me all butt hurt?
Douche.
02-24-2009, 09:42 AM
#84
Suzuka Master
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After reading all of this I'm thinking destination wedding is the way to go! But then again I come from a big family and they would probably get bitter, and my parents are hardcore Catholic and would have no part of me getting married in anyplace other than a church. sigh. Good thing this won't be happening anytime soon...
02-24-2009, 11:36 AM
#85
all work and no play
Im getting married in May of next year, we currently arent doing any planning untill after my Fiancee graduates this May. We already have the site picked out, its the Yacht club that almost all of my family has been a member at for as long as I can remember. Its not the best appearing banquet room as it sits, but will be great with some decorating (moms the entertainment director there) It will also only cost $200 for me to rent it as a result of moms position. That will also include having the ceremony on the head pier.
Her Father is footing the bill, which we are hoping to keep in the 15k range. My mom is currently planning my cousins wedding at the same place this June, so I have a good idea on prices without doing any legwork myself.
$50 per person for the caterer, who also will be the onsite coordinator for the day of and includes all linens and so forth. $500 tops for the cake from this awesome little cake place mom knows, then just Band or DJ, photographer for maybe two hours (good amatuer photographer uncles FTW) and anything else Im forgetting.
I tried for a sunset wedding in Key West with just our immediate familys, but her dad has MS and said that he wouldnt be able to make the trip
That would have been on the cheap for us, but oh well
02-24-2009, 11:38 AM
#86
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Yep, 19 a person. Its a BBQ dinner, vegetables and includes a nice dessert selection. I've had their food before a few times and was blown away at how good it was.
02-24-2009, 11:38 AM
#87
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02-26-2009, 04:25 PM
#89
Have camera, will travel
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$38K for our wedding last September in LA. There was about 115 people there and the ceremony and reception were at my wifes aunts beautiful home in North Hollywood. Incredibly, her mom paid for just about the entire thing, for which I'll be eternally grateful. 
It was quite the shindig.
It was quite the shindig.
02-26-2009, 09:59 PM
#92
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
Wedding in 1990 - was about 7-8K IIRC. We split it even thirds between her folks, my folks, and us. Her folks wanted small wedding (50), my folks invited 100 people by themselves (you know, the people who all invited them to their kids weddings). So I asked them to cover their friends, and they were cool about it.
But even covering 2K ourselves tapped us dry. We had $300 to go on a honeymoon, and the hotel was $240 for a couple nights. We were at this nice hotel with valet, bell boys, the works. We didn't let anyone touch our car or carry our bags (could not afford to tip). We ate take out pizza and fast food. The funny part was sneaking a pizza box up to the room because we were to embarassed to let anyone know we could not afford to eat at the hotel.
Wouldn't have traded it for anything.
But even covering 2K ourselves tapped us dry. We had $300 to go on a honeymoon, and the hotel was $240 for a couple nights. We were at this nice hotel with valet, bell boys, the works. We didn't let anyone touch our car or carry our bags (could not afford to tip). We ate take out pizza and fast food. The funny part was sneaking a pizza box up to the room because we were to embarassed to let anyone know we could not afford to eat at the hotel.
Wouldn't have traded it for anything.
02-26-2009, 11:59 PM
#94
all work and no play
Wedding in 1990 - was about 7-8K IIRC. We split it even thirds between her folks, my folks, and us. Her folks wanted small wedding (50), my folks invited 100 people by themselves (you know, the people who all invited them to their kids weddings). So I asked them to cover their friends, and they were cool about it.
But even covering 2K ourselves tapped us dry. We had $300 to go on a honeymoon, and the hotel was $240 for a couple nights. We were at this nice hotel with valet, bell boys, the works. We didn't let anyone touch our car or carry our bags (could not afford to tip). We ate take out pizza and fast food. The funny part was sneaking a pizza box up to the room because we were to embarassed to let anyone know we could not afford to eat at the hotel.
Wouldn't have traded it for anything.
But even covering 2K ourselves tapped us dry. We had $300 to go on a honeymoon, and the hotel was $240 for a couple nights. We were at this nice hotel with valet, bell boys, the works. We didn't let anyone touch our car or carry our bags (could not afford to tip). We ate take out pizza and fast food. The funny part was sneaking a pizza box up to the room because we were to embarassed to let anyone know we could not afford to eat at the hotel.
Wouldn't have traded it for anything.
02-27-2009, 09:20 AM
#95
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
^^ It's a very fond memory for us. We were 23 and 21, and I was still in college. We had a big laugh the whole time about being the "poor couple" and just doing whatever was free.
I did make it up to her around our 15th anaversary, with a proper trip to Hawaii and a decent upgrade to her ring.
I did make it up to her around our 15th anaversary, with a proper trip to Hawaii and a decent upgrade to her ring.
02-27-2009, 11:18 AM
#96
Suzuka Master
^^ It's a very fond memory for us. We were 23 and 21, and I was still in college. We had a big laugh the whole time about being the "poor couple" and just doing whatever was free.
I did make it up to her around our 15th anaversary, with a proper trip to Hawaii and a decent upgrade to her ring.
I did make it up to her around our 15th anaversary, with a proper trip to Hawaii and a decent upgrade to her ring.
03-01-2009, 04:48 PM
#98
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My cousin got married back in the summer at a resort in Maryland on the beach. There were about 75 people there and it cost about $13,000. She had a family members make the cake and I took pictures to cut down on the cost. Having people help out ended cutting about $4000 off the bill.
Traditionally the brides parents pay for the wedding but both sets of parents split the bill for this wedding.
Traditionally the brides parents pay for the wedding but both sets of parents split the bill for this wedding.
03-01-2009, 05:34 PM
#99
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i got 3 friends getting marry this summer. I wont be getting marry until at least 3 more years. I will say the wedding will cost me $20K. I'm saving up and investing now...
03-03-2009, 09:02 AM
#100
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My cousin got married back in the summer at a resort in Maryland on the beach. There were about 75 people there and it cost about $13,000. She had a family members make the cake and I took pictures to cut down on the cost. Having people help out ended cutting about $4000 off the bill.
Traditionally the brides parents pay for the wedding but both sets of parents split the bill for this wedding.
Traditionally the brides parents pay for the wedding but both sets of parents split the bill for this wedding.
Its was my cousin's wedding and they are now split and she is pregnant by some other dude. 
03-07-2009, 10:17 PM
#102
One on the right for me
The best wedding I've been to so far has been my cousins. Problem was that it was over 100k - mainly because of the restaurant food/liquor cost. I want a nice reception, I could give a shit about the actual ceremony.
03-08-2009, 02:19 PM
#103
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03-11-2009, 02:59 PM
#104
Safety Car
My wife and I just got married at end of Jan (1.5 months and going strong ), and we were amazed at how things just add up over time.
Our theme was keeping it simple, inexpensive without being cheap, and doing all the planning ourselves. Because we're both indian though, there are certain processes we need to follow (certain number of pre-wedding ceremonies, wedding clothes and accessories to wear at certain times).
We were hoping the entire thing would come in at under $20k, our actual total was ~$45k
she's definately worth it though
For anyone looking for advice, I'd say keep a notebook of all things you want included well before the wedding, make a stringent budget, and try to keep to it
), and we were amazed at how things just add up over time.Our theme was keeping it simple, inexpensive without being cheap, and doing all the planning ourselves. Because we're both indian though, there are certain processes we need to follow (certain number of pre-wedding ceremonies, wedding clothes and accessories to wear at certain times).
We were hoping the entire thing would come in at under $20k, our actual total was ~$45k
she's definately worth it though
For anyone looking for advice, I'd say keep a notebook of all things you want included well before the wedding, make a stringent budget, and try to keep to it
02-18-2010, 06:04 PM
#106
The Box
Back on subject
Has anyone done a destination wedding? I figure having a wedding here at a restaurant is going to be at least $120/person just for food and drinks - roughly 220 people, $26400 just for the restaurant + ceremony and cake, decorations, dress, etc will end up being roughly $33-35K and that's about $30K more than I can afford at this point
I talked to a few people and they said they had a nice destination wedding which cost about $5-8K depending on resort. Thinking Jamaica/Punta Cana/Mexico (not cancun though).
Any of you have any experiences with such?
Has anyone done a destination wedding? I figure having a wedding here at a restaurant is going to be at least $120/person just for food and drinks - roughly 220 people, $26400 just for the restaurant + ceremony and cake, decorations, dress, etc will end up being roughly $33-35K and that's about $30K more than I can afford at this point
I talked to a few people and they said they had a nice destination wedding which cost about $5-8K depending on resort. Thinking Jamaica/Punta Cana/Mexico (not cancun though).
Any of you have any experiences with such?
02-19-2010, 08:18 AM
#107
Team Owner
iTrader: (4)
35 people.....maybe spent $5000. We had it at a Bed and Breakfast in VA.
I spent more on the ring than the wedding.
Dress - Free....my mom made it.
Tuxes - $200
B&B - $1000 - included renting the rooms, living areas and kitchen.
Photos - $700
Booze - $1000
Piano Player - $200
Cake - $150
Other Crap - $1000
Flowers - Free....Hand picked
Food - Free....the family catered it.
I know it sounds a bit cheap and cheesy, but I would not trade it for any other wedding. IMO, it was perfect.
I spent more on the ring than the wedding.
Dress - Free....my mom made it.
Tuxes - $200
B&B - $1000 - included renting the rooms, living areas and kitchen.
Photos - $700
Booze - $1000
Piano Player - $200
Cake - $150
Other Crap - $1000
Flowers - Free....Hand picked
Food - Free....the family catered it.
I know it sounds a bit cheap and cheesy, but I would not trade it for any other wedding. IMO, it was perfect.
02-19-2010, 12:34 PM
#108
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Our estimates are about $20 / person as well..
02-19-2010, 12:55 PM
#110
Old Man Yelling at Clouds
I often wonder what happened in our society that drove us to spend $30K+ on one day. For all the money that gets spent, at the end of the day you get a memory and a photo album. All that other expense goes to service other people. If I were to get married tomorrow, I'd have a wedding with 20 people at it, send out a "we got married" letter, and use the rest of the $ to start our lives with. I'd still have the same memory, and the same photo album.
02-19-2010, 01:13 PM
#111
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Forget paying a photog unless they are really good. My gf's cousin had a wedding a few months back and she had 2 photogs.. I used my father's d90 to take pics as well.. My pics came out so much better, I got the real nice candid shots that they all missed. They really regretted paying for the pros. I would talk with friends who are photo hobbyist.. might be able to get the shots & video for free.. btw, I bought my own d90 after that day.. that dslr impresses the hell out of me.
Last edited by Majofo; 02-19-2010 at 01:15 PM.
02-19-2010, 01:16 PM
#112
Three Wheelin'
35 people.....maybe spent $5000. We had it at a Bed and Breakfast in VA.
I spent more on the ring than the wedding.
Dress - Free....my mom made it.
Tuxes - $200
B&B - $1000 - included renting the rooms, living areas and kitchen.
Photos - $700
Booze - $1000
Piano Player - $200
Cake - $150
Other Crap - $1000
Flowers - Free....Hand picked
Food - Free....the family catered it.
I know it sounds a bit cheap and cheesy, but I would not trade it for any other wedding. IMO, it was perfect.
I spent more on the ring than the wedding.
Dress - Free....my mom made it.
Tuxes - $200
B&B - $1000 - included renting the rooms, living areas and kitchen.
Photos - $700
Booze - $1000
Piano Player - $200
Cake - $150
Other Crap - $1000
Flowers - Free....Hand picked
Food - Free....the family catered it.
I know it sounds a bit cheap and cheesy, but I would not trade it for any other wedding. IMO, it was perfect.
We did everything ass-backwards. I was 26, two years out of college. She was 24, graduating from dental hygiene school. We got pregnant. I decided we had been through a lot and we were destined to be together. We decided to get married. She had about $15k in savings and I was about $7k in credit card debt. We would have liked to have a big wedding but we had to be realistic. In 9 short months, we would be parents. Her mom had a little money but was widowed at a young age and we didn't want to break her nest egg. This was 2000. I had a decent job and was on my way up and we knew she would be doing ok as well.
We got married in Vegas at the Tropicana. We bought simple wedding bands and set our sights on a house. We came back and the mother in law threw us a nice but simple reception. Maybe $7 or $8k. We rented until our son was born and we made sure everything was going to be ok. Meanwhile, I paid off my credit cards. We took half of my wife's savings and bought our first house. After she went to work and our house was furnished I bought her a nice ring.
02-19-2010, 01:39 PM
#113
I often wonder what happened in our society that drove us to spend $30K+ on one day. For all the money that gets spent, at the end of the day you get a memory and a photo album. All that other expense goes to service other people. If I were to get married tomorrow, I'd have a wedding with 20 people at it, send out a "we got married" letter, and use the rest of the $ to start our lives with. I'd still have the same memory, and the same photo album.
So, if you have a really cheap wedding, and let your folks invite whoever they want, and limit your friends who don't have too much money, you can actually break out even, or come out on top as far as the wedding expenses.
I know the chances of this happening aren't too high, but it happens. Most people would rather spend their "day" with close friends as well as family. However, there is a method to how some people plan these things to come out on top.
02-19-2010, 02:09 PM
#114
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Well, in Asian culture, the elders (parents generation and above) usually give the newlyweds money as their gift. It's tradition.
So, if you have a really cheap wedding, and let your folks invite whoever they want, and limit your friends who don't have too much money, you can actually break out even, or come out on top as far as the wedding expenses.
I know the chances of this happening aren't too high, but it happens. Most people would rather spend their "day" with close friends as well as family. However, there is a method to how some people plan these things to come out on top.
So, if you have a really cheap wedding, and let your folks invite whoever they want, and limit your friends who don't have too much money, you can actually break out even, or come out on top as far as the wedding expenses.
I know the chances of this happening aren't too high, but it happens. Most people would rather spend their "day" with close friends as well as family. However, there is a method to how some people plan these things to come out on top.
02-22-2010, 06:33 PM
#115
..................
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Well we ended up getting married in January and let me tell you that shit was hella expensive even in the middle of winter. We had 134 people and spent right around 27k not including the honeymoon or rings. My original prediction was way off.
02-22-2010, 06:35 PM
#116
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
02-22-2010, 07:31 PM
#117
Senior Moderator
Back on subject
Has anyone done a destination wedding? I figure having a wedding here at a restaurant is going to be at least $120/person just for food and drinks - roughly 220 people, $26400 just for the restaurant + ceremony and cake, decorations, dress, etc will end up being roughly $33-35K and that's about $30K more than I can afford at this point
I talked to a few people and they said they had a nice destination wedding which cost about $5-8K depending on resort. Thinking Jamaica/Punta Cana/Mexico (not cancun though).
Any of you have any experiences with such?
Has anyone done a destination wedding? I figure having a wedding here at a restaurant is going to be at least $120/person just for food and drinks - roughly 220 people, $26400 just for the restaurant + ceremony and cake, decorations, dress, etc will end up being roughly $33-35K and that's about $30K more than I can afford at this point
I talked to a few people and they said they had a nice destination wedding which cost about $5-8K depending on resort. Thinking Jamaica/Punta Cana/Mexico (not cancun though).
Any of you have any experiences with such?
Also, not everyone on your guest list will likely be able to afford a trip like that, so if you just keep it small and intimate, it could save you some dough. That is, if the people you definitely want there can afford to go.
02-23-2010, 06:12 AM
#120
Team Owner
iTrader: (4)
Bingo! It's not about how much money you can spend on people you barely like. It's all about the memories.
We did everything ass-backwards. I was 26, two years out of college. She was 24, graduating from dental hygiene school. We got pregnant. I decided we had been through a lot and we were destined to be together. We decided to get married. She had about $15k in savings and I was about $7k in credit card debt. We would have liked to have a big wedding but we had to be realistic. In 9 short months, we would be parents. Her mom had a little money but was widowed at a young age and we didn't want to break her nest egg. This was 2000. I had a decent job and was on my way up and we knew she would be doing ok as well.
We got married in Vegas at the Tropicana. We bought simple wedding bands and set our sights on a house. We came back and the mother in law threw us a nice but simple reception. Maybe $7 or $8k. We rented until our son was born and we made sure everything was going to be ok. Meanwhile, I paid off my credit cards. We took half of my wife's savings and bought our first house. After she went to work and our house was furnished I bought her a nice ring.
We did everything ass-backwards. I was 26, two years out of college. She was 24, graduating from dental hygiene school. We got pregnant. I decided we had been through a lot and we were destined to be together. We decided to get married. She had about $15k in savings and I was about $7k in credit card debt. We would have liked to have a big wedding but we had to be realistic. In 9 short months, we would be parents. Her mom had a little money but was widowed at a young age and we didn't want to break her nest egg. This was 2000. I had a decent job and was on my way up and we knew she would be doing ok as well.
We got married in Vegas at the Tropicana. We bought simple wedding bands and set our sights on a house. We came back and the mother in law threw us a nice but simple reception. Maybe $7 or $8k. We rented until our son was born and we made sure everything was going to be ok. Meanwhile, I paid off my credit cards. We took half of my wife's savings and bought our first house. After she went to work and our house was furnished I bought her a nice ring.
My sister's weddings were big and LARGE. The first one was at a country club in Long Island. Maybe 80 people. I'm sure it cost over $30K. The second was a traditional Hindu wedding in Trinidad. Maybe cost the same. My mom paid for the second one. I just could not imagine all that.