Back from a LONG break-- and big announcement!

[celstu1]

Originally Posted by bizzbeth

THANK YOU, EVERYONE!!!

I was surprised to read about all the small weddings! I am pretty sure I want small, but I don't want to miss out on celebrating and partying with my family and close friends.

We found a state owned garden in Monterey CA that will be affordable to rent, but the catering is pushing us over budget (and that's not counting DJ and flowers and etc.) I'm trying to get creative...

We currently own a house together, so we're in a better position than some soon-to-be-married couple, but I can't seem to justify spending +10K for one day.

I am loving the suggestions, ladies! Keep them coming!!!!! Celstu1: Wine bottles and hydrangeas was a great idea! I might steal it ;-)

I'll see if I can send you a pic! I think if you could find the old wedding thread from last year, there are pics too! they came out awesome, and when I go to people's houses I see them displayed in their houses, they are using them to write on! Like little notes to each other in chalk and leaving them on the kitchen counter. Love it!!

[Patti]

Originally Posted by chattiesmom

Oh my gosh, Patti! That is EXACTLY how Ron and I got married 32 years ago. We already had our license and decided at 7:00 pm to get married that night and by 9:05 pm we had said our I DO's. I did have a beautiful gown and to die for flowers. Our reception lasted about 15 minutes for hubby and I and then we left. The food consisted of coke, coffee, and Oreos that we picked up at the convenience store. The ONLY regret that I have is that we didn't get more pics. On our way to our honeymoon love nest we left our flowers on Ron's fathers grave.

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To the blushing bride to be - a huge Congratulations. My prayers are with you for a long and happy marriage. My suggestion is to use the KIS method - Keep It Simple and avoid as much stress as possible. It is YOUR wedding don't let ANYONE try to take control.

Ken and I would have been married 31 years this year so we were married a year apart from you too. We had a long 12 year engagement. We used the money my parents would have spent on the wedding for a down payment on a house.
I think the day has to be the way you and your fiancé want it. Just enjoy the day knowing it's the start of the best years of your life.