Planning A Wedding During the Recession
I am a resident of Michigan and I am trying to plan a wedding for September of 2009. One of my problems is that we are both dealing with layoffs and that will alter the budget. Vendors are not very considerate of the struggling times and it's too late to bag out. I still need a florist, photographer, videographer, dress, and invitations. With the budget cut I need people that are dependable and do good work. PLEASE HELP!
Go on Ebay for wedding deals!
Last year I was told by my doctor that I have a terminal lung illness and my husband has surprised me by asking me if I want to have a vow renewal ceremony to give us the wedding we could not afford years ago.
I was worried trying to figure out how to come up with the money for it but I went on Ebay and I am finding deals left and right and saved alot of money.
For example: There was an auction for a $1200.00 wedding gown that I won the auction and only paid $300 for the gown.
Go to paperworksbyedith.com and this lady is amazing and reasonable. She can create handmade invitations that will take your breath away.
She is doing mine and they are gorgeous. And for 25 invites it is around $60.00. There is another lady I found on Ebay that is doing my flowers from silk flowers and they are very beautiful.
Let me know if this helps.
I am trying to find all kinds of way to stretch a dollar for my wedding.
Ann
Thank you for the info!
I too live in Michigan and my daughter is getting married in September 2009. One thing that we have found is that most businesses are willing to dicker with you. If we see something we like, but don't like the price; we tell them and usually they will come down in price and if we don't like that, we ask "Can't you do better?" and sure enough they will come down as low as 25-30% off because they want our business. If they won't come down, then we tell them thank you, but we will be looking elsewhere. Everyone in Michigan is feeling the crunch right now, even the business owners.
I wonder could you gather all family and friends to come together and assist you. How many might be a professional photographer by trade or as a hobby and could be your photographer as your wedding gift? Most couples with small children own a video camera.
Making your own centerpieces can save on the budget. In most cities there are the main hub where all the flowers are flown in, then purchased or distributed to those that sell. You can make your own bouquet.
Michaels, the craft store, sells all the supplies to make your own flower bouquet as well as your bridesmaids.
You can have a beautiful weddding - be creative.
Weddings are for family and friends. It is the ceremony and the marriage that is for the couple.
One of my couples contacted me finding out only a few weeks before that the caterer was not supplying the Chuppah.
Everyone came together including me. I have my traveling Chuppah important elements - the bases, the poles and the pretty fabric that covers the poles and bases. I sent the bride to a specific store and she purchased the fabric that makes it a Chuppah (wedding canopy). The brides father hammered the grommets in all four courners. The brides mom made tulle bowls with pretty ribbon to decorate the four corners.
Want to the see the finished Chuppah. Wait until after this weekend, it will be posted on my web site.
http://www.jewish-wedding-rabbi.com/ceremony-photos.html
All the best in planning your wedding - trust those around you.
Rabbi Andrea
I have been running a New orleans Wedding photography business for over 20 years. I understand how the economy has affected many people and I feel your pain. I have reduced my prices but I still have to stay in business. Many other wedding providers I know have dropped some of there prices also.