Weddingbee

Such a good post. I’ve been reading guests’ gripes and complaints on other websites to remember guest empathy.

I also went the invite DIY route, and boy did I throw so much stress at those things. I also wasted a bunch of gasoline driving around to find the perfect colors. Sigh…I’m certainly wiser now. But I digress.

We spent more on nice chairs for our guests, many of whom aren’t comfortable sitting for long periods of time. I wanted guests to stay for a while, so we did the sit down test on a couple different chairs before going with a nice padded, sturdy number. I also was obsessed with offering every beverage under the sun. I think I was trying to make up for the fact that we didn’t have alcohol, but you can bet no one went thirsty. We also splurged on a caricature artist.

Of the stuff guests might enjoy, we cut back on programs (none for our 10 minute ceremony) and music (no one dances in our family).

I love this post because in a lot of ways I can relate. I see the wonderful invitations, bridesmaid cards and other paper items produced by the bees and the knotties and sit in awe. I love letterpress and each time I go back to look, admire and drool, I always hit the price button and snap back into reality. For me, I am saving on invitations. It is really just a piece of paper, most guests will throw away and hardly something for which I am willing to break the bank. For us the extra money is being spent on better alcohol, better food, and transporation for the wedding party. We also took into account our disatisfaction with long waits between ceremony and reception and went for a Friday afternoon wedding. I am guessing that my wedding may not look like something out of a magazine, but it will be us, splurges, saves and all!

I loved this post, its a great reminder that its a celebration with and of your family and friends, and not just the two getting married. We’re trying to keep that in mind and plan details that the guests will remember mostly FOOD, we’re having ice cream w/ our cake, and a candy buffet. They may have lots o’ cavities, but at least they’ll be happy!

Like the others, I am so glad to read this post. When my mother and I had the “budget” talk, where she told me what she and my dad were willing to contribute (which was way more than I was expecting!), I remember my first thought - and what I ultimately told her - was “Gee, if you can’t throw a nice party for that, then there’s something wrong with you!” Because, although it is about joining as man and wife, it is ultimately a big party.

Like you, I have totally been under the spell of the bridal magazines and the myriad of bridal websites out there - wedding porn - only to question whether or not the monetary amount my parents are contributing, which I thought was such a huge amount at first, will really be enough. Argh!!!!!

But I’ve started to see through the fog, throw away the magazines (after tearing out cool “idea” pictures) and look for more DIY and budget conscious options. We’re printing our own invites, not having programs, doing our own centerpieces, using a photographer who is building her portfolio (but is still awesome!), and going with a caterer who may not be “fancy” but serves good simple food. We will have beer and wine at our wedding, but we’re providing it instead of going through a caterer.

You are so right - most people will only remember the details (even the “big” ones) if they are truly awful or truly over-the-top amazing. Especially if they take advantage of the free beer and wine….