Ok so with all of this wedding sponsor stuff going on how do you get one? I have searched everywhere, wrote letters upon letters to companies, still nothing.
I am stressing, my wedding is in 2 months, I just lost my job. The economy is horrible. I spend my days looking for work and looking for ways to finish paying for our wedding. I have been called a looser, my finance has been. called a looser (he works full-time plus but it is paying our bills).
If we cancel now we loose ALL deposits, our invitations have been mailed. Plus if we cancel our guests loose ALL the money they have paid for travel (many of them are coming from out of state or country. What does one do?
I have totally done DIY on EVERYTHING possible, Invitations (decided to do this before), Centerpieces, Favors, I am even having silk flowers done at a craft shop, I tried to DIY those and didn't do so well so I took the flowers to a craft shop and had them do them. I am not renting anything except chair covers. I have really cut this budget to nothing. Still i need to come up with enough to pay off our vendors.
I sit in hysterics and cry most of the day, my fiance is at work and has no idea. I do mange to go apply for work and go to interviews. I then pull myself together before he comes home make dinner and make nice with him. Inside though I am falling apart I want this wedding so bad....
maybe make some menu changes? can you register for monetary gifts and phrase it apropriately? that way you could get a loan and then pay off some of it with the wedding gift money? definitely ask your parents if they can give you a loan (you have two sets theoretically) or ask your family that they pitch in for the vendor as your wedding gift. yeah the chair covers could save you anywhere from 200-500 dollars. i hope it works out for you! cheer up - there have been "minimalist" wedings that were very beautiful and meaningful.
CBride, sorry to hear about your troubles- no one should be calling you or your fiance losers!
I don't actually know how wedding sponsorships work, but if they're like any other kind of sponsorships, they might be hard to find, and take a long time to finalize, so it might not be wise to count on something like that. More likely you will have to work with what you have.
I don't know how much you still owe your vendors, or how much you would stand to lose by cancelling, but it sounds like something drastic may have to be done. If you really have your heart set on something fancy, it might be best to cancel/postpone until your financial situation is better. Yes, you'll lose deposits but it will be better than spending money you don't have. And your guests will lost their money, but they will understand.
If you think you will be happy with a more budget affair, consider cancelling some vendors, like a DJ, or cutting catering. Again, I don't know what your plans are, or how much you'd be willing to trim. Things like chair covers and favors shouldn't really still be in the picture if you are worrying about paying your vendors in the first place.
Anyway, good luck, and good wishes!
(Sorry this was bugging me: loose=not tight, lose=to deprived of. Ie., losers, lose your deposits)
Why don't you consider a cocktail reception rather than a full meal? If you're offering a bar at your reception, limit it to wine and beer. You could also go to your local liquor store and talk to the owner- see if they would consider giving you a deal on the alcohol. It's all worth a shot... I hate to say I agree with the ladies- chair covers shouldn't even be a question at this point if you're worried about paying vendors. Are you going on a honeymoon? You can always postpone that too...best of luck..
All the pp have really great suggestions. Finding a sponsor might stress you out even more, not only the search itself, but the fact that they'll probably want to change a lot of things around (alter the color scheme, meal, etc.)
Good luck. That sounds so stressful - I'm really sorry you're having to deal with all of that. It might help to let your FI know how overwhelmed you feel...
Sorry for my earlier post... I was in the middle of crying still am.. I did just e-mail the rental company and cancel the chair covers...LOL. I need like $4000. Parents yeah mine will do nothing. My father is a full believer in living together. He is boycotting my wedding altogether, he says I am too old to be married. (38 year old), never been married. He says just live together. Fiances parents... they said we are to ask my parents for help. They are firm believers in "the Bride's" parents paying. LOL I don't even have anyone to walk me down the aisle. My Mom, another story I haven't seen or talked to her since I was a young child, she just kinda left me alone. My Dad and her divorced when I was 8 months old. Sorry about my spelling earlier... I was not paying attention to what i was doing as I was typing so fast.
A cocktail wedding might be your best bet! If you can't come up with $4000 on your own in two months PLEASE don't keep hoping that it'll just fall from the sky!
cut, cut, cut!
Do you have a photographer? Reduce his hours. Have friends take lots of pics.
Wedding cake? switch to cupcakes.
DJ? switch to less time, less lights, no lights....ipod.
3 course meal? Make it two...use cupcakes as dessert
Fish, steak or chicken? feed everyone chicken
Limo? have your friend drive you.
Can you return your favors? can you return anything?
finally...TALK TO YOUR FI...he might have ideas and you need the support...that's why have each other...it's also his wedding!
First of all, sunk costs are sunk costs. Don't think about the money that you have already put into deposits. If you put down an $800 deposit, and have another $3000 to put in, then bailing on the contract will save you $3000.
You could also advertise that you have a wedding for sale, and try to get another bride to book the venue(s) that you have if you wanted to get your deposite back.
If guests have already arranged for travel, then you do need to do something for them.
It is possible to have a very nice wedding for not much money. Would you be averse to having a picnic in the park, with family helping to pitchi in? Guests would be fed, and even if you bail on your original reception/ceremony venue, you would probably save money from what you still have to pay.
Cut out the alchohol. Cut out the chair covers. Cut out fancy table linens.
If that sounds unappealing, then reduce your everyday budget. Cable TV? Get rid of it until after the wedding. That'll save you at least $40-200, depending on the package. Cell phone plan? Cut back your minutes/texting/etc. Car insurance? It might be worth it to reduce your coverage (but definitely check into the pros/cons of this.) If you have 2 cars, try and use only the one with better gas mileage. Or better yet, walk/bike/use public transport if it is an option in your area. Turn off the AC (especially when you're not at home.) Think about selling unused items at a yard sale or on Ebay- Mrs. Tulip just blogged about it yesterday.
Don't buy anything else at the store- no clothes, shoes, etc. Stop going out to eat and make meals at home (which you should have time to do!) Make enough for leftovers so that you have something to eat for lucnh without going out. And if you are a regular coffee drinker, make it at home instead of Starbucks.
You might also want to think about working in retail/waitressing to earn a little bit extra to help out.
If you work really hard at reducing your unnecessary costs (the things you need vs. the things you want), I think it is totally possible to save the money you need if you are willing to make some lifestyle changes.
V has some great ideas. You can make this work. It might not be perfect right now, but it will be perfect the day of. As far as people losing money in your cancel, that's not necessarily true. Non-refundable tickets can me changed for a fee most times and they can cancel their hotels. Have a small wedding at your house or out in a park. Depending on where you live, you could get married at city hall (some are even pretty) and then have everybody go out to lunch or dinner. People will understand. It's just one day, don't let it ruin your life. You'll get through it and you'll be married!
On the subject of food and cake---decreasing meal options (hors d'oeuvres and cocktails instead of a full dinner) would probably help on the food budget.
Also, if you've not spent a lot of money on a wedding cake, grocery store bakeries can craft beautiful, delicious cakes for dramatically less than a wedding bakery. You could get three single-tier cakes from the grocery store and have a cake spread instead of the traditional tall wedding cake. See if friends and relatives have cake stands you can borrow. If you're wanting to decorate them on the cheap beyond what the grocery store bakery can do, buy fresh flowers the day before and decorate the tops of the cake. Once they're out of their boxes no one will know the difference and this could save you hundreds of dollars.
Waitressing!! You say that you are looking for a job - not sure what industry you are in, but now may not be the time to look for a career job - but a money job. Being a waitress at a busy place that sells alcohol (seriously, even an Applebees will work) brings in a lot of cash quickly. You should be able to average a minimum of $10 an hour in wages and tips at a busy place, and that will get you very close to $4k in 2 months time. Plus, you would wait tables on nights and weekends, so you would have your days to work on wedding stuff (and find ways to cut costs) and look for a job in whatever career you are in. Do not waste your time trying to get your weddding sponsored - that is near impossible to get - just go get a job, any job, that will pay you a minimum of $10 an hour, and work 40 hours a week until the wedding and you'll be fine. Good luck. (Other things I've done when I'm strapped for cash - I'm a grad student - is secret shopping, babysitting, and tutoring).
I would check your contracts - many of mine have caluses that say the final balance is due on x date, but if not paid by then they will charge interest on the balance. So maybe you could contact your vendors and work out a payment plan with them. Say, I can pay you the remaining balance in 3 monthly installments following the wedding. With the bad economy, I think vendors would be happier to receive a delayed payment in full than receive nothing because you had to cancel them.
Check at local community centers or colleges for new vendors. You may be able to find photography students, musicians, bakers, even hair stylists, who will work waaaaay cheaper than paying the remainder of a vendor fee.
Register at a few temp agencies. You should be able to get work fairly quickly (banquest servers, clerical, etc) while you continue to find something permanent.
Talk with your fiance! He needs to know how you feel.
Stop looking at any wedding TV shows, magazines, and websites (except the Bee of course!). I find that those things really get me down, because I get wrapped up in what I'm not or can't do. Focus on what you CAN do - and it sounds like you're already doing a lot.
Have you fiance meet you half-way down the aisle and escort you the rest of the way up. My bro and SIL did this and it was incredibly sweet and touching. This way, he gets to see you coming down, but you also don't have to walk alone.
Out-of-town guests are coming because they love and support you two, NOT because they are expecting to be wined and dined. You can always create a (free) wedding website for any changes, then e-mail the link.
Additionally, I wanted to offer some support. I don't understand how you all could be losers. Any time two people want to make a formal commitment, the LAST thing they are are losers, cheap, immoral, etc. Ultimately this is about you and your fiance being in love and wanting to be together. THAT's what matters - and the day will be perfect because you all will be together.
p.s. - sorry if any of that came off short. I had just finished when my computer decided to erase my post ... my computer was in grave danger of being thrown across the room (=
Your location on profile says Midwest -- I don't know where exactly that means, but I'm from MN and I have found that people in general and professional and sales people in particular tend to be very understanding and sympathetic compared to other parts of the country.
What I mean to say is, pick out the vendors that you've deposited with who seem the most nice, sympathetic, or easygoing. Then go to them and just explain what's going on. Cry if you want to -- it might help! Tell them that you understand the deposit is not refundable, but that you'd like to scale back to a lower grade of whatever service it is they offer. I don't know, I'm a small woman, and I look about twelve, so my crying routine usually works -- not everyone's will. Sort of unorthodox, but it might help!
I hope that everything turns out for you -- I've been working 3-4 days at a time at temp positions this summer, and my FI is working construction, so we know exactly how that cramped budget feels.
I just want to say that anything you ever write here will be taken kindly and never think that anyone will "rip you to shreds"--I truly believe we are all like-minded people here--we all want to have and everyone else to have a wedding that will leave them with happy and lasting memories. I agree with virtually everyone on this post--cut out as many frivolities as possible. If you cut out the cake and do cupcakes, can you bake them yourself? Expensive wedding dress? Sell it on ebay and buy a simple white sheath from a department store for $100. I say cut the reception all together and gather your guests at a park for a picnic--weddings do not have to be fancy to be beautiful.
remember, at the end of the day it's about you and your future husband. So dry those eyes! and get to work on finding a job (there is no shame in working *anywhere* to pay your bills dear!)
best of luck and we're always here to lend support!
I second to quit watching the wedding shows and reading the magazines. I have come to hate my dress (I'm three weeks out) because of the ones I see on Platinum Weddings. I don't even know why I watch that show. One bride spent more on her bridal CAKE jewelry than we are on our entire wedding.
Pick up a waitressing job to earn some money at nights, that will absolutely help you out. Good luck!
Hi guys I appreciate ALL of the advice!!! Unfortunately I have seriously tried it all. In answer to some of your questions.. I live in Ohio. I have been ripped to shreds on other wedding sites for this Question and been called a loser. Even BEFORE the job issue I had done research and put into play your sugesstions. I wanted a wedding not a Hollywood affair...LOL As for my dress I fell in LOVE with one from Fashion Bug (yes they do Bridal) and I got it on clearance for $5 I just had to have it shortened. I borrowed my shoes (they go perfect with my dress). No hair and makeup (doing it myself, seen no need for a crazy price for something I could do). I picked the small packages on everything. Cake I am already doing the cupcakes and from a grocery instead of some high priced bakery.
I have applied for waitressing jobs, they won't hire me I have no experience in it, I have spent the last 14 years doing Home Health Care. I HAVE applied at just jobs actually any job even factory.
The bad thing is, is 4 months ago we had all of the money saved up for the wedding and I got sick REAL sick. I was burning up with fevers of 104+ and when I went to the doctor I found out I had an infected tooth and the infection went into my blood. So off to the dentist I go... $3800 dollars later there is no savings, insurance used up but I have am not so sick anymore that I can't get out of bed. We were like OK no big deal we both work we can pay it off. Then my job did cut backs and I was cut. Me the person who increased their business 205.6% in 6 months time was cut because I didn't have RN after my name. Funny thing is they hired the RN because I had made the office so busy they needed one, then they decided to cut out one position entirely in all offices and let the RN do it also. So Bye- Bye job.
Oh Ladies I just don't know what to do or think anymore like I said I live in a small town in Ohio and around here there is just nothing, no jobs, no one interested in sponsoring a wedding. Vendors yeah they won't accept a payment plan. I am screwed, I am depressed, FI knows I feel this way I just don't like to harp at it on him, he is the one person that brings me up:)
Ok so with all of this wedding sponsor stuff going on how do you get one? I have searched everywhere, wrote letters upon letters to companies, still nothing.
I am stressing, my wedding is in 2 months, I just lost my job. The economy is horrible. I spend my days looking for work and looking for ways to finish paying for our wedding. I have been called a looser, my finance has been. called a looser (he works full-time plus but it is paying our bills).
If we cancel now we loose ALL deposits, our invitations have been mailed. Plus if we cancel our guests loose ALL the money they have paid for travel (many of them are coming from out of state or country. What does one do?
I have totally done DIY on EVERYTHING possible, Invitations (decided to do this before), Centerpieces, Favors, I am even having silk flowers done at a craft shop, I tried to DIY those and didn't do so well so I took the flowers to a craft shop and had them do them. I am not renting anything except chair covers. I have really cut this budget to nothing. Still i need to come up with enough to pay off our vendors.
I sit in hysterics and cry most of the day, my fiance is at work and has no idea. I do mange to go apply for work and go to interviews. I then pull myself together before he comes home make dinner and make nice with him. Inside though I am falling apart I want this wedding so bad....
posted by CBride 23 posts 4 months agoHow much do you need?
Who's calling you a loser? you could uninvite those people right there...maybe it'll save you some $.
Ask a family member or friend for a loan?
Cut the vendors you really don't need...even if you lose the deposit is better than owing what you don't have?
CUT the chair covers!!!
posted by V 233 posts 4 months agomaybe make some menu changes? can you register for monetary gifts and phrase it apropriately? that way you could get a loan and then pay off some of it with the wedding gift money? definitely ask your parents if they can give you a loan (you have two sets theoretically) or ask your family that they pitch in for the vendor as your wedding gift. yeah the chair covers could save you anywhere from 200-500 dollars. i hope it works out for you! cheer up - there have been "minimalist" wedings that were very beautiful and meaningful.
posted by ATaleofTwoCities 65 posts 4 months agoCBride, sorry to hear about your troubles- no one should be calling you or your fiance losers!
I don't actually know how wedding sponsorships work, but if they're like any other kind of sponsorships, they might be hard to find, and take a long time to finalize, so it might not be wise to count on something like that. More likely you will have to work with what you have.
I don't know how much you still owe your vendors, or how much you would stand to lose by cancelling, but it sounds like something drastic may have to be done. If you really have your heart set on something fancy, it might be best to cancel/postpone until your financial situation is better. Yes, you'll lose deposits but it will be better than spending money you don't have. And your guests will lost their money, but they will understand.
If you think you will be happy with a more budget affair, consider cancelling some vendors, like a DJ, or cutting catering. Again, I don't know what your plans are, or how much you'd be willing to trim. Things like chair covers and favors shouldn't really still be in the picture if you are worrying about paying your vendors in the first place.
Anyway, good luck, and good wishes!
(Sorry this was bugging me: loose=not tight, lose=to deprived of. Ie., losers, lose your deposits)
posted by peihan17 222 posts 4 months agoWhy don't you consider a cocktail reception rather than a full meal? If you're offering a bar at your reception, limit it to wine and beer. You could also go to your local liquor store and talk to the owner- see if they would consider giving you a deal on the alcohol. It's all worth a shot... I hate to say I agree with the ladies- chair covers shouldn't even be a question at this point if you're worried about paying vendors. Are you going on a honeymoon? You can always postpone that too...best of luck..
posted by ksatters 2 posts 4 months agoAll the pp have really great suggestions. Finding a sponsor might stress you out even more, not only the search itself, but the fact that they'll probably want to change a lot of things around (alter the color scheme, meal, etc.)
Good luck. That sounds so stressful - I'm really sorry you're having to deal with all of that. It might help to let your FI know how overwhelmed you feel...
posted by amysue 641 posts 4 months agoSorry for my earlier post... I was in the middle of crying still am.. I did just e-mail the rental company and cancel the chair covers...LOL. I need like $4000. Parents yeah mine will do nothing. My father is a full believer in living together. He is boycotting my wedding altogether, he says I am too old to be married. (38 year old), never been married. He says just live together. Fiances parents... they said we are to ask my parents for help. They are firm believers in "the Bride's" parents paying. LOL I don't even have anyone to walk me down the aisle. My Mom, another story I haven't seen or talked to her since I was a young child, she just kinda left me alone. My Dad and her divorced when I was 8 months old. Sorry about my spelling earlier... I was not paying attention to what i was doing as I was typing so fast.
posted by CBride 23 posts 4 months agoNo honeymoon we didn't even plan one, we didn't want to take off work for it.
posted by CBride 23 posts 4 months agoA cocktail wedding might be your best bet! If you can't come up with $4000 on your own in two months PLEASE don't keep hoping that it'll just fall from the sky!
cut, cut, cut!
Do you have a photographer? Reduce his hours. Have friends take lots of pics.
Wedding cake? switch to cupcakes.
DJ? switch to less time, less lights, no lights....ipod.
3 course meal? Make it two...use cupcakes as dessert
Fish, steak or chicken? feed everyone chicken
Limo? have your friend drive you.
Can you return your favors? can you return anything?
finally...TALK TO YOUR FI...he might have ideas and you need the support...that's why have each other...it's also his wedding!
posted by V 233 posts 4 months agoFirst of all, sunk costs are sunk costs. Don't think about the money that you have already put into deposits. If you put down an $800 deposit, and have another $3000 to put in, then bailing on the contract will save you $3000.
You could also advertise that you have a wedding for sale, and try to get another bride to book the venue(s) that you have if you wanted to get your deposite back.
If guests have already arranged for travel, then you do need to do something for them.
It is possible to have a very nice wedding for not much money. Would you be averse to having a picnic in the park, with family helping to pitchi in? Guests would be fed, and even if you bail on your original reception/ceremony venue, you would probably save money from what you still have to pay.
Cut out the alchohol. Cut out the chair covers. Cut out fancy table linens.
If that sounds unappealing, then reduce your everyday budget. Cable TV? Get rid of it until after the wedding. That'll save you at least $40-200, depending on the package. Cell phone plan? Cut back your minutes/texting/etc. Car insurance? It might be worth it to reduce your coverage (but definitely check into the pros/cons of this.) If you have 2 cars, try and use only the one with better gas mileage. Or better yet, walk/bike/use public transport if it is an option in your area. Turn off the AC (especially when you're not at home.) Think about selling unused items at a yard sale or on Ebay- Mrs. Tulip just blogged about it yesterday.
Don't buy anything else at the store- no clothes, shoes, etc. Stop going out to eat and make meals at home (which you should have time to do!) Make enough for leftovers so that you have something to eat for lucnh without going out. And if you are a regular coffee drinker, make it at home instead of Starbucks.
You might also want to think about working in retail/waitressing to earn a little bit extra to help out.
If you work really hard at reducing your unnecessary costs (the things you need vs. the things you want), I think it is totally possible to save the money you need if you are willing to make some lifestyle changes.
posted by dahlia 117 posts 4 months agoV has some great ideas. You can make this work. It might not be perfect right now, but it will be perfect the day of. As far as people losing money in your cancel, that's not necessarily true. Non-refundable tickets can me changed for a fee most times and they can cancel their hotels. Have a small wedding at your house or out in a park. Depending on where you live, you could get married at city hall (some are even pretty) and then have everybody go out to lunch or dinner. People will understand. It's just one day, don't let it ruin your life. You'll get through it and you'll be married!
posted by KateMW 483 posts 4 months agoOn the subject of food and cake---decreasing meal options (hors d'oeuvres and cocktails instead of a full dinner) would probably help on the food budget.
Also, if you've not spent a lot of money on a wedding cake, grocery store bakeries can craft beautiful, delicious cakes for dramatically less than a wedding bakery. You could get three single-tier cakes from the grocery store and have a cake spread instead of the traditional tall wedding cake. See if friends and relatives have cake stands you can borrow. If you're wanting to decorate them on the cheap beyond what the grocery store bakery can do, buy fresh flowers the day before and decorate the tops of the cake. Once they're out of their boxes no one will know the difference and this could save you hundreds of dollars.
posted by chelseamorning 216 posts 4 months agoWaitressing!! You say that you are looking for a job - not sure what industry you are in, but now may not be the time to look for a career job - but a money job. Being a waitress at a busy place that sells alcohol (seriously, even an Applebees will work) brings in a lot of cash quickly. You should be able to average a minimum of $10 an hour in wages and tips at a busy place, and that will get you very close to $4k in 2 months time. Plus, you would wait tables on nights and weekends, so you would have your days to work on wedding stuff (and find ways to cut costs) and look for a job in whatever career you are in. Do not waste your time trying to get your weddding sponsored - that is near impossible to get - just go get a job, any job, that will pay you a minimum of $10 an hour, and work 40 hours a week until the wedding and you'll be fine. Good luck. (Other things I've done when I'm strapped for cash - I'm a grad student - is secret shopping, babysitting, and tutoring).
posted by enmoore66 217 posts 4 months agoI would check your contracts - many of mine have caluses that say the final balance is due on x date, but if not paid by then they will charge interest on the balance. So maybe you could contact your vendors and work out a payment plan with them. Say, I can pay you the remaining balance in 3 monthly installments following the wedding. With the bad economy, I think vendors would be happier to receive a delayed payment in full than receive nothing because you had to cancel them.
posted by snmcdowell 468 posts 4 months agoA few thoughts ...
Check at local community centers or colleges for new vendors. You may be able to find photography students, musicians, bakers, even hair stylists, who will work waaaaay cheaper than paying the remainder of a vendor fee.
Register at a few temp agencies. You should be able to get work fairly quickly (banquest servers, clerical, etc) while you continue to find something permanent.
Talk with your fiance! He needs to know how you feel.
Stop looking at any wedding TV shows, magazines, and websites (except the Bee of course!). I find that those things really get me down, because I get wrapped up in what I'm not or can't do. Focus on what you CAN do - and it sounds like you're already doing a lot.
Have you fiance meet you half-way down the aisle and escort you the rest of the way up. My bro and SIL did this and it was incredibly sweet and touching. This way, he gets to see you coming down, but you also don't have to walk alone.
Out-of-town guests are coming because they love and support you two, NOT because they are expecting to be wined and dined. You can always create a (free) wedding website for any changes, then e-mail the link.
Additionally, I wanted to offer some support. I don't understand how you all could be losers. Any time two people want to make a formal commitment, the LAST thing they are are losers, cheap, immoral, etc. Ultimately this is about you and your fiance being in love and wanting to be together. THAT's what matters - and the day will be perfect because you all will be together.
Best of luck!
posted by jeninrva 42 posts 4 months agop.s. - sorry if any of that came off short. I had just finished when my computer decided to erase my post ... my computer was in grave danger of being thrown across the room (=
posted by jeninrva 42 posts 4 months agoYour location on profile says Midwest -- I don't know where exactly that means, but I'm from MN and I have found that people in general and professional and sales people in particular tend to be very understanding and sympathetic compared to other parts of the country.
What I mean to say is, pick out the vendors that you've deposited with who seem the most nice, sympathetic, or easygoing. Then go to them and just explain what's going on. Cry if you want to -- it might help! Tell them that you understand the deposit is not refundable, but that you'd like to scale back to a lower grade of whatever service it is they offer. I don't know, I'm a small woman, and I look about twelve, so my crying routine usually works -- not everyone's will. Sort of unorthodox, but it might help!
I hope that everything turns out for you -- I've been working 3-4 days at a time at temp positions this summer, and my FI is working construction, so we know exactly how that cramped budget feels.
posted by December 70 posts 4 months agoI just want to say that anything you ever write here will be taken kindly and never think that anyone will "rip you to shreds"--I truly believe we are all like-minded people here--we all want to have and everyone else to have a wedding that will leave them with happy and lasting memories. I agree with virtually everyone on this post--cut out as many frivolities as possible. If you cut out the cake and do cupcakes, can you bake them yourself? Expensive wedding dress? Sell it on ebay and buy a simple white sheath from a department store for $100. I say cut the reception all together and gather your guests at a park for a picnic--weddings do not have to be fancy to be beautiful.
remember, at the end of the day it's about you and your future husband. So dry those eyes! and get to work on finding a job (there is no shame in working *anywhere* to pay your bills dear!)
best of luck and we're always here to lend support!
posted by mrsbic 51 posts 4 months agoI second to quit watching the wedding shows and reading the magazines. I have come to hate my dress (I'm three weeks out) because of the ones I see on Platinum Weddings. I don't even know why I watch that show. One bride spent more on her bridal CAKE jewelry than we are on our entire wedding.
Pick up a waitressing job to earn some money at nights, that will absolutely help you out. Good luck!
posted by jma19 364 posts 4 months agoHi guys I appreciate ALL of the advice!!! Unfortunately I have seriously tried it all. In answer to some of your questions.. I live in Ohio. I have been ripped to shreds on other wedding sites for this Question and been called a loser. Even BEFORE the job issue I had done research and put into play your sugesstions. I wanted a wedding not a Hollywood affair...LOL As for my dress I fell in LOVE with one from Fashion Bug (yes they do Bridal) and I got it on clearance for $5 I just had to have it shortened. I borrowed my shoes (they go perfect with my dress). No hair and makeup (doing it myself, seen no need for a crazy price for something I could do). I picked the small packages on everything. Cake I am already doing the cupcakes and from a grocery instead of some high priced bakery.
I have applied for waitressing jobs, they won't hire me I have no experience in it, I have spent the last 14 years doing Home Health Care. I HAVE applied at just jobs actually any job even factory.
The bad thing is, is 4 months ago we had all of the money saved up for the wedding and I got sick REAL sick. I was burning up with fevers of 104+ and when I went to the doctor I found out I had an infected tooth and the infection went into my blood. So off to the dentist I go... $3800 dollars later there is no savings, insurance used up but I have am not so sick anymore that I can't get out of bed. We were like OK no big deal we both work we can pay it off. Then my job did cut backs and I was cut. Me the person who increased their business 205.6% in 6 months time was cut because I didn't have RN after my name. Funny thing is they hired the RN because I had made the office so busy they needed one, then they decided to cut out one position entirely in all offices and let the RN do it also. So Bye- Bye job.
Oh Ladies I just don't know what to do or think anymore like I said I live in a small town in Ohio and around here there is just nothing, no jobs, no one interested in sponsoring a wedding. Vendors yeah they won't accept a payment plan. I am screwed, I am depressed, FI knows I feel this way I just don't like to harp at it on him, he is the one person that brings me up:)
posted by CBride 23 posts 4 months ago