Wedding Date Is Set!
The other day I was watching an episode of Til Debt Do Us Part, there was this couple who were in the middle of planning their wedding without a budget, and had over $100,000 worth of consumer debt! Gail came in to not only save the day, but their life!
The thing that really hit home about this particular episode was the wedding planning. As soon as Gail put them on a debt repayment plan, the couple had decided to cancel all their wedding plans and wait until they were debt free to get married. Gail basically told them that they can still get married – but to do it on a budget and a budget they can afford.
Last March H and I got engaged. Of course, like most newly engaged couples, we started to think and plan our wedding. But because we do have debt, I wanted to wait.
But why?
Why am I going to let this debt stop me from getting married? When I know we can get married without breaking the bank.
This past week H and I have been discussing different things we want, what we don’t want and how much we want it to cost. I love how we are completely on the same page with all of our ideas. We sat down and picked a date, planned the ceremony and our honeymoon – all with our budget in mind!
During this whole downshifting process the most important thing I have learned is living within our means. This applies to our wedding as well.
Yeah yeah yeah, get on with the plans! I know that’s what you’re thinking…
We are having an outdoor, spring wedding at a local park. It’s classified as a “park” – but it’s more of a public garden. There are tons of flowers, trees and trails. It’s really beautiful.
Cost: Free
We are having a JP marry us. There is no reason for this, other than it’s convenient.
Cost: $80.00
We are only inviting 4 people to our wedding. H’s dad, step mom and my parents (we are both only children). We are having our dad’s signs as witnesses. I didn’t know until recently that family could sign! I just assumed they couldn’t. So with this newfound knowledge, it will be that much more special for us. I want this day to be about H and I, and our families.
Cost: N/A
We are not having a reception. We are going to take our parents out for a nice dinner after the ceremony, but again, I want this day to be about family. H and I are not partiers, so we don’t feel the need to celebrate by getting drunk and dancing like idiots. We want this day to be very special for us.
Cost: $250 – $300 (I am estimating $50 per person for food. Both sets of parents do not drink).
I am not going to be purchasing your traditional white wedding dress. I am going to buy a nice white spring/summer dress and shoes, but definitely something I can wear again. We are unsure of what H is going to wear. He is not a tux kind of guy and I want him to be comfortable.
Cost: $200
Wedding bands are already picked out.
Cost: $460
I need to look into getting a photographer as well. I have a couple photographer friends, so I am sure they would give me a great deal. Hey Lisa, going to be in Vancouver anytime soon? Hehe.
Cost: I don’t want to pay more than $500. Considering I will only require them for a short time, I don’t think this is unreasonable.
I think that pretty much takes care of the ceremony aspect. All under $2,000! And we are doing everything we want to do as well. I really don’t understand the $20,000 weddings!! But hey, different people want different things.
We are staying in BC. Because it is absolutely gorgeous here! And there are many parts of the province we haven’t explored.
We have picked this ocean front hotel for a 2-day honeymoon getaway. Isn’t it breathtaking?? It’s about $500 per night for the room we want.
Cost: I didn’t want to spend more than $2,000 – and for that location, we’re right on track!!
Whew!
How awesome is this though. Married and a honeymoon all for around $4,000! We are going to budget $5,000 just to be safe. It’s always nice to have a cushion.
And this is exactly what we both want. We are so excited!!
Let the saving begin!
Rina the Mama Bear on September 12th, 2009
Eeeeeeeeeee congratulations!!!!!!!! SO excited for you both!!!!!
RE H's clothes – how about nice newish jeans and a button up shirt untucked? Have seen lots of guys wear that sort of thing in casual ceremonies, and it would match your casual dress!
You've GOT to tell me which park, I'm curious! Don't worry, LOLOL I won't crash your wedding, hehehehehe.
Oh, so glad for you guys!! Happy planning!!
PS – do you need someone to make you a cake? LOL If it's only for 6 people I could totally do it for ya…