BuckyB93 wrote:Weddings... in my opinion are a total PIA and a waste of money. I've been through a handful of them. Once as the groom and few times as a member to the groomsmen. If I had to do them over again, I would recommend to just elope and enjoy a honeymoon with the money that a "real" wedding would cost. Then I'd do a small family oriented "official" ceremony (if family wants a ceremony) to appease them for picture taking and all that jazz.
My wedding cost a ton of $ and I didn't know 80% of the people that we sent invites to. It was a nice celebration but in hindsight, it was a waste of money as the celebration was more catered to eating, drinking, and entertainment for the crowd.
Tree Fore NINE!
We gave our daughter a lump-sum and told her to do anything they want with it including eloping or just a small wedding on their own with or without parents and others vs. using the money to move back to Boca Raton or to use towards buying a house- or however else she wants to spend it.
She understands the hard budget limit we gave her. Attached string to the gift were simply: that she can not go into any debt for the wedding or honeymoon even though they can afford to.
Now they are down to about 80 if they only extend invitations to immediate family, aunts and uncles, first cousins plus 10 friends. List will be cut further I am sure. And, now it is only going to be a Sunday brunch without all the necessary b.s.
Last to avoid going over budget by only telling vendors (highly negotiable) she has 75% of her true line item budget, thereby reserving 25% for unexpected expenses and overages.