I Think These Weddings are Flipping Awesome
Why do I feel compelled to point out these fabulous weddings? They’re sometimes referred to as “budget” or “diy” weddings and while I feel that those terms should be a source of pride I think they’re often seen as second-tier weddings. I know that opinions differ from mine, and that I hope this post won’t be hit with the word “tacky”, it’s just honestly how I feel. I saw this thread on the WB boards and I was mildly miffed about the part where the colleague said he couldn’t afford a wedding.
Why does this miff me? Though I have my sneaking suspicions that this excuse is exactly that, an excuse, I wanted to address it from my heart. Weddings are about marriage and if you and your partner want to be married then cost shouldn’t hold you back. I know that it often feels like we need a dove release, a 10 tier cake, designer gowns, Manolo Blahniks, peonies and the like. Those aren’t needs, they’re wants, which should be the message we all keep in our heads when we start to get overwhelmed.
These weddings are at courthouses, backyards, restaurants and other beautiful venues. I know it isn’t everyone’s dream to be married at one of these venues, but should we rule it out? I think the saving grace for Mr. D and I has been to set a budget and create into it. If I started with creating a wedding before the budget I would have easily been heartbroken over things like peonies and Monique Lhuillier gowns.
(cannot get enough of her blog)
You want more “budget” or “diy” wedding porn? Click those links, you already know my favorite “budget” backyard wedding. These guys had a fabulous $2,000 wedding. Mrs. Tulip also makes a great point about a “budget” wedding.
Who am I to be discussing this? I’m not going to lie to you guys and say that we’re having a $2,000 wedding, but if I had budgeted $2,000 for a wedding I would have an awesome a wedding. Our budget began at a set number and grew by a few thousand (what is UP with tent rentals?!). It has since shrunk further because of a falling exchange rate. Such is life, as our budget shrinks so will our plans. Beer and wine instead of an alcohol free for all? So be it. I do my own make up? So be it. The smaller guest list has been painful yet necessary and I never realized how large my family is. I hope my friends understand if there is lack of an invitation it doesn’t mean a lack of love or friendship.
I’m the kind of girl who refused to try on dresses that cost more than my budget allowed. I’ve made purchasing mistakes and embossing our own invitations cost us more than we would of liked. It happens. I’m not going to beat myself up about it, but I am going to go to the thrift store and find ways to save money. Whatever happens we’ve all agreed not to go into any sort of credit card debt for this soirée and we’re not taking out any loans or dipping into the down payment we have saved for a home.
Am I saying we ALL should have budget weddings? Nope, I’m saying have the kind of wedding you can have. I don’t wear my size 6 jeans anymore because they don’t fit, nor do I wear my size 14s because they don’t fit either. I think it’s important to have a wedding that fits you.
What do you think?
February 17th, 2009 at 8:52 am
Hey, just found your blog as you linked to me. Are you a UK bride?
February 17th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I can totally relate to what you’re talking about here. “Setting a budget and creating into it” is exactly what we’ve done, and I’ve enjoyed it every step of the way. That isn’t to say the unexpected doesn’t happen (who knew that renting stanchions and pipe cost a fortune?), but like you said, you roll with it and figure it out.
February 18th, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Great post … I think you’re right on in this post!