We’re getting married on a budget. You could say that there’s basically NO money for a wedding. We’ve been together for years. We already have a child together (willingly). We simply cannot (and would not wish to) spend thousands upon thousands of dollars on one day of our lives.. regardless of how special it is to us. We would like a nice ceremony but attire alone would cost us upwards of $500 (and that’s buying things on sale that were already low cost….). Does anyone have any suggestions for attire? We are planning on having an outdoor wedding. Also we have not set a location yet and are seriously considering our own backyard simply because we can’t fins any location near us to use for under $500 so if anyone has suggestions or other tips they’d be appreciated.
Our area (VA) doesn't allow people to be married at the courthouse or magistrate's office. We have to have a ceremony officiated. I feel like we should do something 'nice' if we're going that route but I'm torn. Thank you for your kindness. That's our mentality exactly. Thanks for the ideas! I didn't think to check the discount shops or clearance sales for dresses. And I love the idea of a 'theme' wedding! Ha! We could have a toga wedding… there's a white dress… (I'm kidding - mostly).

Oh yeah. In fact my sister is next month. Her groom is wearing a cuban suit. He refuses to wear a suit or tie.

you know like this
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fashionable_male/24006492/

My sister is wearing a pale pink sundress. They are getting married on the beach. Most beach weddings I’ve seen the groom is in khakis and a button up shirt. Sometimes tie and the sleeves rolled up. Rarely a jacket.

You are in VA why not do a beach wedding? Officiant-roughly $100. Marriage license- roughly $60. Go down to the beach. Get married with just parents and siblings there. Have a place cater-less than $100. I mean BBQ for 6-8 would only be about $40. Italian would be closer to $100. Cake-ask moms to make it. Bouquet-walmart $5-10. Grand total $250-300 not including wardrobe. You could wear something already in your closet or get a nice sundress that you can wear over and over again. I have a beautiful one in white that I get compliments on every time I wear it.

http://www.newport-news.com/shop/product_single.aspx?style_id=16767146

You could do about the same if you are closer to the mountains. There are gorgeous spots right off the Blue Ridge parkway. You just pick a spot and exchange some vows. Many areas off the parkway have picnic tables and everything.

Nice doesn’t have to be expensive. You really don’t need to share the most important day of your life with 200 of your closest 2nd and 3rd cousins and business associates. My sister’s wedding will be about 40 people. All very close extended family that we see regularly.

i just got engaged and plan to be married within the year and my fiance and i plan to start a family soon after. i want to get in shape and be healthy not only for my wedding but also so i will be healthy when we decide to get pregnant, he is already in excellent shape and health other than diet but its me who needs to do most of the work. ok, first things first, i am a pack and a half a day smoker i have tried to quit cold turkey for 3 years and i always come back to it, i am going to buy the patch today, as a result of smoking my cardio is shot. also we have budget restraints due to the wedding, so gym memberships and expensive health food is out of the question, currently i eat mostly fast food and drink mostly soda. i never exercise because my cardio sucks and i also have bad knees from cheerleading in highschool so jogging and running even when i was in good health was extremely painful. someone please help me with inexpensive diet tips and at home exercise plans please help!

You will find that as you decrease the amount you smoke, your ability to do cardio will improve. (I enjoy smoking, but I quit it, too. You can too — I traded exercise for smoking!)

For exercise, do you have a bike? How far is it to work? If it's possible, I'd get on a bike for your exercise. It will do amazing things for your knees (I am doing this for my knees: I have added to my daily gym visit, 15 minutes/5 days a week on the stationary bike — wow, my knees feel better than they have in years.)

Okay, something else that you can do at home: rent some DVDs and try yoga. I tried it about a year ago and I've been hooked ever since. You can even look up poses and get tips online. I just bought us two new mats for $19/each. There are less expensive mats (I saw some for $16, but they were too thick).

Something that you can do in life. I have read it a lot but in my experience it really works: take the stairs, park far from the mall/store/office, get off the bus two stops before your regular stop and walk. I used to have to walk 15 minutes to catch the train — I would vary my route and try to speed up or slow down but after doing this for a few months, my legs became much more defined.

Diet? Well, I'd just say… buy fruits and vegetables that you like and try to increase your good foods and decrease your bad foods intake. Don't buy spinach if you hate it and try to choke it down — that won't help you at all. But, if you have a thing for broccoli, then buy it and eat it every way imaginable. Do you like yogurt? Eat up — that stuff is good for you. Do you enjoy cereal? Buy the Go Lean or similar brands that are high fiber and protein and low carbs and sugars. It's tough to just wake up one day and say: things are going to be different today! Very often it is discouraging because we don't see immediate results. But, these things do take time — stick with it and do not give up! (And, remember to allow yourself "wiggle room" to slip on the diet plan once in a while, or to take the escalator instead of the stairs.) Set your goals small and celebrate your achievements — even the smallest things all add up to something bigger. Good luck to you — you can do it!

Hi I am planning to propose to my girl this summer. What I am wondering about is, for those who have gone through getting engaged and also the planning stages of arranging a wedding, what are some good tips u can offer? Anything from picking the ring to good tips in planning the serermony. All good suggestions and input, on what to do/what not to do and things you know now (having gone through with it) that you can share with me are most welcome. Thanks!

* Do what you two want. Everyone else's opinions don't really matter, it's your day and it's you two that will remember more of the details forever!
* Don't let other people bring you down because of your choices.
* Regardless of all the stress, it IS worth it. The memories will last forever.
* Be engaged for at least a year, or really close to it.
* Book places early, such as the church and reception hall, so that you have that task completed and reserved so it's official!
* Do as much as possible beforehand, especially if you're doing any D.I.Y. stuff.
** Congratulations!! **

I'm getting married in about 2 years. Right now, I haven't planned anything. But, I have made a budget. It's steep for some. But, please don't ridicule. It's about $25,000. We are having 150 guests (we have big families) Most of the money is going to our reception site, about 15K. All of our food, dessert, open bar and linen rentals are included. My FIL's have decided to give us about 8K. My parents will be giving about 5K (what they can comfortably afford to give)

My Fi and I can both contribute about 4K together each year. So, about 8K by the time of the wedding. But, I'm still cutting it short, by only 4K or so.

What are some money saving tips? How can I inquire this extra money.
We are not going into debt over this. My parents and his parents gave us those sums of money, as gifts.

In addition, the 4K each year is what we can comfortable contribute. I figured it to be about $42 each, out of our paychecks each week.

put back a little each week into a savings account. Also contribute you and your husbands income tax return to your wedding savings fund. You could have a yard sale, or babysit for extra dough. Buy evrything on sale or borrow. (decorations, dresses, shoes, jewerly) I bought my wedding dress for 180, it was discontinued at davids bridal.I fell in love with a jewrly set (earings, necklace bracelet and tiara) but it was nealy 300$ for the whole thing. I went to claires and found something almost identical for 20$ Don't do too many different types of finger foods, that can get really expensive. Last tips: buy a wedding planner notebook and sit down and come up with a budget and stick to it!

I have done research on this as well, and I plan on doing an Irish toast, the whole 3day German wedding thing, but I need some more tips, suggestions, advice, etc……We've decided to go w/ this, cuz like I said we're getting married for free, but I've found out that the Justice whose performing the ceremony is actually from Germany and has all german native flowers in his garden where the ceremony will take place (depending on weather). Money is still an issue, unfortunately can't afford an Asian themed ceremony,
but since I'm Irish, and he's (groom) German, our family is helping out a ton in the ceremony, reception and honeymoon (which will be in Germany where we will celebrate Oktoberfest.

Any tips will be appreciated, thank you all so much!!!!
exactly, we're getting a lot of beer, and other alcohol. I'd like to add, one reason I choose to go w/ the Irish/German theme is because both of our family's have some of the stuff, and have offered it already (they have nothing closely resembling Asian themed). Luckily, my father has agreed to pick up some of the cost, so that helps!!!

I have organized, or at least helped w/ many Irish, and German weddings, but none incorporated together yet, I like that, original. Here are some tips for both traditions that you might be able to use. Good luck and Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IRISH-
Bunratty Meade,
Lucky horseshoe. Irish brides used to carry a real horseshoe for good luck. (Turned up so the luck won't run out).
Irish Dancers. Consider hiring a group of Irish dancers to hand out your programs before the ceremony. Dressed in their full regalia, it would add a wonderful touch of pageantry and color. They could also dance at the reception later.
Music. There's so much wonderful Irish music available, you'll have no problems in finding appropriate selections for both the ceremony and the reception.
The Irish Wedding Song.
Flowers. In the old days, many Irish brides wore a wreath of wildflowers in their hair; they also carried them in bouquets.
Portents and omens:
A bride who can sing well is expected to sing at the wedding.
A fine day meant good luck, especially if the sun shone on the bride. If you're a Roman Catholic, one way to make certain that it won't rain is to put a statue of the Infant of Prague outside the church before your ceremony. But if you were/are protestant, it is good luck if it rains on your wedding day, even if it's pouring, just for a moment or just a drizzle.
It was unlucky to marry on a Saturday.
Those who married in harvest would spend all their lives gathering
A man should always be the first to wish joy to the bride, never a woman
It was lucky to hear a cuckoo on the wedding morning, or to see three magpies
To meet a funeral on the road meant bad luck and if there was a funeral procession planned for that day, the wedding party always took a different road
The wedding party should always take the longest road home from the church
It was bad luck if a glass or cup were broken on the wedding day
A bride and groom should never wash their hands in the same sink at the same time—it's courting disaster if they do
It was said to be lucky if you married during a 'growing moon and a flowing tide'
When leaving the church, someone must throw an old shoe over the bride's head so she will have good luck (not so popular, but very traditional)
If the bride's mother-in-law breaks a piece of wedding cake on the bride's head as she enters the house after the ceremony, they will be friends for life. (Rarely used, not too suggested, lol
but again very traditional)

GERMAN-
Veils are usually fingertip length, and very seldom worn over the face when a bride walks down the aisle. Some brides (especially Catholic) wear veils that are the same length as their gowns. Some brides take their veils off during the reception, but NEVER before the first dance with their husband and their father. A veil is not a must. Some brides wear only a flowery headband with ribbons hanging down the sides or the back of their head, some prefer both the headband and the veil. Tiara's, little crowns and hats are also a often seen addition. Most brides carry a little draw string purse down the aisle, and also wear gloves. A bride stays in her wedding dress all day, not only a few hours as they do in America. Most receptions last until the early morning hours, and most brides will not change into a different outfit, but wear their gown the whole time. It is also customary for the bride to get dressed at home (most choose their parents home), and then drive to church already dressed in their gown. Most have a beautician come to the house to fix their hair, veil and make up as well. The groom and Groomsmen usually wear a black suit.
bridesmaids, groomsmen or flower girls etc. are seldom to be seen at a German wedding. It is not customary. Also, usually the bride and groom enter the church together and walk down the aisle together. The reason for this is that in Germany it is not legal to marry "only" in a church ceremony. The couple has to be married by the justice of peace, or as in Germany called "Standesbeamte" first. This usually takes place a few days before the actual church ceremony. So when they marry in church they are actually already married by law. For this ceremony the couple, the closest family members and friends get together in the court house, and then the couple will be married by the "Standesbeamte." Usually afterwards is a dinner. For this type of wedding brides mostly either wear a 2-piece outfit (skirt and jacket) or an informal dress. Some choose white, especially if they don't have a church wedding to follow. Courthouse Weddings last about 30 minutes, church Ceremonies can last up to 1 1/2 hours and more. There is a lot of singing, praying, and a sermon as well.

the first dance is danced by the bride and the groom, it is traditionally a waltz. The next dance is only for bride with her father and groom with mother, while bride's mother dances with groom's father.
Junggesellenabschied - a few days before the wedding the groom and his male friends go to a pub or sometimes other places to drink and have fun.
Polterabend - this is an informal (informal dress and food) party at the evening before the wedding where plates and dishes are smashed (the broken pieces are thought to bring good luck to the bride). The bride and groom have to clean up everything.
Flowers - besides the flowers for the bride and in church, the hood of the wedding car is decorated with lots of flowers.
Veil Dance - this is a popular game for a wedding evening. Every woman or man who wants to dance with the groom or bride, has to pay for it.(this is extrememly popular)
White Ribbon - the bride carries lengths of white ribbon with her bouquet, and after the church ceremony is over and the guests are leaving the church, she hands each driver a ribbon that they tie to the radio antenna.
Wedding Evening - at the wedding evening a lot of games are played, speeches are held (the first normally from the father of the bride), sometimes a wedding newspaper is handed out. Songs are sung, and so on.

Congratulations!

Register at theknot.com and set up your wedding webpage so everyone can get the information easily. You don't need a wedding planner if you have the time to do it yourself.

The first step is to start working on the major details: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. I'd make lists for the following in a notebook that you buy specifically for wedding stuff (the $0.30 will help you so much in the long run). In it I would include:

Who: Who is going to be in your wedding party?, who are you going to invite?, who is going to officiate? Who is going to pay?

What: What is the theme? What level of formality? What is a must and what can you live without? What is your budget?

Where: Where is the ceremony? Where is the reception? Where is your honeymoon?

When: What date? What time?

Why: Why do you want to get married? This is the premarital counseling stuff which I highly recommend. Don't get so excited about your wedding that you forget about your marriage.

From there you can figure out which vendors you can afford and what is most important to you. If you ever need vendors, the phonebook and theknot.com are great resources.

Congratulations again and Good Luck!

plz read

any1 know where 2 get GOOD fake blood cuz this $store stuff i just bought staind my hand ;-( & im putting blood all over my moms old wedding dress \m/+face+bod+i hear corn syrup stains…i dont wanna staind face+bod@all+id luv sum tips on halloween themes rather than dead bride etc…

also, my bday is soon. im havn a black sabbath+ozzy themed bday+need help on ozzy cake designs, decoration ideas+"game" ideas 2…i have over 400 ppl on d list 2 my party so i could use all the help i can get 2 have d most hardcore party everrrrrr…
thanx loadz 2 every1 who can help me out i appreciate it from d bottom of my<3+wish all a safe+scary halloween
Hi suga_buzz, Happy "early" Birthday! 1st off, go and buy everything you can afford…the "day after" Halloween. Hit all the stores you can, because everything is 75% off at least! I like the idea of the "Dead Bride"…because that is the "IN" costume this year. I don't know how to make fake blood (that isn't going to be a messy…mess?) We used "Ketchup" when I was young! The corn-syrup is a "no-go" in my opinion, way to sticky. But "Dead Brides" aren't really that bloody are they? Except for maybe the point of injury (stabbed in back, gun shot etc.) She just may have been "SCARED" to death…shuk shuk shuk…ha ha ha…LOL! j/k! Anyway, use lots of white/gray make-up, dark-circles under your eyes, ripped/tattered dress, black silk flower bouquet, [or] spray-paint some real flowers black (right before the party), long gloves (rubbed in dirt/distressed looking), big "fake" diamond ring. Maybe you could get a old/cheap "fake" pearl/bead necklace and melt some of it? Hope you have a great safe…"Happy Halloween"! XOXO Moonpie P.S. If you live near a "COSTCO" they have the clear "forms" that the bathing-suits hang on, those make great jello, plaster, rubber etc…molds! You can adorn them during the process (before they set). That would make for some awesome corpses!

I am shooting a friends wedding. I have shot one other and i Got some great shots. I and curious about good poses.

Hi dude,
It is interesting that you want to get tips for wedding photographs.
I don’t know that you are asking for you or others;)
I have some links for you, so please visit them.

http://digital-photography-school.com/blog/wedding-photography-21-tips-for-for-amateur-wedding-photographers/
http://www.all-things-photography.com/wedding-photo-tips-for-amateurs.html

The 2005 brides had a GTG to remember the days of planning their wedding. Now they offer advice to future brides.

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Interview with Anthony Chisom about tips on planning a wedding. www.anthonychisominteriors.com

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