Vegas wedding

[gwenshack]

Hi all -

I'm new to this forum - just got engaged about 2 weeks ago. Thought I'd try to find some sort of emotional support during what I suspect will be a trying time...!

My boyfriend...oops - finace - I'm not good at using that word - and I are planning on having our wedding in Vegas. Not an elopement, but 50 or so guests in Vegas for a wedding and reception - the whole deal - in a hotel and casino.

I was wondering if anybody else on here was doing this as well and what your experiences have been!

Thanks in advance for any stories or info you have!

Gwen

[Dani]

I do! I do!

We were actually married at a Lake Mead Overlook (20 minutes outside of Vegas) We had a wonderful time! For our reception we rented a Mississippi style paddle wheel boat and took a dinner/dance cruise out on Lake Mead....everyone had a great time and the food was really good! Let me know if you have any questions!

[gwenshack]

Hi Dani -

Thanks for your reply! Sounds like you had a great time!! I think my biggest question has to do with invites. Obviously we're trying to keep it small and that's the reason we picked Vegas. Shhh, don't tell all the people I don't want to invite! haha. But were people ticked off by your choice of a destination wedding (in terms of money having to be spent) - I'm stuck on this idea and sticking with it - but did you get a lot of bellyaching from people? Terrible and tacky question, I know...haha. Also, did you send all your guests info on travel accomodations and possible airfare and stuff or did you make them work it out on their own?!?

Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Oh that boat thing sounds fabulous BTW!

:) Gwen

[kgvettegirl]

RC and I ran off to Vegas and got married New Years at Little Chapel of the Flowers. Sent E-vites to friends and family to view our ceremony live online. Being 50 & 49 we just weren't big into a lot of fuss, that and my mom said why are you even thinking about doing anything other than going to a Judge, it's not like you haven't done it before.

Had a blast, everything taken care of, and we have some good pictures and a CD of the ceremony.

[mitch]

Being 50 & 49 we just weren't big into a lot of fuss

NO WAY!!!!! :bbeek:

I don't believe a **** word woman. You look good in the picture. :D

[kgvettegirl]

NO WAY!!!!! :bbeek:

I don't believe a **** word woman. You look good in the picture. :D
Thank you you just made my week. Yep He was born in 57 and I was born in 58. Thank God for good genes.

[mobdilemma]

My daughter and her FH are doing a destination wedding at Lake Tahoe. About 40-50 guests. Since it is mostly family, everyone was fine with the destination wedding thing since most would have had to travel anyway (her future in-laws are riding their Harleys down from Oregon with a couple of friends...everyone seems to be viewing it as an opportunity for a mini-vacation:)). We booked a block of rooms at a local motel. My daughter put the information about the motel on her bridal website. Some people have booked a room in the "block" and others chose to find their own accomodations. It seems to be working out well.(Keeping fingers crossed until after August 8TH!)

[gwenshack]

Mobdilemma-

Thanks for the info. I figure that we too will have a block of rooms at a discounted rate. I'm probably going to have to do that whole wedding website thing - like *******.com? You make good points about people probably having to travel no matter what. In fact, that just made me feel a lot better. My family lives on the east coast, his family lives in the middle, we live in CA, and our friends are scattered all over the place. No matter what a bulk of the people will have to travel - why not just make them all do it! Never really thought of it that way before. Thanks! You seriously made me feel a whole lot less guilty!

[L.J.Aguirre]

i got married in vegas in march. what place were you thinking of having the wedding? i was absoultely in love with the bellagio but i've stayed there once and their rooms were a fortune so i didn't even wanna look at their weddings. i also love the flamingo's wedding package! vic and i had our wedding at the monte carlo. it was exciting! we wanna go back for our 1 year just the 2 of us this time:D

[neebelung]

We're getting married there in September -- similar thing -- not really eloping, but just getting married with our parents, and a few very close friends with us.

We're following in Jacob'sGirl's Footsteps and doing the shark reef at Mandalay Bay. Since they only do those weddings in the a.m., we'll do a champagne brunch afterward. However, you can only have 10 guests with you, so that might be too small for what you're looking to do.

However, we've done a ton (TON) of research on hotels, etc.. in Vegas, so if you need any suggestions, shoot me a PM.

[Dani]

Hi Dani -

Thanks for your reply! Sounds like you had a great time!! I think my biggest question has to do with invites. Obviously we're trying to keep it small and that's the reason we picked Vegas. Shhh, don't tell all the people I don't want to invite! haha. But were people ticked off by your choice of a destination wedding (in terms of money having to be spent) - I'm stuck on this idea and sticking with it - but did you get a lot of bellyaching from people? Terrible and tacky question, I know...haha. Also, did you send all your guests info on travel accomodations and possible airfare and stuff or did you make them work it out on their own?!?

Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Oh that boat thing sounds fabulous BTW!

:) Gwen

The only thing I felt bad about, is my sister and brother couldn't attend the wedding...my brother works alot and if he doesn't he doesn't get paid, my sister has 2 young kids so she just couldn't leave.

One of the reasons we picked a DW was so 1. we wouldn't have family wanting to stay at our house...lol 2. We could keep the guest list shorter and not have to invite everyone we work with.

The only problem we really ran into was people making hotel reservations. They were on there own for both flight and hotel. We made it easy for everyone to get to the wedding location, we rented a big bus to take people to and from the wedding and reception back to the hotel. Most of the people that did go had never been to Vegas so they were in awe of everything.

The dinner/dance was probably the best thing for everyone, they could sit back and relax and enjoy the scenery. We found a great lady who made our cake. Let me know if there is anything else you need.

[L.J.Aguirre]

We're getting married there in September -- similar thing -- not really eloping, but just getting married with our parents, and a few very close friends with us.

We're following in Jacob'sGirl's Footsteps and doing the shark reef at Mandalay Bay. Since they only do those weddings in the a.m., we'll do a champagne brunch afterward. However, you can only have 10 guests with you, so that might be too small for what you're looking to do.

However, we've done a ton (TON) of research on hotels, etc.. in Vegas, so if you need any suggestions, shoot me a PM.


ooohhhh. great pick! it came down to monte carlo, flamingo and mandalay bay for us. the only reason why we chose monte carlo was because we were lazy and it was on the strip and cheaper than the flamingo.

[gwenshack]

LJ - I'm about 99% sure we're going to do the Venetian. My mom is a super-duper wedding person and did the whole "anything you want!" schpeil so we decided to run with it. If my mom wasn't participating (read - paying) we would probably shop around more.

I would have loved Shark Reef though! That's one of my favorite spots in Vegas - it's underappreciated - people always complain about the price and about the fact that it's on the smaller side - but it's so fascinating and beautiful and romantic in there! MB in general would have been a great spot...but the fiance loves the Venetian as much as I do (and isn't a big MB fan) so we decided that would be the spot. We've thought out a lot and planned nothing!

The only caveat to the Venetian thing is that they offer a free gondola ride to every couple getting married and we're so weird about public spectacles that we made a pact to turn it down at all costs, parental urging or not! Ha.

Dani - I'm super worried about the hotel accomodation thing. Obviously we're inviting people of all different financial situations. We're afraid a lot of people are going to be turned off when they see the V's prices (even if given a discount I fear for reaction) and we want to make sure that people are told right off the bat that there are so many choices in Vegas for every price range. I just don't want people to be put off and start to feel icky or try to make us feel bad. You know? We don't want to offend people or make them feel obligated to spend a billion dollars on the occasion - we also want them to feel comfortable turning it down.

Ahhh the mind games.

This is a really long post!

Which brings me to - did you all do a wedding website? ******* or other? Was it helpful? Upon suggestion I've determined that may be the easiest way to get info out there to the masses.

:) Gwen

[Dani]

I didn't do the website...other than this. The girls on here gave us such great ideas. Plus were from Illinois everything we did was word of mouth from our vendors, so everything we saw/did was a surprise on our wedding day. :)

We only had one couple out of like 20+ people stay at a different hotel. Which was fine...so there is something for everyone. Though, with our wedding, some people were all excited to go to Vegas, but when it came down to spending the money...they didn't end up going. And that can happen when you do a DW.

[gwenshack]

Yeah, I suspect that will be the case. We've been sort of easing people into the idea for years and everyone is all gung ho in theory. Choruses of "Vegas baby"! But I suspect that when it comes down to booking airfare and comparing hotel rates there will be quite a few people who are going to send us their regrets.

I'm totally prepared for that and more than okay with it too. I know the people who are absolutely the most important will be there come hell or high water. Everyone else on the guest list is gravy. I just don't want the gravy to get mad! :)

[joraye]

Same here - Vegas all the way!

I guess I will be "officially" (ie, ring on the finger) engaged a week tomorrow.

We've decided on 8/8/09 at the Flamingo, with whoever wants to and can afford to come.

We kind of have the opposite problem. I know we have tons of friends who would scrimp, save, and pawn stuff just to come to Vegas to see us get married, so I'm having a heck of a time on Save The Date/annoucements, how to word it, that we want you to come, but don't kill yourself trying to make it, as we will be having a reception back home 2 weeks later.

I decided on the Flamingo because 1) we went to Vegas when we first started dating, and I wanted to stay there. 2) I want a pink and black themed wedding, where better than the Flamingo? 3) Good location, reasonable price, etc.

I just want it to be fun! Friends, family, food, drinking, and our wedding! My parents aren't involved sadly, but we are paying for it ourselves, so a year gives us plenty of time to save.

I'm sure I'll be around alot, as this is my first time around, and I have plenty of questions.

[gwenshack]

Hey there,

Welcome to the board. :) I just started posting on here last week and everyone is super nice.
Black and pink wedding will be awesome at the Flamingo. I think Vegas is such a great place to get married. But then again I guess I'm biased...
I feel the same way you do - I just want it to be fun. I also wish I could come up with the best wording for invitations. It's hard. You want people to feel included and welcome and appreciated but you also want to express that you're not bridezilla and you understand that you're asking a lot, asking people to come to Vegas, and you understand if they can't swing it.
I think we'll be able to come up with something with enough brainstorming!
Looking forward to commiserating, one Vegas wedding girl to another. :)
How do you know the engagement will be in a week?? :)
Gwen

[neebelung]

Which brings me to - did you all do a wedding website? ******* or other? Was it helpful? Upon suggestion I've determined that may be the easiest way to get info out there to the masses.

:) Gwen

I did a (free) blog on Wordpress. My family is really small, but spread out all over the U.S., so since my Mom can't be with me for all the planning, details, dress shopping, etc... I began it as a way to keep her updated on all the little things, so she didn't feel like she was missing out on anything.

Once we opted for Vegas (over a more traditional event), I gutted the site, deleted most of the posts about color pallettes, dress shopping and flowers, and added pages for travel info, hotels, registries, etc.... When we send out our announcements, it'll also have info on the "after party" for our friends here.

http://neeandchris.wordpress.com

[joraye]

I guess I should have said "I've been engaged for a week." It happened last week, but heck, I went with him to get the ring, I picked it out, there was really no surprise, I was just happy!

I haven't read the board's rules or FAQs yet, but are there any rules on posting external links? I have the perfect Save the Date magents for the Flamingo theme!

Besides those, that's all I've really looked at, with a year to plan, I feel I'm starting TOO early.

I'm worried about the whole Vegas image - shotgun wedding, floozies, quick, cheap, and easy, etc. So far, I think I'd be much less stressed if this was going to be quick, cheap and easy!

[joraye]

I did a (free) blog on Wordpress. My family is really small, but spread out all over the U.S., so since my Mom can't be with me for all the planning, details, dress shopping, etc... I began it as a way to keep her updated on all the little things, so she didn't feel like she was missing out on anything.

Once we opted for Vegas (over a more traditional event), I gutted the site, deleted most of the posts about color pallettes, dress shopping and flowers, and added pages for travel info, hotels, registries, etc.... When we send out our announcements, it'll also have info on the "after party" for our friends here.

http://neeandchris.wordpress.com

I love your wordpress idea!

Being that my name is JoRaye (unique, allows me to use it on any message board!), I also own joraye.com, so I'm thinking another major overhaul for that, or buying our own domain for the occassion!

[Jacobs_Girl]

Yes as Nee said I got married in Vegas in the Shark Reef and it was awesome. We although stayed at the Venetian and it was also gorgeous there. We did elope so we didnt have anyone but us there.

The kiss
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z303/b3m3rchic/048076041.jpg

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z303/b3m3rchic/048076057.jpg

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z303/b3m3rchic/048076052.jpg

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z303/b3m3rchic/048076090.jpg

[Jacobs_Girl]

one of my favorites
http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z303/b3m3rchic/048076046.jpg

http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z303/b3m3rchic/048076094.jpg

[neebelung]

one of my favorites


http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z303/b3m3rchic/048076094.jpg
I just love that pic.. you both look just amazing, and it's so sweet and tender. :)

[Jacobs_Girl]

I just love that pic.. you both look just amazing, and it's so sweet and tender. :)

thanks!!

and just think minutes before that picture he whispered in my ear he needed to fart :D:grinhappy:

[kgvettegirl]

The Flamingo is great Its across from the Bellagio and right in the heart of the strip. Lots to see and do right there. If I remember right they also have a tram station on the backside. You are going to love Vegas. Yes it can be cheap and tacky but it will always hold a special place in my heart cause that is where I got married.

[joraye]

I'm not too worried about the cheap and tacky - 2 of my bridesmaids have never been to Vegas, and FH has tons of friends ready and willing to come.

My mantra for the next year - "This is a celebration. This is a CELEBRATION. No CRYING."

[gwenshack]

JoRaye - I was worried about the shotgun wedding sterotype too - especially with my overly conservative and religious grandparents who I would prefer to not overly offend. But my grandfather seems okay with the idea now - but I have been grooming him little by little over the years about this whole Vegas wedding concept. He was a little worried about the whole "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" thing, but then he realized that the entire city can't be filled with sinners - that there have to be some people with morals (his words, not mine!) and decided that he could be conservative anywhere he went. I don't know if he thought the devil possesses you when you touch down at the LV airport or what...haha.
Are you planning on inviting a lot of people or just close family?

Neebelung - That seems like a really good idea - I'm thinking I'm going to have to do something like that so people realize there are lots of options for hotels, etc. I want to be able to have a forum for people to leave comments and questions, so I think that a blog might be the best option. Thanks for that idea. It seems so obvious but it never occured to me. :) Wow, I just looked at your ticker - you only have about 2 months to go!!? Are you excited?

[gwenshack]

thanks!!

and just think minutes before that picture he whispered in my ear he needed to fart :D:grinhappy:


That's SO something my FH would do. :bbredface::D

[joraye]

Gwen - it's pretty much whoever can afford to come, let's do it!

FH being a bit older, and having triple the friends, and since his friends are older (read: more disposable income than my 25 year old friends) I think we'll have a good group going.

As long as my best friends (aka bridesmaids) make it, I am happy!

The bigger the block of rooms, maybe the better the discount!

I have to still stress that my guests don't break their neck trying to come, I have a feeling I'm going to have alot of rough drafts on my Save the Date addendum.

[gwenshack]

Yup, that's pretty much how I feel about it too. I want you there, really I do, but if it's going to break the bank...

I know the groom will be there - everything and everyone else is just gravy, right?

We're both 31 but a lot of my cloest friends are 25-35 and live in Virginia (we live in California) so I fear they're going to have a tough time swinging it. A lot of them do the whole "I'm a bartender/barrista/record store guy while I'm waiting for my band to break out..." thing or are just starting out with real jobs and several have just gotten married themselves...so it's a lot to ask and I feel guilty for even asking! I hear you...rough drafts...save the date. I'm really thinking this website/blog thing is going to be a lifesaver.

[RosieAngel]

I'm not doing the Vegas wedding... but as I get closer to my DW, I WISH I DID!!! So congrats on choosing an awesome location there! :grinhappy:

[arlene]

We got married at the Flamingo in April. After everything was done, our budget was about $5000. Thats including the ceremony, photographer, dinner and party. Everyone was excited just to be going to Vegas. If anyone in our party was upset, we were never told. Check up on Vegas.com. They have a few pointers on how to plan a wedding in Vegas.