MONEY PROBLEMS, NEED ADVICE SOON

[trisa]

Hi, my name is latrisa and I'm getting married next month and I am in so far over my head.
My father said he wanted me to have a big wedding, so I planned for a big wedding, not knowing I or we would have to pay for so much.
Time is running out and I have not paid anything in full yet, how can I cut cost?
I am so stressed out, confused and don't have a clue; we only had three months to plan this wedding and it's not looking to good.
I just want to say forget it all.
The bridesmaids on my soon to be husband side have not paid or been fitted for their dress, I want to tell them where to go so bad, but I choose to hold my peace.
See this is my first wedding and I had no ideal what I was getting into.
Please anyone give me some type of advice... :?

[smweddings]

Hey girl!!

The first thing you have to do is relax! I know everything seems to be falling in on you but there is hope!

The first thing you need to do is sit down with your fiance and your parents to organize everything you need to get paid between now and your wedding day. Don't get overwhelmed or freaked out about how long the list is...just write it down.

Next, make a decision about what is a must and what can be compromised. Separate them into to two differnt lists.

Then, figure out how much money you WILL have by your wedding day...from you, your fiance, your dad and any other sources.

Apply the money you do have to all of your MUST HAVES. Then whatever is left is what you will need to find more economical choices for.

Maybe your caterer can offer you less expensive choices on your meal?

Perhaps you can get a "fake" cake...with a real top layer and the rest is a prop. Then have sheet cakes in the back for the caterer to cut for the guests...trust me...they'll never know!

Can you cut out the bar and have a cash bar? Or just serve beer and wine?

Can you get rid of the limos and find somone with a really nice luxury car to drive you to the wedding?

How about asking your photographer for a smaller package?

Can you make your own flowers? Centerpieces? Costco offers bulk flowers for unbelievable prices! All you need is for someone who is savvy and creative. Hand tie 2 or 3 dozen roses with pretty ribbon for your bouquet instead of a $150 one from a florist. Find some really cheap vases at the dollar store or at a thrift shop and fill them with stems from Costco...tie some ribbon around the vases...surround them with 3 or 4 votives and voula!! Center pieces!!

Talk to your DJ...be honest with him/her and try to negotiate a lower price. Most reputable wedding vendors will work with you.

I have an ebook with excellent tips on where to cut costs. Email me and I'll send it to you.

I feel for you, girlfriend, and I want to help you have a wonderful wedding!

[CarlosHoney]

You might talk to your dad and explain that you thought that there would be more help on his end, as he sudjested a large wedding. I'm doing my own flowers, which is saving me a whole lotta cash. Instead of a DJ, we're burning CD's, and having my little bro swich the disc once it's over. He just has to set his watch and go wait for the last song to end, switch, and go about his business. Having a coctail party is another good option (In my MOH's words 'They're adults, they can feed themselves dinner!'). I'm not serving any alcohol, and since we're having ours at a country club, they can sneak off to get a drink if they want. My FI and I are not drinkers at all, so we don't see why we should pay for anyone else to drink, plus alcoholics in both our families. No need for anyone to cause a scene!

You can get large discounts by going with student photographers, musicians, hairstylists, makeup artists, etc. Check that out for sure.

Need anything else, let me know!