futureMRScrazypants
08-13-2011, 11:10 PM
Okay. So, I am the epitome of the Broke-***-bride. We have no savings, one terribly pathetic source of income, and 4 kids. Needless to say... it's either bargain... or it's not there. I decided to list off my wedding ideas maybe to inspire but also to seek opinions on it.
1. Dresses
While my first dress was a 30.00 maxi dress bought on eBay, it just didn't work for me. It was a beautiful dress, funky and unique. However, it looked horrid ON. So, I ended up with a 300.00 davids bridal drss that makes me feel like a princess. As beautiful as it is, it's not the dress I REALLY wanted. I've always loved renaissance style dresses but everytime I found one for my size it was 800.00 or more. So, I am having a friend add flowy renaissance sleeves onto it. Also, since she was gonna work on it anyway, I skipped the 75 dollar bustle and she is doing that for me for free.
I had purchased silver brocade. When we realized the sturdy fabric was NOT a good fit for the slinky material of the first dress, we turned it into two FG dresses. They are very pretty, and simple. I am also going to add left over brocade from their dresses to my dress to tie them together. One piece for a modesty panel and then as trim for the crook of my elbows on the sleeves.
My shoes are actually shoes I've had. We are going to trim them with fancy black ribbons. She is also making my garter for me, which is fun because she is going to use a funky black fabric with silver skull and crossbones on it. That SCREAMS Missy. I had grown tired of generic garters with blue bows. Now I have a real personalized keepsake.
Total spent on dresses:
300 for Bridal Gown
30 for first dress
21 for fabric
-------
351 bucks
2. Men's attire
My FH is known for his array of nice button up shirts. He has them in a multitude of colors, so we decided to go with a simple black button up, black slacks, and silver ties for the men. I went onto eBay and bought a pre-tied childs tie and two men's silver ties for less than 6 bucks total. They came in and they are GORGEOUS. and all three ties match perfectly.
We still have to buy my son's outfit minus the tie, but decided he can wear his lightening mcqueen shoes because he's 6 years old and he would just scuff up dress shoes anyway. Why bother when he would be more comfy (and as a result less squirmy) in his own shoes?
Total cost: 20 bucks
3. Jewelry
So I am not exactly a girly girl. I don't have tons of jewelry and I don't really fawn over any of sparklies. However, wanting to keep up with the semi-renaissance theme of my look, I wanted a circlet. No veil, NO tiara, no headband. I wanted a circlet ever since I was a little girl and saw the Queen on Never-Ending Story. It was so elegant and beautiful. I WAS going to have my circlet dang it. I perused Etsy and Ebay for them and there were MANY for incredible prices. I even thought about making my own but once again I couldn't afford the beads. The other day I peeked inside my old hope chest and saw a small jeweled necklace that caught my attention. Taking it to the bathroom, I raised it to my forehead and it was perfect. Just enough sparkle, just enough dangle, and a nice aged look to the metal. I had my circlet since I was 13 and didn't even know it. I am forgoing earrings because I have two hoops in the tops of my ears and I don't want to detract to much from the main attractions which are the circlet and my wedding ring.
Total cost: FREE!
4. Hair and Makeup
DIY, DIY, DIY. I have.... impossible hair. When I was younger it grew quickly, was always a nice rich auburn color, and was straight as a bored. Now I can't afford to redye it (and wouldn't dare so close to the wedding), it won't grow for the life of it, and has taken to waving in a way that looks like it isn't brushed. My flat iron is my salvation. I've always loved the way Drew Barrymore's hair looked in the movie Ever After (against with the renaissance theme) but alas my hair did not grow the necessary length. I do not have a curling iron or hot rollers, so a friend suggested strips of cloth and rolling them up medusa style overnight. DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT TRY THIS WITHOUT A PRACTICE RUN FIRST. When I took the fabric out, my hair didn't curl, it kinked up so tight it went from below my shoulders to chin-length. When I brushed it out, I had a fro. I then thought, ok I know how to frenchbriad my own hair. What about those cute little braides the run over the hairline and then tie them back in the back. Nope, again.... looked horrid. I am incredibly sensitive about other people touching my hair, ESPECIALLY complete stangers, so I refuse to go to a salon. Then I found a video online on how to do waterfall braids. Knowing how to french braid my own hair, it should be pretty simple. I still need to do a practice run, but I will keep you updated on that.
As far as makeup, I actually have eyeshadow in silver black and white, my colors. I know what looks best on me, and will be doing it myself. I don't do lipstick so I will be frosting my lips with a little shimmer gloss and tada!
Total cost: Nada!
5. Something Blue....
Everything else really wasn't bargain-savvy since they were old new and borrowed, but I wanted to share my something blue. My FMIL stopped at a roadside flea market where she found a stand that did glass pendants. If you've ever seen those decorative glass orbs with streams of color in the in your grandparent's house, this is the same thing only pendant size. She bought me a glass heart with a blue flower inside and a black ribbon. Usually people stick their something blue on their garter, but I loved this necklace. She even got other ones of various colors for my daughters to wear.
Total price: 15 dollars for 4 necklaces.
6. Venue
The ONE stipulation of my FG was the location. He dreamed of being married at the lake ever since he considered marrying me. So we found a shelter that had a small kitchen counter, seated 120 people, and was just off the edge of the lake. There is even a dock on the lake where we can take pictures. Now we wanted an evening wedding, and since the lake split their days into two reservation times, we are cutting it really close, but with the stone walls, tables and chairs, and the beautiful view.... we didn't care. The stone walls give it a rustic look, making the need for decoration small. In fact... we have foregone fancy decor. Why bother with something that's gonna get trashed anyway? We have no room to save all of it as mementos. We're gonna put up lights, and that's it.
total cost: 60 dollars for 7 hours.
7. Music
Oh the music. When I decided I had to have that 300 dollar dress, I basically gave up my DJ. So onto craigslist I went and put up a want ad for a few wedding essentials.... including music/speakers. I was blessed with an email from an amateur DJ wanting to help. He had the sound equipment needed, and worked on weddings before with a known DJ and was wanting to branch out on his own. He offered his services for free ( I am PRAYING we have the money to pay him SOMETHIGN come the big day) and has been an incredible sport. He even mixed our special track for our first dance (I knew I loved you by savage garden meets Time Warp.. . BIG FUN)
For the ceremony I am paying homage to a few people that have passed on. I will be walking down the aisle to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". We are also adding two dances to our reception. A special dance for my FH and future stepdaughter... and a mother/son dance.
total cost: free (maybe 50.00 if we have it that day)
8. Ceremony
I never really liked flowers. I am NOT a flower power girl. The only flowers there will be the two calla lilies I will be carrying. My bridesmaids are going to carry votive candles in long stemmed vases filled with silver sand flecks (all purchased at Walmart). My flower girls are going to carry a handmade sign that says here comes the bride, which my FSIL is making herself. My "bouquet" consists of two calla lilies and black ribbon. My MOH's MIL is making them pretty for free and MOH is paying for the supplies. A friend of mine gave me two silver taper candles with holders and I am making a unity candle with a crystal flute filled with the same silver sand flecks and a small votive candle. All of which I have in my home.
Bridesmaid's candles and unity candle: 10 bucks
Sign: 25 bucks
Wedding bouquet: 10 bucks
----------------
45 bucks
9. Photography
Very simple. A friend of ours is a student at the local university and has hadd 5 years of photograpy classes under her belt. She has offered to do the photos.
Cost: Free
10. Food
Probably the costliest thing next to the dress. So, we decided to do it potluck style where people could bring a covered dish. When we received almost no RSVP's back.... I started to panic. To be honest, I am still panicking. We were planning on going to Sam's club and buying a ton of rolls, deli trays, and cheese trays. FMIL is making pancet. We will also be providing the sparkling cider. As far as the wedding party, our friend is buying us champagne (yes we're keeping the good stuff for ourselves :P). We are also looking into a butterbeer recipe for the punch bowl. It's an homage to the way me and my fiance met. We are humongous Harry Potter freaks and met on an online Harry Potter forum. Its one of those stories that are totally cheesy but really sweet. I also sketched out the hogwarts crest but instead of the four houses we are putting out kids' initials in each corner and a big G in the middle and our names on the banner on top. It is going to be made into an edible image and put around our cake.
cake: cost ofingredients
edible images: 6 bucks a piece
Food: 45 bucks minimum
--------------
Probably looking at 100 bucks.
As far as bargain-able items that's pretty much it. All in all we are spending 641 dollars for our weddin. I am sure there will be more int he next month... but hopefully we can make more bargains in the coming weeks.
1. Dresses
While my first dress was a 30.00 maxi dress bought on eBay, it just didn't work for me. It was a beautiful dress, funky and unique. However, it looked horrid ON. So, I ended up with a 300.00 davids bridal drss that makes me feel like a princess. As beautiful as it is, it's not the dress I REALLY wanted. I've always loved renaissance style dresses but everytime I found one for my size it was 800.00 or more. So, I am having a friend add flowy renaissance sleeves onto it. Also, since she was gonna work on it anyway, I skipped the 75 dollar bustle and she is doing that for me for free.
I had purchased silver brocade. When we realized the sturdy fabric was NOT a good fit for the slinky material of the first dress, we turned it into two FG dresses. They are very pretty, and simple. I am also going to add left over brocade from their dresses to my dress to tie them together. One piece for a modesty panel and then as trim for the crook of my elbows on the sleeves.
My shoes are actually shoes I've had. We are going to trim them with fancy black ribbons. She is also making my garter for me, which is fun because she is going to use a funky black fabric with silver skull and crossbones on it. That SCREAMS Missy. I had grown tired of generic garters with blue bows. Now I have a real personalized keepsake.
Total spent on dresses:
300 for Bridal Gown
30 for first dress
21 for fabric
-------
351 bucks
2. Men's attire
My FH is known for his array of nice button up shirts. He has them in a multitude of colors, so we decided to go with a simple black button up, black slacks, and silver ties for the men. I went onto eBay and bought a pre-tied childs tie and two men's silver ties for less than 6 bucks total. They came in and they are GORGEOUS. and all three ties match perfectly.
We still have to buy my son's outfit minus the tie, but decided he can wear his lightening mcqueen shoes because he's 6 years old and he would just scuff up dress shoes anyway. Why bother when he would be more comfy (and as a result less squirmy) in his own shoes?
Total cost: 20 bucks
3. Jewelry
So I am not exactly a girly girl. I don't have tons of jewelry and I don't really fawn over any of sparklies. However, wanting to keep up with the semi-renaissance theme of my look, I wanted a circlet. No veil, NO tiara, no headband. I wanted a circlet ever since I was a little girl and saw the Queen on Never-Ending Story. It was so elegant and beautiful. I WAS going to have my circlet dang it. I perused Etsy and Ebay for them and there were MANY for incredible prices. I even thought about making my own but once again I couldn't afford the beads. The other day I peeked inside my old hope chest and saw a small jeweled necklace that caught my attention. Taking it to the bathroom, I raised it to my forehead and it was perfect. Just enough sparkle, just enough dangle, and a nice aged look to the metal. I had my circlet since I was 13 and didn't even know it. I am forgoing earrings because I have two hoops in the tops of my ears and I don't want to detract to much from the main attractions which are the circlet and my wedding ring.
Total cost: FREE!
4. Hair and Makeup
DIY, DIY, DIY. I have.... impossible hair. When I was younger it grew quickly, was always a nice rich auburn color, and was straight as a bored. Now I can't afford to redye it (and wouldn't dare so close to the wedding), it won't grow for the life of it, and has taken to waving in a way that looks like it isn't brushed. My flat iron is my salvation. I've always loved the way Drew Barrymore's hair looked in the movie Ever After (against with the renaissance theme) but alas my hair did not grow the necessary length. I do not have a curling iron or hot rollers, so a friend suggested strips of cloth and rolling them up medusa style overnight. DO NOT, I REPEAT DO NOT TRY THIS WITHOUT A PRACTICE RUN FIRST. When I took the fabric out, my hair didn't curl, it kinked up so tight it went from below my shoulders to chin-length. When I brushed it out, I had a fro. I then thought, ok I know how to frenchbriad my own hair. What about those cute little braides the run over the hairline and then tie them back in the back. Nope, again.... looked horrid. I am incredibly sensitive about other people touching my hair, ESPECIALLY complete stangers, so I refuse to go to a salon. Then I found a video online on how to do waterfall braids. Knowing how to french braid my own hair, it should be pretty simple. I still need to do a practice run, but I will keep you updated on that.
As far as makeup, I actually have eyeshadow in silver black and white, my colors. I know what looks best on me, and will be doing it myself. I don't do lipstick so I will be frosting my lips with a little shimmer gloss and tada!
Total cost: Nada!
5. Something Blue....
Everything else really wasn't bargain-savvy since they were old new and borrowed, but I wanted to share my something blue. My FMIL stopped at a roadside flea market where she found a stand that did glass pendants. If you've ever seen those decorative glass orbs with streams of color in the in your grandparent's house, this is the same thing only pendant size. She bought me a glass heart with a blue flower inside and a black ribbon. Usually people stick their something blue on their garter, but I loved this necklace. She even got other ones of various colors for my daughters to wear.
Total price: 15 dollars for 4 necklaces.
6. Venue
The ONE stipulation of my FG was the location. He dreamed of being married at the lake ever since he considered marrying me. So we found a shelter that had a small kitchen counter, seated 120 people, and was just off the edge of the lake. There is even a dock on the lake where we can take pictures. Now we wanted an evening wedding, and since the lake split their days into two reservation times, we are cutting it really close, but with the stone walls, tables and chairs, and the beautiful view.... we didn't care. The stone walls give it a rustic look, making the need for decoration small. In fact... we have foregone fancy decor. Why bother with something that's gonna get trashed anyway? We have no room to save all of it as mementos. We're gonna put up lights, and that's it.
total cost: 60 dollars for 7 hours.
7. Music
Oh the music. When I decided I had to have that 300 dollar dress, I basically gave up my DJ. So onto craigslist I went and put up a want ad for a few wedding essentials.... including music/speakers. I was blessed with an email from an amateur DJ wanting to help. He had the sound equipment needed, and worked on weddings before with a known DJ and was wanting to branch out on his own. He offered his services for free ( I am PRAYING we have the money to pay him SOMETHIGN come the big day) and has been an incredible sport. He even mixed our special track for our first dance (I knew I loved you by savage garden meets Time Warp.. . BIG FUN)
For the ceremony I am paying homage to a few people that have passed on. I will be walking down the aisle to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". We are also adding two dances to our reception. A special dance for my FH and future stepdaughter... and a mother/son dance.
total cost: free (maybe 50.00 if we have it that day)
8. Ceremony
I never really liked flowers. I am NOT a flower power girl. The only flowers there will be the two calla lilies I will be carrying. My bridesmaids are going to carry votive candles in long stemmed vases filled with silver sand flecks (all purchased at Walmart). My flower girls are going to carry a handmade sign that says here comes the bride, which my FSIL is making herself. My "bouquet" consists of two calla lilies and black ribbon. My MOH's MIL is making them pretty for free and MOH is paying for the supplies. A friend of mine gave me two silver taper candles with holders and I am making a unity candle with a crystal flute filled with the same silver sand flecks and a small votive candle. All of which I have in my home.
Bridesmaid's candles and unity candle: 10 bucks
Sign: 25 bucks
Wedding bouquet: 10 bucks
----------------
45 bucks
9. Photography
Very simple. A friend of ours is a student at the local university and has hadd 5 years of photograpy classes under her belt. She has offered to do the photos.
Cost: Free
10. Food
Probably the costliest thing next to the dress. So, we decided to do it potluck style where people could bring a covered dish. When we received almost no RSVP's back.... I started to panic. To be honest, I am still panicking. We were planning on going to Sam's club and buying a ton of rolls, deli trays, and cheese trays. FMIL is making pancet. We will also be providing the sparkling cider. As far as the wedding party, our friend is buying us champagne (yes we're keeping the good stuff for ourselves :P). We are also looking into a butterbeer recipe for the punch bowl. It's an homage to the way me and my fiance met. We are humongous Harry Potter freaks and met on an online Harry Potter forum. Its one of those stories that are totally cheesy but really sweet. I also sketched out the hogwarts crest but instead of the four houses we are putting out kids' initials in each corner and a big G in the middle and our names on the banner on top. It is going to be made into an edible image and put around our cake.
cake: cost ofingredients
edible images: 6 bucks a piece
Food: 45 bucks minimum
--------------
Probably looking at 100 bucks.
As far as bargain-able items that's pretty much it. All in all we are spending 641 dollars for our weddin. I am sure there will be more int he next month... but hopefully we can make more bargains in the coming weeks.