Recently engaged..seeking Wedding Books/magazines/websites

Congratulations.

I didn't use books or magazines to plan - just did what I wanted. I want to strongly suggest, though, that the two of you stick to a budget. That budget should be determined by how much you can pay - in cash - for a wedding.

I know, I'm a stick in the mud - but too many couples are still paying off the wedding when they file for divorce... and too often, money issues - what issue is there, other than never enough? - is at the heart of the divorce.

S.

10 years ago my husband and I got married - we planned the whole thing ourselves, and split the cost w/both sets of parents, but we wanted to keep the whole thing under $15,000- which is pretty miraculous from what I've heard. I found a book called "1001 ways to save money and still have a fabulous wedding", which was VERY helpful. You can probably find some great books at Half Price Books that can help you plan. Online wasn't really an option for me at the time.

Several helpful things - get referrals from married friends and/or parents of married friends - we found our caterer (a bargain!), our wedding location (another bargain), our photographer (another bargain) from friends. And if any of them have been "passed on" from friend to friend, you may be able to get a better deal because of that, because the vendor knows they will continue to get business from the chain of friends.

Have friends give you their expertise (or a nice discount on it) as wedding gifts. Does someone sew? Perhaps they can make the bridesmaids dresses, etc. My maid of honor bought the flowers (daisies-bridesmaids, roses-me). Friends decorated the venue with ivy and flowers from each others gardens.

Late morning/early afternoon - usually less expensive - we had a lunch menu, buffet style, worked fine.

HAVE FUN - make the wedding something YOU would enjoy, not just what's typical. My husband and I met Scottish Country Dancing, and took Karate lessons together when we were dating - so we had a dance and karate demo at our reception - we had an outdoor wedding/reception so it worked out really well. Friend still talk about it till this day, and we see our wedding favors (Frog squeak toys - e-mail me and I'll tell you the story) sitting out as decorations 10 years later.

Also, I didn't have a "dream" cake, or "dream" dress going into it. That way, I think I was able to be a lot more relaxed about things. I just wanted to be beautiful and have fun. Try to have a relaxed attitude about what you want from the day, and you will truely enjoy it!

I hope that was helpful! Sorry it was so long! Feel free to contact me if you want to :) Enjoy and congratulations!

http://www.theknot.com/

Theknot.com is a great resource and totally free. I used it alot when I planned my wedding in 2001. My sister is getting married next year, so I'm sure I will be on there alot! Congratulations on your engagement and future marriage.

Yeah congrats! How romantic- a keeper!
I say keep it small and simple- but with your own special touches and incorporate the kids into it as much as possible. By all means- if you are having it in a hall or your home and need a host assistant to keep you in the party and out of the stress- please give us a call-
We do what ever you need done- tidy - pass hordoeuvres- clean kitchen- tend to guest with drinks- you name it- great for showers- cocktail parties any events!
Tons of referrals available/
www.partyangelsus.com
Go for it with the wedding! We did Hawaii - no regrets- afterwards you never quite have the time or money to do it all so big- its a great romantic spot and pricline bidding gives me the best rates for airfare.
I have hookups for everything from a travel agent, amazing florist to a photographer to a DJ, bakery, to an event planner=so if you need anything- just give me a buzz- How many people will you be having? Where abouts do you live?
Pop in your special touches and make it your own! let me know what referrals you need- I will gladly send them to you- ps- give my name to your maid of honor....
lol - we do showers. :)

Check out Opulent Bakery Rt 26- cakes are amazing-free wedding guide available there- or ck out perfectweddingguide.com for a location near you that has it-

Party Angels Ltd.
D.
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First of all CONGRATS!!! its so exciting. While I have never been married but have helped plan numerous weddings on all price levels, I would say go and register with theknot.com its a fabulous wedding resource and can give you pointers and you have access to boards adn forums of fellow knotties! I am not sure if it costs, I dont think it does but if it does its worth it!! they have tons of neat ideas and lots of money saving tricks. IT even has a search for vendors in your area section, so you can search vendors for your wedding. Most importantly set a date, and stick to a budget!! good luck!

I love trusty GOOGLE to help me find everything I need but if you need party favors or Bridesmaid gifts, give me a buzz...

A. J
www.celebritypartyfavors.com

You cannot go wrong with The Knot (www.theknot.com). When I married in 1999, I used a similar site and then I think it was the wedding connection or something like that. But it did EVERYTHING I needed and more.

I used the Knot website (http://www.theknot.com) The site is free. You can set up your own page, your budget, your schedule, even allow people to RSVP online. We paid for our wedding and I did a lot of things on a budget. If you would like to see our wedding, give me a shout. I can also give you suggestions on things if you would like.

CONGRATS!

Congrats to you both!!!...You might want to take a look at shindigz.com and oriental trading .com.
Hope this info helps and enjoy every part of planning your wedding..