Wedding Update #1
i figure, i gotta write down all the random ideas and info about the wedding. i think talking to Lauren and buying this book as really motivated me to step it up and start planning the wedding on a real basis.
let me elaborate - it's hard to even think of planning a wedding when as a couple, we're busy figuring out the finances of just being able to see each other. I wonder if this is really going to help me in the long run or if it'd be easier to live in Mo Val and plan this.
i'm trying to cut down on my spending so that i can pour everything extra into my credit cards. i'm trying to keep better track of my expenses, and cut out most of what isn't necessary. basically, i spend a lot of money on food and gas...and i'm trying to cut my monthly book spending at least by half. i don't like doing libraries because i like being able to keep my books and refer to them whenever i want. plus, having books around makes me feel good.
justin will be fine in nine months, when my engagement ring will be paid off. and i think by then, a substantial chunk of my debt will be paid down. fortunately, i don't have to pay rent no matter where i live, vegas, or here. and i've been trying to put money away in a savings account.
i bought a book on the different ways to save money on a wedding - what to look out for, how not to get scammed, what questions to ask, well-known vendors with more reasonable prices....
as it turns out, the wedding industry is vicious and has a billion tricks to part you with your money. some places sell headpieces (a plastic clip with fake pearls, silk flowers and some tulle) for anywhere between $60 to $300. no lie.
the book makes me feel a lot better about planning this now that I know what to look for. also, Lauren has been encouraging me to go out and actually check things out in stores and at expos, so here's my progress:
1. I checked out dates on local bridal shows and let those close to me know (and yes, cynthia, if you can come out to las vegas on the weekend of the 24th, i'd love to have you there)
2. i created a wedding website, which will be more complete as the planning goes along... here's the site: http://sherelleandjustin.weddings.com
3. i put in inquiries to various wedding and reception sites as far as pricing
4. i've been continuously browsing through good vendor and info websites and bookmarking those that i can possibly use later along the line
I plan to:
1. Develop pictures of Justin and I and collect old ones - I am putting together an album that will have pictures of us and pictures of wedding elements that i've cut out of wedding magazines, kinda like a wish book to coordinate what i like.
2. Narrow down wedding sites and confer with Justin as to what we are putting together - he wants a beach wedding, i'm less concerned about the venue as long as all my family and friends are there.
3. Set a date, so that I can coordinate around that date and book the venue.
4. Collect full contact information on everyone I plan on inviting - email, address, cell phone and home phone, full names, family names
5. I need to put an official engagement announcement in the Press Enterprise...
6. There's been the question of a budget, but i think we may make it up as we go along, considering there is no set amount of money sitting around anywhere and we'll likely be paying for this as we go along.
Perhaps I'll make an ideal amount to shoot for or beat and maybe go from there.....
let me elaborate - it's hard to even think of planning a wedding when as a couple, we're busy figuring out the finances of just being able to see each other. I wonder if this is really going to help me in the long run or if it'd be easier to live in Mo Val and plan this.
i'm trying to cut down on my spending so that i can pour everything extra into my credit cards. i'm trying to keep better track of my expenses, and cut out most of what isn't necessary. basically, i spend a lot of money on food and gas...and i'm trying to cut my monthly book spending at least by half. i don't like doing libraries because i like being able to keep my books and refer to them whenever i want. plus, having books around makes me feel good.
justin will be fine in nine months, when my engagement ring will be paid off. and i think by then, a substantial chunk of my debt will be paid down. fortunately, i don't have to pay rent no matter where i live, vegas, or here. and i've been trying to put money away in a savings account.
i bought a book on the different ways to save money on a wedding - what to look out for, how not to get scammed, what questions to ask, well-known vendors with more reasonable prices....
as it turns out, the wedding industry is vicious and has a billion tricks to part you with your money. some places sell headpieces (a plastic clip with fake pearls, silk flowers and some tulle) for anywhere between $60 to $300. no lie.
the book makes me feel a lot better about planning this now that I know what to look for. also, Lauren has been encouraging me to go out and actually check things out in stores and at expos, so here's my progress:
1. I checked out dates on local bridal shows and let those close to me know (and yes, cynthia, if you can come out to las vegas on the weekend of the 24th, i'd love to have you there)
2. i created a wedding website, which will be more complete as the planning goes along... here's the site: http://sherelleandjustin.weddings.com
3. i put in inquiries to various wedding and reception sites as far as pricing
4. i've been continuously browsing through good vendor and info websites and bookmarking those that i can possibly use later along the line
I plan to:
1. Develop pictures of Justin and I and collect old ones - I am putting together an album that will have pictures of us and pictures of wedding elements that i've cut out of wedding magazines, kinda like a wish book to coordinate what i like.
2. Narrow down wedding sites and confer with Justin as to what we are putting together - he wants a beach wedding, i'm less concerned about the venue as long as all my family and friends are there.
3. Set a date, so that I can coordinate around that date and book the venue.
4. Collect full contact information on everyone I plan on inviting - email, address, cell phone and home phone, full names, family names
5. I need to put an official engagement announcement in the Press Enterprise...
6. There's been the question of a budget, but i think we may make it up as we go along, considering there is no set amount of money sitting around anywhere and we'll likely be paying for this as we go along.
Perhaps I'll make an ideal amount to shoot for or beat and maybe go from there.....