My Wedding Budget is $5,000... or is it $8,000

Emerald Event Center

2011-02-16T10:13:00.001-05:00

Is a nice wedding location. I'll give you an update on the food options, available from Create a cake catering.

Omg! Google has Blogger for Android!

2011-02-03T19:21:00.001-05:00

Isn't that great! Now I can post little wedding tidbits more often.
By the by my little sister is pregnant and getting married.

2010-12-10T10:57:00.000-05:00

From Tamisha

I've been missing, lately.

2010-10-11T21:08:00.001-04:00

Back to the drswing board....

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.3

I went to a Wedding this weekend!

2010-03-22T12:06:00.005-04:00

It was really simple and elegant! The bride was beautiful! The ceremony was beautiful... I really liked the actual service. Many times I don't even remember the service. The preacher said some really meaningful things and I was touched. I haven't asked but I believe the bride used a tactic I read lot lot about in budget friendly wedding planning articles SHE ONLY INCLUDED THINGS THAT WERE MEMORABLE TO HER! There were no favors...didn't miss them, but there was an open bar... no favors needed. There was a well wishing tree instead of a sign in book. The venue, The Great Aunt Stella Center a historic church in Downtown Charlotte, was beautiful with a circular sanctuary and Italian stained glass windows.

I'm going to a wedding this weekend!

2010-03-16T21:17:00.000-04:00

I'm going to another wedding this weekend....

I'VE FOUND TWO NEW WEDDING AND RECEPTION VENUES

2010-03-16T21:06:00.002-04:00

Wouldn't it be magical to get married on the lake? The sun setting and glowing lights cascading bouncing off of the still waters. Well you can there a two places that offer yacht charters for up to 150 people on Lake Norman. Luxury Yacht Charters and Championship Yacht Charters watch the video below....

Not a bad idea and I've contacted them both and they are reasonably priced.

Mosaic Brides - Autumn 2009

2009-12-23T06:28:00.001-05:00

I just found this publication on Issuu.

http://issuu.com/cronweb/docs/mosaic-brides-autumn2009

Ice Sculptures....Do you need them?

2009-07-28T09:54:00.005-04:00

I've gone to two wedding recently where the couples had ice sculptures. The ice sculpture to your left was an loving expression of the couple. As you can see thier names are inscribed and the grooms favorite sports team is displayed (What about dem Cowboys?...NOT! lol). At the second wedding the ice sculpture kept the fruit buffet cool! It was displayed as the pre-wedding hors' ovures outside the recpetion hall. I thought this was an excellent use of an ice sculpture. I debated the ice sculpture issue, at almost $300.00 this can be a hugh hit to the budget. Tell me what you think ice sculpture or not?

Inexpensive but Fun Wedding Favors

2009-07-09T16:07:00.005-04:00

I recently went to the dentist...I know ouch! Anyway as a parting gift at the checkout counter they had personalized watermelon flavored chap stick( my dentist). My lips were dry from being held open for thirty minutes so I grabbed two, one for my daughter. I was thinking about the blog and I decided to look up the manufacturing company, also on the label. This site offers 100 personalized organic chap sticks for $49.00 and they are made fresh to your order. I thought wow, what an inexpensive way to provide your guest with a useful functional parting gift. It would be even better to get the top of the tube in your wedding colors. Anyway check them out www.lipbalmexpress.com. Oh by the way its good chap stick, my lips feel smooth and moisturized.

I've Been Missing for a While...But I'm Back

2009-07-06T10:24:00.005-04:00

To my readers:
I decided to postpone my wedding ...long story. I did not think I would be missed but I'm still getting emails and people are still reading so I've decided to continue planning my wedding for $5000 or is it $8,000. So when I do get married all I will have to do is implement the plans that we have vetted together. I have several friends who are getting married this year and I'm helping them in any way I can. I've also been selling some of my crafting services. I've attached a picture of a logo I designed and hand painted on a wedding aisle runner for a girl on Craigslist . Let me know if you know anyone who could use my services I'm cheaper than anyone on the web and I'm Local!

Wedding design

2009-01-14T12:08:00.001-05:00

The new trend is designer wedding with designer themes. We have all seen the Tiffany wedding on whose wedding is it. Little blue boxes for favors with matching invitation and so on. These designer themes can be quite expensive unless you DIY.

Helping a Friend!

2008-10-22T15:34:00.002-04:00

I have two friends who are also getting married. So I designed a logo for one of them. What do you think!

I got a google phone

2008-10-21T14:49:00.002-04:00

I just received my google phone. Not wedding related I know. But I thought I'd share and I sent this post from my phone.

DIY CardBox

2008-10-20T08:47:00.008-04:00

I've decided to make a Picture Frame Card Box that will display our engagement photos during the reception. I got the design from the net but I've modified it somewhat since I am going to keep it as a keepsake box. Here is the first building photos. I'll finish it after a trip to the hardware and fabric store. I used 2 packets of small box hinges and 4 picture frames from Wal mart .

Wedding Checklist

2008-10-16T14:12:00.002-04:00

As you can see I have a lot of work to do.

Unity Candles

2008-10-16T13:53:00.005-04:00

Here is one of my DIY projects. I purchased a 3"x 9" candle from Hobby Lobby (they are having a sale for 50% off all bridal) for 2.99. The velum paper was also %50 off. The ribbon came form walmart 1.00 and $.49. I still have some left over. One DIY complete... I may go with my other monogram logo.

Free Save the Date Post Card

2008-10-16T10:19:00.008-04:00

It took a couple of weeks, but I did receive my free post card. It looked just like the picture. It had my message on the back and it was pretty cool. The advertisement on the back was small so what it was FREE! I put it on my refrigerator, where you would hope, your guest would keep the save the dates. Nice and visible. You can use publisher to create a Jpeg image with your save the date information on top.Free save the dates at Hippopost.com can be a great deal. You could even upload this design to vista print and get post cards made. The best way to save money is to send them free. Example:

DIY...

2008-10-16T09:51:00.004-04:00

Okay thanks to my Bridesmaids I've finally settled on a theme and color palette (lime green, lavendar, chocolate, see right). Purple is my favorite color and I tend to lean to the lighter shades of purple, like lavender. I have decided, in order to save a buck, to do DIY wedding projects. I'm fairly crafty and I know I can make anything. I'm in the middle of several different projects; my display cake, favor boxes, flower girl pail, seat cards, invitations, and unity candles. Okay, that's a lot and it isn't even half of the projects I've decided to undertake. Don't laugh! (naw go ahead, I am) My bridesmaids bless thier hearts are trying to make sure I'm being realistic. I am, I can finish all of that and more in six months.

I'm back...

2008-10-16T09:44:00.002-04:00

I'm still planning! Thanks for all of you who have been following me. I got an email from Linda in Greensboro who is also on a $5000 to $8000 budget.

Gabby,

I’m sorry to trouble you, but I ran across your blog about planning your wedding. I was curious where you ended up having your reception. I am on a budget somewhere between $5,000 and $8,000 and also in Greensboro.

Thank you so much!

~Linda

My Response:

Linda,

No trouble at all. I'm glad my blog is there to help. I need to continue writing (I've been busy lately)! I haven't gotten married yet my date is April 25, 2009. Depending on your criteria (alcohol etc. ) there are lots of different places to have a reception. But budget constraints definitely can hinder us. If I didn't want to provide 100 guest with unlimited alcohol I would use one of these venues: Cheapest

The JH Adams Inn in High Point. It is really beautiful and very elegant. They make you buy their alcohol but the lady there will work with you to pick a nice meal cheaply. There are pictures on my blog and here is their website. Food and venue roughly $3000

The Brookstown Inn is fabulous. I think the same company owns both of these places. Anyway they also make you buy their alcohol but they will work to stay withinn your budget. The dining area is a little dark but the charm of the hotel makes it so worth while and your guests will feel at home. Food and venue roughly $3500.

Double tree High Point Rd- In my quest for the perfect spot, I've viewed many places, if you want to go the chain hotel route, this is the place to go. They only charge $500 for the venue and the food is about 25.00 per person. I really like the charm of the above bed and breakfast places, though. $Food and venue roughly $3500

Watch out for %20 Gratuity.

Unlimited Alcohol Choices:

1. Tuscany Gardens (they are booking up the best months fast). This would be my first choice they provide a lot of the extras. Plus, they allow you to provide your own own alcohol. See my blog. $5000.00 total. Ceremony included.

2. King Inn Sedgefield I just recently saw this place and started to change my whole agenda. It is great ! But, it is better for a smaller affair unless you want to tent the parking lot. Then you're adding cost. You hire your own caterer and they are flexible. It is better to have your guest stay here and have your event here. But check this place out just to have your guest stay here.

3. UNCG Alumni House (alumni, students, staff only) This place is very elegant and newly remodeled. It is inexpensive and very beautiful. Venue $1300 for 6 hours and the school can (not required) cater for $14.00 per person total. Gratuity included.

4. UNCG Cone Ballroom (Books up fast) Older room inside the student center. Very cheap venue under $1000 (tables and chairs included) and the school (required) has to cater for you at $14.00 per person total (other menues available). Gratuity included.

5. ***My choice NC A&T Alumni Center. This place is new and beautiful and it fits all my criteria. Large rooms tables and chairs. The school can cater for you but you can also use an outside caterer. Roughly $2500 with outside caterer .

Linda let me know if I can be of any help on other questions I have catering suggestions. If you want to look at UNCG, I went there, the food is good. Go eat at Spencers. I also do wedding crafts and candy buffets (call for pricing), I've attached a price list, I'm offering blog readers a 25% off discount. Get a paper every week and use coupons Micheal's, Ac Moore, Hobby Lobby, Joann's and Old Time Pottery. Hobby lobby is having a 50% off bridal and floral week with no coupon. I'd be glad to help anyway I can.

Can I use your question on my blog?

Gabby

FREE SAVE THE DATE POSTCARDS!!!!!!!

2008-06-19T10:33:00.003-04:00

I just ran across a site that will allow you to send a postcard you design for free (with a small advertisement). I wonder how many you can send. I've just tested the site twice. I sent my daddy a postcard picture of my daughter and a silly message. I also sent my fiancee a postcard picture of one of our engagement pictures. I'll post how they look when I get them. I may have just solved one of my wedding expenses for FREE! I'll post the website after I receive my test postcards.

Cakes..Ummmm... Cakes!

2008-06-18T14:32:00.005-04:00

Cake cost in this area around $2.00 to $10.00 a slice (CRAZY, BUT TRUE). So, for 100 guest that is about 200 dollars. That would represent 4% of the budget. That usually takes into account the bride and groom saving the top portion until their first anniversary. We will not be participating in this tradition. For a bunch of reasons that I'll list...

I do not eat leftovers
Our freezer is too full
I'm not very familiar with the freezing process
Year old frozen cake...YUK!

Now, I'm sure some family busybody would disagree, but it ain't gonna to happen. So what style cake do I like. I really don't have a preference. Wal-mart has a really nice 3 tier cake for $139 that will feed 119. You can have them decorate it to your taste.

My next idea is cupcakes the are simple and elegant and cheap. And no frozen top...

Wedding in a Box...Updated!

2008-06-18T09:19:00.005-04:00

I went to talk to the lady at Wedding in a Box yesterday. It was a very interesting meeting. If you are in the process of getting married a thinking of planning on your own wedding but are stressed this is the complete package (minus the tux, dress, cake, videographer,and florist). She has basically developed a relationship with vendors who offer her a lower rate for repeat business. So she in turn is able to offer brides a wedding in a box for a surprisingly lower cost. I still do not believe it is lower than DIY. My challenge between now and April 18, 2008 is to see if that is true. She is a good sounding board and she offers consultant only services at $35.00 per hour.

So what does she offer.... for 100 guest for a total of $4999 plus tax.

Invitations and RSVPs Stamped, addressed and mailed
Catering Fruit and Veggie display, 6 other hors d' oeuvers, mock champange punch in fountain
Photographer
DJ
Reception Venue
Decorations for wedding site and reception venue
Coordination and direction of wedding
Programs
Staffing for behind the scenes

I would suggest you check the link above and call the wedding in a box. Especially if you don't have the time to do the research yourself. Or use this blob to help you plan.

Finding Vendors on Craigslist...

2008-06-13T11:43:00.003-04:00

When we first got engaged I found a photographer on craigslist who was looking to build his portfolio and hadn't done very many weddings. He offered to do an entire wedding for $250.00. So I booked a test engagement session (which he did for free) the pictures turned out great and we would have booked him but his prices went up within a week to $600.00. That makes him more comparable to more experienced photographers. He still advertises on craigslist so see if you can catch him. Other wise his website is http://www.frankjin.com .

Our wedding favors...

2008-06-13T10:12:00.005-04:00

I've been reading a lot about the wedding favor debate. Wedding favors can be a big expense...if you let them. I really want to provide my guest with a meaningful gift to take away from my wedding something that will not end up in the junk drawer...

History of Wedding favors

Centuries ago, European aristocrats, most notably those in France and Italy, would send their wedding guests home with a small gift called a bonbonniere or as it’s called in Italian, a bomboniere. These weren’t exclusively a wedding staple however. They were also given out at birthday parties and other celebratory occasions.

A bonbonniere was actually a box made of porcelain, crystal, precious stones or metal. Inside one would find delicacies made of sugar. It was from these boxed and gift wrapped confections that today’s wedding favors are derived.

In my day I've received some dinky wedding favors. Hershey's kisses glued together to look like a rose with a pipe cleaner for a stem (not cute). I want to give something inexpensive, clever, different and meaningful.

What do you think of ... a custom fortune cookie with our own message inside. I found these at E-fortunecookie.com and they are relatively inexpensive. They have an anniversary special ...

Anniversary Pricing:
1-99 $.25 each
100-499 $.18 each
500-999 $.13 each
1,000-4,999 $.10 each
5,000-9,999 $.09 each
10,000-49,999 $.08 each
50,000-99,999 $.07 each
100,000+ $.06 each

200 cookies at .18 each + 12.50 message charge is $48.50 Not bad...

Or you could follow this link to make your own fortune cookie... http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Fortune-Cookie