G
I Was Waiting For Somebody To Start This Thread
UH-FREAKING-OH!
In a related article, from the Yahoo features:
Set your budget. Decide how much you can afford to spend in total, then prioritize each expenditure. Save where you can: Music could be piped in from your iPod, for example; if you're planning an after-dark reception, a band would be too loud for most backyards anyway. You could also forgo hiring a florist -- the flowers in your yard are all you'll need for decoration, and a friend could pick up bouquets at a farmer's market or even supermarket on the day of the nuptials.
UH-OH! They better have insurance!
UH-FREAKING-OH!
In a related article, from the Yahoo features:
Set your budget. Decide how much you can afford to spend in total, then prioritize each expenditure. Save where you can: Music could be piped in from your iPod, for example; if you're planning an after-dark reception, a band would be too loud for most backyards anyway. You could also forgo hiring a florist -- the flowers in your yard are all you'll need for decoration, and a friend could pick up bouquets at a farmer's market or even supermarket on the day of the nuptials.
UH-OH! They better have insurance!
The author was especially hard on photogs and caterers. That's sad. We all have to put food on the table. And the part about playing on emotions... isn't that what the author was doing when she wrote this piece?
What is it with these people? They get married once and suddenly they're wedding planning experts. Truth be told, they're not telling anyone anything that hasn't been said before. DIY wedding reception advice was in print long before any of us were born.
In them days, it was a record player, lol. But let me ask you this: If you're inviting guests from near and far, family and friends, do you really want to do this reception on the cheap? Do you honestly believe that your guests will not notice?
While I tend to agree that many upscale weddings are exercises in overindulgence, I also tend to think that addressing questions that weren't asked and advising B&Gs to squeeze nickels and dimes are unnecessary. Just because you did your wedding on the cheap, that's no guarantee that millions of other brides will wish to do the same.
I dunno about the rest... but I'm not gonna go to a chicken processor and buy a truckload of chickens and slave in the kitchen for days cooking it all just to save a few dollars. If I can't afford professional catering to feed the five thousand, I'll invite fewer guests.
Dunno 'bout you... but if I flew halfway across the country, forked over the dough for overnight lodging etc just to sit in a hot, stuffy tent in someone's back yard for a few hours and tolerate people tussling over iPod music while trying not to heave cold beans and greasy chicken and hamburgers, I'd be royally pissed. I can have a back yard cookout without leaving home, thanks very much.
There's a reason for professional vendors and rented venues.
What is it with these people? They get married once and suddenly they're wedding planning experts. Truth be told, they're not telling anyone anything that hasn't been said before. DIY wedding reception advice was in print long before any of us were born.
In them days, it was a record player, lol. But let me ask you this: If you're inviting guests from near and far, family and friends, do you really want to do this reception on the cheap? Do you honestly believe that your guests will not notice?
While I tend to agree that many upscale weddings are exercises in overindulgence, I also tend to think that addressing questions that weren't asked and advising B&Gs to squeeze nickels and dimes are unnecessary. Just because you did your wedding on the cheap, that's no guarantee that millions of other brides will wish to do the same.
I dunno about the rest... but I'm not gonna go to a chicken processor and buy a truckload of chickens and slave in the kitchen for days cooking it all just to save a few dollars. If I can't afford professional catering to feed the five thousand, I'll invite fewer guests.
Dunno 'bout you... but if I flew halfway across the country, forked over the dough for overnight lodging etc just to sit in a hot, stuffy tent in someone's back yard for a few hours and tolerate people tussling over iPod music while trying not to heave cold beans and greasy chicken and hamburgers, I'd be royally pissed. I can have a back yard cookout without leaving home, thanks very much.
There's a reason for professional vendors and rented venues.
totally agree with fred.
it all depends on what people want. My one sister-in-law's parents saved money for a long time to make sure they put on good weddings for their 3 daughters. It was just something they felt very strongly about.
Some brides dream about the day for years and want things a certain way.
I love this quote:
Put aside the wedding....try putting on a nice corporate event for 250 people....catered...at a hall..sitdown dinner, hor s dorvs ..drinks....waiters....entertainment, professional photographer.
This is revelation:
You mean i can save money by just making dinner for 250 people myself or having some friends do it?....oh man, why didn't i think of that before!!!
I think this lady said it good:
there are 100's of books out there that give ideas to people that want to do weddings on the cheap.....and if someone wants to do that....i say go for it...its your wedding and your day...do it the way you want.
This person just put a little different spin on it....blaming the wedding industry. I disagree. I believe the wedding industry was created because a good number of people want to have a very memorable celebration.
it all depends on what people want. My one sister-in-law's parents saved money for a long time to make sure they put on good weddings for their 3 daughters. It was just something they felt very strongly about.
Some brides dream about the day for years and want things a certain way.
I love this quote:
So, brides were just planning on having a little party...until the evil wedding industry brainwashed them into spending $28,000 needlessly?
Put aside the wedding....try putting on a nice corporate event for 250 people....catered...at a hall..sitdown dinner, hor s dorvs ..drinks....waiters....entertainment, professional photographer.
This is revelation:
You mean i can save money by just making dinner for 250 people myself or having some friends do it?....oh man, why didn't i think of that before!!!
I think this lady said it good:
there are 100's of books out there that give ideas to people that want to do weddings on the cheap.....and if someone wants to do that....i say go for it...its your wedding and your day...do it the way you want.
This person just put a little different spin on it....blaming the wedding industry. I disagree. I believe the wedding industry was created because a good number of people want to have a very memorable celebration.
DJ PAUL
Director of Entertainment Fulfillment
As played out as the car analogy is I'm gonna apply it. You can have a Bently or a Buick but both are available. There are alot less Bentlys on the road. I wonder if this book is free?
Paul
Paul
I tried to post my usual response whenever some chirpie chimes in on how to have a wedding on the cheap, but couldn't find a spot to log in. Unless I was having a brain fart, was there a log in link that I just missed?
"Prime rib, chicken, blah. A Prime rib is meat, so is a Big Mac. Chicken sandwiches are on the dollar menu. Fancy potatos? Blah. French fries are a potato and they are also on the dollar menu. Veggies? Who really eats them anyway? Do without. This way, a wedding for 250 people can easily be catered for $500, plus tax and every guest gets at least a cut of beef and a potato.
Flowers? Blah. Dandelions are free and they're everywhere. No expense here.
Fancy dress? Blah. You're only wearing it once, why not wear your favorite jeans and your best blouse. No expense here, you've already got the outfit folded in your bureau.
Music? Blah. Use a radio. Actually, bring in a dozen radios, tune them all into the same station and you have instant music and entertainment! No expense here.
Cake? Blah. Again, who really eats wedding cake? Get a couple of cakes at Stop and Shop and make them self serve. Cost? About 15 bucks.
Limousine? Blah. Drive up in the car you already own, when you break it down, the limo is just an expensive ride. Gas up your tank and arrive in a car you already own. Cost? Tank of gas, around 30 bucks.
Function hall? Blah. Have your guests over to your house, or apartment. The first 6 people to arrive get the chairs, everyone else stands. Why waste all that money on a one-time room rental? Put them in the living room with all the radios and bingo! They have a roof over their heads to eat their Big Macs and fries.
Drinks? Champagne? Blah. Tap water's free and it's already piped into the house.
JP? Blah. Have a friend get a one-day license and let them do the ceremony. It's just a piece of paper, after all.
Honeymoon? Blah. Why bother? Once you return, it's over and all that money is wasted. Instead, get a new washer or dryer or living room set with your honeymoon money, something that will last longer than just a week. If you really want to spend time on the beach, fill up the tub, make your own waves and splash around there. Get some sand from Home Depot, scatter it on the bathroom floor and you now have instant beach! Cost? I don't know what a bag of sand costs, may be 20 bucks?
Why you've now had a wedding for 250 people for less than a thousand dollars.
And trust me, it's one wedding your guests will NEVER forget! But hey, you saved money and listened to the chirpie of the moment and her money-saving wedding advice."
"Prime rib, chicken, blah. A Prime rib is meat, so is a Big Mac. Chicken sandwiches are on the dollar menu. Fancy potatos? Blah. French fries are a potato and they are also on the dollar menu. Veggies? Who really eats them anyway? Do without. This way, a wedding for 250 people can easily be catered for $500, plus tax and every guest gets at least a cut of beef and a potato.
Flowers? Blah. Dandelions are free and they're everywhere. No expense here.
Fancy dress? Blah. You're only wearing it once, why not wear your favorite jeans and your best blouse. No expense here, you've already got the outfit folded in your bureau.
Music? Blah. Use a radio. Actually, bring in a dozen radios, tune them all into the same station and you have instant music and entertainment! No expense here.
Cake? Blah. Again, who really eats wedding cake? Get a couple of cakes at Stop and Shop and make them self serve. Cost? About 15 bucks.
Limousine? Blah. Drive up in the car you already own, when you break it down, the limo is just an expensive ride. Gas up your tank and arrive in a car you already own. Cost? Tank of gas, around 30 bucks.
Function hall? Blah. Have your guests over to your house, or apartment. The first 6 people to arrive get the chairs, everyone else stands. Why waste all that money on a one-time room rental? Put them in the living room with all the radios and bingo! They have a roof over their heads to eat their Big Macs and fries.
Drinks? Champagne? Blah. Tap water's free and it's already piped into the house.
JP? Blah. Have a friend get a one-day license and let them do the ceremony. It's just a piece of paper, after all.
Honeymoon? Blah. Why bother? Once you return, it's over and all that money is wasted. Instead, get a new washer or dryer or living room set with your honeymoon money, something that will last longer than just a week. If you really want to spend time on the beach, fill up the tub, make your own waves and splash around there. Get some sand from Home Depot, scatter it on the bathroom floor and you now have instant beach! Cost? I don't know what a bag of sand costs, may be 20 bucks?
Why you've now had a wedding for 250 people for less than a thousand dollars.
And trust me, it's one wedding your guests will NEVER forget! But hey, you saved money and listened to the chirpie of the moment and her money-saving wedding advice."
Actually, if I ever got married again (about the same chance as John and I agreeing on global warming 
), I would do it pretty much like above, with one small change:
I can get kegs of beer pretty cheap, as I am a regular customer. Come to think of it, I might just have it piped to my house
), I would do it pretty much like above, with one small change:I can get kegs of beer pretty cheap, as I am a regular customer. Come to think of it, I might just have it piped to my house
John,
You must first rate the thread, then it opens a window to add a comment. I, of course, added MY two cents.
You must first rate the thread, then it opens a window to add a comment. I, of course, added MY two cents.
I tried to post my usual response whenever some chirpie chimes in on how to have a wedding on the cheap, but couldn't find a spot to log in. Unless I was having a brain fart, was there a log in link that I just missed?
"Prime rib, chicken, blah. A Prime rib is meat, so is a Big Mac. Chicken sandwiches are on the dollar menu. Fancy potatos? Blah. French fries are a potato and they are also on the dollar menu. Veggies? Who really eats them anyway? Do without. This way, a wedding for 250 people can easily be catered for $500, plus tax and every guest gets at least a cut of beef and a potato.
Flowers? Blah. Dandelions are free and they're everywhere. No expense here.
Fancy dress? Blah. You're only wearing it once, why not wear your favorite jeans and your best blouse. No expense here, you've already got the outfit folded in your bureau.
Music? Blah. Use a radio. Actually, bring in a dozen radios, tune them all into the same station and you have instant music and entertainment! No expense here.
Cake? Blah. Again, who really eats wedding cake? Get a couple of cakes at Stop and Shop and make them self serve. Cost? About 15 bucks.
Limousine? Blah. Drive up in the car you already own, when you break it down, the limo is just an expensive ride. Gas up your tank and arrive in a car you already own. Cost? Tank of gas, around 30 bucks.
Function hall? Blah. Have your guests over to your house, or apartment. The first 6 people to arrive get the chairs, everyone else stands. Why waste all that money on a one-time room rental? Put them in the living room with all the radios and bingo! They have a roof over their heads to eat their Big Macs and fries.
Drinks? Champagne? Blah. Tap water's free and it's already piped into the house.
JP? Blah. Have a friend get a one-day license and let them do the ceremony. It's just a piece of paper, after all.
Honeymoon? Blah. Why bother? Once you return, it's over and all that money is wasted. Instead, get a new washer or dryer or living room set with your honeymoon money, something that will last longer than just a week. If you really want to spend time on the beach, fill up the tub, make your own waves and splash around there. Get some sand from Home Depot, scatter it on the bathroom floor and you now have instant beach! Cost? I don't know what a bag of sand costs, may be 20 bucks?
Why you've now had a wedding for 250 people for less than a thousand dollars.
And trust me, it's one wedding your guests will NEVER forget! But hey, you saved money and listened to the chirpie of the moment and her money-saving wedding advice."
John -- I couldn't have come up with a better response myself! That was classic! (Of course, it WAS from one of the evil "Wedding Industry" foot-soldiers!)
I agree
and second Johns comments about Freds response.
but deep down I have to also disagree on a couple accounts
. If I traveled across country it would most likely be I was celebrating with some one very near and dear. Certainly wouldnt pay to travel that far for a less known second cousin and therefore if going to this family or friends big event I most likely would be there to share the moment. The icing on the cake truly would be very minuet in my mind versus celebrating with them.
One other thing.
This actually goes along with another beef many guests seem to have. I have had guests refuse to enjoy the fun cause it wasnt their favorite style of music. The real reason for a Wedding isnt to show how much money you spent on the day but honestly the fact you wanted to share the day with family and friends celebrating Holy Matrimony. There is no rule saying you have to have a 6 piece band, a DJ with lights and a Subwoofer, or even an ipod loaded with a variety of music for all. Its about celebration with loved ones. Everything else is fluff.
If guests were truly there for the right reason they'd dance and celebrate with whatever choices the Bride and Groom made including a first to last song list they created for THEIR special day.
and second Johns comments about Freds response.
but deep down I have to also disagree on a couple accounts. If I traveled across country it would most likely be I was celebrating with some one very near and dear. Certainly wouldnt pay to travel that far for a less known second cousin and therefore if going to this family or friends big event I most likely would be there to share the moment. The icing on the cake truly would be very minuet in my mind versus celebrating with them.
One other thing.
This actually goes along with another beef many guests seem to have. I have had guests refuse to enjoy the fun cause it wasnt their favorite style of music. The real reason for a Wedding isnt to show how much money you spent on the day but honestly the fact you wanted to share the day with family and friends celebrating Holy Matrimony. There is no rule saying you have to have a 6 piece band, a DJ with lights and a Subwoofer, or even an ipod loaded with a variety of music for all. Its about celebration with loved ones. Everything else is fluff.
If guests were truly there for the right reason they'd dance and celebrate with whatever choices the Bride and Groom made including a first to last song list they created for THEIR special day.
You got it John its about celebrating. This is a chance for both families and friends to gather to celebrate the marriage. Yet some people especially the older ones who believe its just time to gather and talk. Then come up and complain its to loud. If its to loud you could always go outside since you dont care to celebrate with the bride and groom. OK now I feel better.
Its amazing that each industry comes up with people who are experts and begin to tell people how to do things. Thank God we are all individuals and can make decisions for ourselves, otherwise we would be all walking around bumping into each other with a blank look on our face.
Some people want simple weddings and that works for them. Some people want fancy and that works for them. There is no right or wrong only what works for you. I shared some cool ideas with people in the past that they hadn't thought about and some used them some didn't.
Each person or couple have a vision on what they want their special day to be, seems to me everyone should work toward that vision. And not what we or whoever in the industry thinks it should be. Whos day is it anyway.
Its amazing that each industry comes up with people who are experts and begin to tell people how to do things. Thank God we are all individuals and can make decisions for ourselves, otherwise we would be all walking around bumping into each other with a blank look on our face.
Some people want simple weddings and that works for them. Some people want fancy and that works for them. There is no right or wrong only what works for you. I shared some cool ideas with people in the past that they hadn't thought about and some used them some didn't.
Each person or couple have a vision on what they want their special day to be, seems to me everyone should work toward that vision. And not what we or whoever in the industry thinks it should be. Whos day is it anyway.
Ain't that the truth.
It would seem that the general public's ability to appreciate what Jon says above has deteriorated to the point of no return. People get invited to a wedding and their first thought is "Oh great. Now I've gotta buy a gift and rent a tux. What's in it for me?"
The most successful entertainer in the world, the nicest, ritziest hall, the best food in the world... these things won't make a bit of difference to guests who have already made their minds up that they're not gonna have fun. As wedding DJs, many of us here have had the rather unfortunate experience of seeing this first-hand. Uncle Joe is three sheets to the wind when he gets there, his wife is miserable and she's gonna make everyone else miserable if at all possible.
Herein lies the other side of the token: If you're entertaining a group of guests who don't or won't appreciate the time, effort and expense vested to entertain them, why not do it on the cheap? Where's the point in buying a case of champagne and serving filet mignon when your guests prefer beer and pizza?
Thoughts?
G
Guest
Guest
Not a scam!!!
But, the customer can be manipulated into lots of costs that aren't necessary. However, most customers pick a "range" that they can afford, then plug vendors into it, to get a grand total. The customer usually picks the wrong vendors to fit their priorities.
As the article stated, just about the only thing that has a lasting impression is the video and the recollection of the party. I would claim that the entertainment, makes or breaks the party. Nuff said there, but the article made the following statement: "and the videographer who encourages peers at an industry conference to double their prices, because 'parents want the best for their children.' ". Sounds sorta like a "movement" we've all heard about. I contend that brides pay only as much as they need to for entertainment. Quality only enters into the equasion if the bride has "heard" about the entertainment (the Volkswagen vs. Cadillac arguement).
I've been married several times, and I feel qualified to make the following comments... you can always get by cheaper than you think. $28,000 is ridiculous. I did my own wedding (the last one) for under $500. I did however, have to put lots of effort into it.
I made my own cake (no one knew it wasn't a store bought cake), and did bar-b-que on the grill. I set up my own lights and sound (this is an expense most brides would have to pay) and had the computer run the show. I bought two tents from Menard's (later sold them), and had a buddy take pictures. I bought the card stock and an embosser, and made my own invitations (they turned out fantastic), that I printed on my computer.
What brides are really paying for is the "convenience" of not having to do any "actual work", or the knowledge of how to do it. Sorta like having the garbage man pick up your trash, instead of you driving it to the dump yourself. That's why "co-ordinators are gaining popularity with brides who have more money to spend (it takes the load off).
Why not rent a hall, and have everyone bring a hotdish? Many are doing that. Brides on a budget will always be with us. They bring an iPod and home stereo for entertainment. If it works for them... more power to them! It seems like most of us on these boards are not looking at them as customers anyhow.
But, the customer can be manipulated into lots of costs that aren't necessary. However, most customers pick a "range" that they can afford, then plug vendors into it, to get a grand total. The customer usually picks the wrong vendors to fit their priorities.
As the article stated, just about the only thing that has a lasting impression is the video and the recollection of the party. I would claim that the entertainment, makes or breaks the party. Nuff said there, but the article made the following statement: "and the videographer who encourages peers at an industry conference to double their prices, because 'parents want the best for their children.' ". Sounds sorta like a "movement" we've all heard about. I contend that brides pay only as much as they need to for entertainment. Quality only enters into the equasion if the bride has "heard" about the entertainment (the Volkswagen vs. Cadillac arguement).
I've been married several times, and I feel qualified to make the following comments... you can always get by cheaper than you think. $28,000 is ridiculous. I did my own wedding (the last one) for under $500. I did however, have to put lots of effort into it.
I made my own cake (no one knew it wasn't a store bought cake), and did bar-b-que on the grill. I set up my own lights and sound (this is an expense most brides would have to pay) and had the computer run the show. I bought two tents from Menard's (later sold them), and had a buddy take pictures. I bought the card stock and an embosser, and made my own invitations (they turned out fantastic), that I printed on my computer.
What brides are really paying for is the "convenience" of not having to do any "actual work", or the knowledge of how to do it. Sorta like having the garbage man pick up your trash, instead of you driving it to the dump yourself. That's why "co-ordinators are gaining popularity with brides who have more money to spend (it takes the load off).
Why not rent a hall, and have everyone bring a hotdish? Many are doing that. Brides on a budget will always be with us. They bring an iPod and home stereo for entertainment. If it works for them... more power to them! It seems like most of us on these boards are not looking at them as customers anyhow.
That could be a deadly mistake in the long run alot of us are losing the art of the sale
G
Guest
Guest
So, let's see...
I think it was this same person that wrote a book on how to save money at their wedding. There was a big to do over it around the DJ community and then nothing.
Like books by Peter Merry, people get all upset and then it blows over.
I've learned one lesson from the Peter Merry book; people like him and this author of this book are trying to sell books and they'll throw out any kind of crapola to do it.
These days I look for books that have information in them that I can use. John Allo wrote one.
I think it was this same person that wrote a book on how to save money at their wedding. There was a big to do over it around the DJ community and then nothing.
Like books by Peter Merry, people get all upset and then it blows over.
I've learned one lesson from the Peter Merry book; people like him and this author of this book are trying to sell books and they'll throw out any kind of crapola to do it.
These days I look for books that have information in them that I can use. John Allo wrote one.
Laura Rowley - Yahoo Finance said:
This is a very ignorant statement.
There is a monumental difference between sharing vows and hosting a party.
Sharing the vows...in all reality...costs very little.
Hosting the event is what you pay people to do in your stead.
The imbalance in valuation between products and services is what is most tragic.
One NON DJ example:
Flowers are a decoration that will die...yet people pay big bucks for a perishable decoration. However, the cost of producing, transporting, arranging flowers has hard costs related to the price. These costs are passed along to the consumer...because the consumer desires the product & service.
Production values are not promoted by the industry. Production values are "created" by the costs related to providing goods and services...which in turn are passed on to the consumer in want of that product or service.
Devaluation at every turn... :BangHead:
Fight devaluation...or be devalued...
G
Guest
Guest
Cheap Weddings
One of the things said here is, "A DJ is a good choice for music. You can have it all for not too much money. It could include music for the ceremony and the reception as well as the DJ being emcee for the party."
Hmmm, instead of proliferating the market with one more book, why can't these folks send these people to these sites?
Oh yeah, then they wouldn't have the green in their pocket.
One of the things said here is, "A DJ is a good choice for music. You can have it all for not too much money. It could include music for the ceremony and the reception as well as the DJ being emcee for the party."
Hmmm, instead of proliferating the market with one more book, why can't these folks send these people to these sites?
Oh yeah, then they wouldn't have the green in their pocket.