Struggling to plan

Nothing wrong with taking a break from planning if you are feeling frustrated and in a rut. I found WW’s checklist super helpful to keep me on track when I was planning. You just have to decide what is most important to you and your FS, and bass your decisions on that.
Keep in mind a courthouse wedding IS an “actual wedding”, that could offend people who chose to have one.

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View Quoted Comment Im sorry I didn’t mean to make it come off that way. I believe a courthouse wedding is a real wedding. I’ve been engaged for almost a year and am just feeling overwhelmed with all these decisions.

What does FH want? If you're wanting a backyard party and he's on board, go for it!!
If we didn't have such large families I'd love to get married in a little chapel in the mountains and then throw a party with everyone, but we are kinda pushed to have a bigger wedding.

Kelsea....it sounds like you need a wedding planner. They have planners for all sizes and budgets. You may want to consider reaching out to someone. If you prefer to go solo, you may want to begin by finding a venue. Perhaps a restaurant with a private room?? I am planning my own wedding and reserved a loft space in a local restaurant. It is separate from the dining room with its own entrance. The fee was quite affordable and the person who I have been working with is absolutely wonderful! I found the experience (and the contract) to be a lot less restrictive that the larger venues that are local to me. I wouldn't discourage a backyard venue, I have seen some beautiful pics but they don't come cheap either....EVERYThING must be rented (even bathrooms sometimes) and weather is always a factor. That being said, if you have your heart set on this...what about a local barn or perhaps applying for a permit to hold your celebration in a local park?? Just a thought... No matter what, this should be a happy time for you. Try not to let it bring you down or stress you out. Remember, its the marriage not the wedding that is most important!!! Good luck!

View Quoted Comment He doesn’t care! He said it’s up to me. He’s up for anything!

View Quoted Comment Thanks Cheryl. This means a lot. I do find myself stressed about it and often discouraged. I’ve looked at all barn venues and they are sooo expensive. 5k minimum just to rent. I’ll have to look into the restaurant option to see if there is anything like that by me. The venue search is what is throwing me off

I felt the same way and began to get overwhelmed very early in the process. I know that I didn’t want anything fancy and I have no patience so didn’t want a DIY wedding. We opted for a brunch wedding at a restaurant that happens to do weddings. They take care of everything from food to servers to chairs for ceremony and setting up dance floor. The place is already decorated and they get fresh flowers delivered weekly for their centerpieces. They will ask their florist to do them in my colors for that week. Literally I need to hire a DJ and photographer and show up. I say do whatever makes you happy- who cares what the norm is- it’s your day!!!

View Quoted Comment Thank you Erica! I need to look into more options and try not to get so easily discouraged. I will definitely be looking into restaurant options