Undecided and frustrated

Fall weddings are popular so you may not be able to get one so fast for that time. Have you thought about having a longer engagement to save up? That's what I have been doing. I have a large family too so I know the pain financially wedding wise due to family size.

Unless this fall is "super" significant, push it back to save. Also, it's your day, you don't have to include everyone because you think you must. I have over 50 first cousins. (Not including their plus ones and kids!!) you decide. Deep breaths and communicate with your FH. HAPPY PLANNING.

Cut down the guest list. That's the best way to save. You don't HAVE to invite all of your family members. It's a wedding, not a reunion.

We learned very quickly that fall is a VERY popular time to get married. You may have to forgo this fall and plan for another time. I have yet to see a bride/groom on this site who has stated they regretted doing a smaller wedding. Keep looking you might get lucky but also keep an open mind for something later. Good luck.

I agree with GymRat (btw great name I wish I could get motivated to become a gym rat lol ) but pick a smaller venue that way you could just let people know you're having something small so you won't be able to invite everyone.

I have managed to cut the list down to 150 invited so far and some of those I know will not be attending. But for just a venue that doesn't include anything but chairs and tables I'm looking at over $5,000 not including all of the other parts to a wedding. It just seems silly to spend so much on a location for a celebration. I'm now considering having immediate family travel to me (from CA to CO) to limit the list even more and in a year or so have a huge party to celebrate it. But would I regret not having a more traditional wedding? Ugh

Sarah that sounds awesome! I've found plenty of venues available for dates that will work but to pay for a place and the food and everything just adds up to so much! And every venue that has been found is right around $5,000 for a max of 100-150 guests (which I could make work) I just don't like the idea of spending so much to use a building for a few hours.. I'm basically paying their rent in one day

I had the same issue. Unfortunately you have to cut your guest list or push back your date. I choose to cut down the guest list. 50 ppl, all inclusive venue in Coral Gables. I'm having a big fiesta to celebrate with everyone else after. Trust me it was hard but your family will understand. Or try doing at a relatives house, a church, a ranch, and Or a national park. Do some research. My budget is 5k I'm at 7k right now. It's hard but it all adds up.

My fiesta (party) is going to be about a month after with family and friends.

I agree give yourself more time. That way you can shop around for the best venue for you and your budget and have more time to save.

I started planning for our October wedding in November of last year. We struggled to find a couple things because venues were so booked, and bands. You could do it, but if you aren't really set, I'd push it back and save yourself some stress.

I am in a similar situation. A part of me doesn't give a crap about decorations and details like napkins, flowers, chair covers etc.... that part of me could just get married at the court house and call it a day. THEN there's the bridezilla in me that wants my wedding to be fancy and everyone to dress up, so that my pictures and memories can be fabulous! It's hard to choose.

We cut our guest list to 130 to save! BUT we visited close to a dozen locations to find a small venue that fit what we wanted and even after all that work I chalk our success u po to dumb luck (bought a local bottle of wine, Googled the winery, and found out it was a brand new business that JUST started renting space as a venue). Being out of state changes things..... I honestly would push the wedding date if you can!!

It sounds like you are looking for a place in california? I'm not sure what part you are focusing on, but check out http://www.herecomestheguide.com/ they have some great venues listed and some are a bit more unconventional. You may be able to find something more in your price range that way. You can also check out restaurants, some of the larger ones may be willing to rent our rooms or back patio areas. Also take a look at parks, Yosemite, and Lake Tahoe if those are close to where your family is

Can you push it back a year to save and look at venues, fall is a popular time so many may be booked already.

That's the cost of weddings nowadays. If you like something nice, you'll have to pay.

Will you regret not having the big wedding or will you regret spending the money?