I have no idea what i'm doing

Hey Jessica

I think your passions are a great thing to start from. I'm sure you two are very happy to get married, there is a reason you are doing it and it will be worth it. Just keep that reason in mind and build your wedding around it.

I hear your concern, money is definitely a big deal in wedding planning and should stay within your budget. I'm sharing with you here a few discussions that brides started in the community to look for solutions.

How are you paying for your wedding?

Wedding socials

Must haves and must not haves

Your wedding should be just the way you want it to be. If you want it simple, you totally can. You can use different elements of things that represent who you are without having a whole theme. Valerie for instance, is including some DIY elements of gaming without going for a gaming theme. Have a look at what she did here

Table numbers

I hope you find our comments helpful! I'd love to give you more ideas! Let me know how you like the ones I send you!

You said you booked your venue? What kind of venue is it?

I hear you!

Part of our reason for doing our reception the way we are (cocktails and dancing later in the evening) was to control our costs.

I cringe almost every cheque I write to a vendor. We did find a great deal for a photographer who does beautiful work, which is exciting.

One of the first things my Fiance and I did for planning was make a list of "must do/ have" (open bar, dancing) "would be nice" (make up artist...we are skipping after all!)and "can totally skip (limo/hire car)" it really helped us highlight what mattered in our day. We also set a hard budget, and are taking critical looks at everything.

I suggest using the wedding wire search to reach out to several vendors, and compare prices... it feels tedious and overwhelming, but I swear comparing packages and pricing will help. You might find you don't NEED a photo book, and can find a phoographer who will give you and extra hour of coverage instead. It was intimidating for me, but I asked about adjusting things we didn't need to get better prices.

Budget. We are not rich, hell, not even middle class. That is definitely our biggest concern. I know weddings are expensive. Painfully so.

What do we both love? History, movies, simplicity. He's a car guy, I'm a gamer. We're both very individual and operate both separately and as a team. We are definitely not country enough for a cowboy wedding. And neither of us are really into themes.

Hi Jessica!

It sounds like we might be in a similar mindset about wedding planning!

I am also planning a private, personal wedding- and had no idea what I was doing until I found wedding wire. The to-do list was a game changer!

I would love to help you out, what is the biggest concern you have right now?

I'm fairly certain that the venue I chose is all inclusive, even furniture, so I'm good there. I've messaged a few officiants as well. Neither of us are religious at all, so, there is that too. And Pinterest is super overwhelming sometimes.

I was the same way. I never really gave my wedding much thought until I thought my fiancé was proposing. Pinterest can be great for ideas but yes, absolutely overwhelming! Just take it one thing at a time. The Wedding Wire checklist is pretty great, I started there and just tweaked it to suit my needs. It seems like you have a pretty good idea of what you want your ceremony and reception to be like, that's great! If you can find an all-inclusive venue, it saves having to think about a bunch of small things (like linens, glasses and cultery).

Hi Jessica

No worries, I totally understand you and that's what we're here for. You might not have dreamt of your wedding all your life but your personality and tastes are also things that can show in your wedding.

Do you like these ideas for instance?

10 ideas for rustic wedding style

Wedding Ceremony Decorations for Fall

Tell us what you prefer!

You could even have a theme around your wedding. How about this one?

8 ideas for a cowboy theme wedding

What do you both love? ...besides each other

I'm sure you must have noticed a few patterns or common things to the things you like on Pinterest. Why don't you show us what they are? That way, we'll be able to help you find things for your wedding that go with your style!

As for lists, how did you like the ones I sent you?

At this point I've been engaged for a year, so I've got the venue picked, the date set, a guest list vaguely set, a pinterest board and a tumblr blog set up... and that's about it. Oh, my half of the bridal party is set, just waiting for his side. I know I just want a small, quiet, personal ceremony with just close friends and family. The thing is, and this is apparently odd according to every other female friend and family member in my life, I never really planned out a wedding as a kid. I was more focused on creating worlds to play in. So I really don't know what I'm supposed to be doing. I've read lists on pinterest, and it's all kind of overwhelming.

We're all here to help you. Let me know what you need

Hi Jessica! Welcome to the community!

Don't worry, we're all here to help you It might seem like there's a lot to do, but it's all possible to do it within you're budget. I see that you're getting married in October next year! Congrats!! You must be so excited!

I made this list for you to get your started:

5 Things To Do As Soon As You're Engaged

Checklist: Things to Do 12 months before the wedding

What have you done so far? What step are you at in your planning?

I'm really happy I can help you and feel very lucky I can be somewhat part of this special moment in your life!

Let me know what you're looking for, and I'm always happy to help