Paying for my Wedding...

You've probably heard that the American savings rate for 2005 was negative 0.5 percent, the lowest since the Great Depression. The annual savings rate has been negative only twice -- in 1932 and 1933, during the Great Depression. With the economy in the tank and mortgages failing all around us you have to wonder if a wedding is a wise expense. The tradition of the brides family paying for the wedding started because it was the groom's family's responsibility to provide the couple with a home to live in. Ha! I've never in my 29 years seen or heard of this happening.

We plan on paying for our own wedding. Neither of our families are in a position to pay for our wedding and we wouldn't dream of asking them either. So here is the plan... We will pay all our deposits and make monthly contributions to a savings vehicle such as ING savings account online (3% savings rate) . I decided on a online account because it takes three days to withdraw the funds via ACH, which makes it harder to spend. My fiance is not the best saver. He would need a cooling off period to think about whether he really wants to tap into the wedding fund. I also found another cool way to save money. It is a digital change jar. It counts your money as you place it in the jar. this Zillionz Counting Money Jar could act as the flower fund or favor fund.

The RUSH

I went to the RUSH today. I wanted to sign up for a membership. I am determined to loose 40 pounds before my wedding date, April 18, 2008. That's my goal but I simply need motivation. I need a weight loss buddy or some other motivator. My problem is stress eating and drinking (alcohol). Every week, I start my Dr. Giraud diet but I haven't been able to go two straight weeks. I know this will get me past my current hump. So can I do it, can I catapult myself past this current hump (into the next 10's category). Yes, I can that is my goal, from now until June 29th I'm going to follow Dr. Giraud's diet to the letter. I might even join the RUSH. This is a relatively new fitness center in Triad. It is very nice and I could see myself going there. They even have childcare!
It has:

Rows and rows of easy-to-use, color coded equipment for each body part, Selectorized, and free weights
Classes, classes, and more classes including Pilates, spinning, kickboxing, and yoga
Fun, knowledgeable, and friendly staff of experienced professionals
Everything you need to cool off, clean up, and replenish in the locker rooms
and the ultimate hours of operation - 24/7

The enrollment fee is $149 and it cost $49 monthly. Or for a student discount it is $149 enrollment $39.00 monthly I can't afford this and it really doesn't fit into my wedding budget. Would this be considered a wedding expense?

The Clarion ... Reception Location

This reception location is nice but it would be much nicer if the outside looked as great as the inside.
In my search I have come across some great reception locations (that look fabulous on the inside but not so great on the outside). The Clarion is a older hotel that has been through some renovations but it still looks old. The only flaw is the ambiance is lacking on the outside...The inside is great. I could over look the outside if their prices reflected the outside. I think this should be a mid range location but their prices reflect a high dollar hotel, much like the Embassy Suites. The Clarion provides a lot of extras (champagne toast, cake, centerpieces, cake knife and server, appetizer, en tree, and salad) in their packages but is it enough for the price tag. I'll compare...you know I will. I guess it all depends on what you want for you wedding. Do you want to serve your guests dinner with all the trimmings, hors 'drovers, or what? They did this beautiful pineapple tree....

Wedding in a Box

This is a brilliant idea. Save the bride a ton of stress and plan her wedding on a set budget. I talked to this lady at the bridal show last week and I am going to set an appointment with her so I can talk to her further. The website was interesting it gave some good reception locations. I have some questions though, a wedding in a box includes invitations, RSVP cards, wedding favors, reception venue, florist, caterer, decorations, wedding coordinator, DJ, and photography. But is this a cookie cutter wedding? Will my wedding look just like my friend's wedding? How many of these have you done? Can I see pictures? Am I leaving my entire wedding up to one company? I'll let you know what i find out.....

Inexpensive Wedding Favors

This classic heart shape cookie cutters make great favors. A best seller, each one is packaged in a clear gift box with black backing, and tied off with an organza ribbon. Cutters are made from tin and measure 2" x 2". Pair this with a card thanking your guest and "Cut out for Each Other"
Priced at $.40 each for 100 or more