Thursday, October 01, 2009

My Daughter's Wedding Was Beautiful

My eldest daughter got married this past Saturday. It was a beautiful wedding and reception, with a sit down dinner for 100, all done for less than $3,000.

She and her now husband had family come in from all over the U.S., California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Washington State and I don't know where else. Her father's family was there in force including her step-mom (her father passed away 3 years ago and we have been divorced since 1978).

How is it possible to put on such a lavish affair for so little money? You call upon your good friends. She asked each of her best friends to cook 1 dish to feed 100 people, her neighbors smoked and BBQed several briskets, turkeys and lamb, of course family members brought a dish and I contributed fruit, cheese and cracker plates as appetizers on each table while we waited for the bride and groom to get to the reception. My neighbor made her stunning wedding cake and gave it to her as a wedding gift. A photographer friend of mine made me a deal I could not refuse on photos. She also had several friends taking photos therefore we have a wonderful selection of pictures of the big day.

I used my tax ID # to purchase all the flowers at wholesale prices and my sister-in-law and I made the bouquets, corsages, centerpieces and boutonnieres. Her dress was on sale for $30, regularly priced at $300. Members of the wedding party wore dresses they already owned in black, white or both.

They searched high and low for a reception hall and found one for $200 which included the tables, chairs, wine glasses, a kitchen, stage and DJ area. Music was a Bose stereo hooked up to an IPod with a wide selection of music. She knows a beer delivery guy and he got them 10 cases of beer.... free. The wine and champagne were all that had to be purchased as far as alcohol goes. The wedding was held in a local park in a beautiful area surrounded by big trees. My youngest daughter took on the task of creating an aisle of shepard's hooks, chiffon and rose petals.

Yes, it was a lot of work for all but the end result was a very expensive looking affair that cost very little. Everyone had an amazing time. I even had a friend of mine who is with a Flamenco dance group to come in and do a wonderful performance of their dance.... this was a huge hit with all.

It was a very memorable and wonderful day for all and one I don't think anyone will soon forget.

One down and one to go...... she will not be able to do her's on $3000.