I live in Orange County, California and are getting married on 8/16/08! Were on a tight budget and help!?

Okay. It's really important to us to be married in the church. Being married in the church will cost us $400. That will include the pastor, set up/take down, the unity candle/communion and some decorations. I'm worried about where to have a reception and all the financial details that come with that as well as I'm trying to find the type of wedding dress I've been DREAMING of since I was a little girl, used so it's less money. I don't have a photographer, caterer, DJ, or any attire yet. I'm so stressed. Please someone tell me that this happiest day of my life is going to run smoothly. If I could get some of these types of business'/people to help me, I can trade services maybe? I'm very computer savy and also just had a baby, so maybe babysitting??? I don't knoe, as you can tell. I'm REALLY overwhelmed. Please advise. Thanks, Amaris

An excellent resource is the Orange County local board at theknot.com. http://talk.theknot.com/boards/ShowForum... The ladies there are very helpful and many are on tight budgets as well.

What is your actual budget for everything? You mentioned the cost of the church, but you didn't mention how much you can afford overall, and how many people you plan on inviting.
Receptions can sometimes be done at the church as well....check into that. As for catering, maybe you and your family/friends can do the food? DJ is not as difficult as you think if you have friends who have a good music collection, and you can easily rent out the sound equipment from the church...yes, they have them for their services on Sunday.

I know a wedding is important to you, but you shouldn't plan something and NEED something that is beyond what you can afford right now. That is way too much stress...add that to a new baby....I can just see the groom wanting to run off in the other direction!

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