Wedding Dates

[TimsDaisy 0]

I want to get married in NJ where all of my family is. Winter = flight cancelations! So I am trying to avoid that if possible. Oh well. I think I will just hirer a good planner - they always seem to make miracles happen on the TV shows

They should make the next reality show following couples like us through the process. I used to watch Airport in the UK and always loved the immirgration part.

I agree with that!

I think how much anyone puts into planning at any stage comes down to that individual's comfort level with gambling and financial situation.

I HATE the wedding industry as it is right now - that has a stranglehold on brides' imaginations and suckers them into going way past their means to secure some bogus idea of a "Dream Wedding." And for us K1 couples, dumping $35k on something that might get scrapped is crazy. At least I think so.

But each of us has to make this process the best it can be for ourselves. We already have a much different road to the alter than 99% of our friends and family. They won't even really understand it.

So if researching and thinking about wedding plans and talking to vendors makes you happy - do it! Just don't take foolish chances with your wedding budget and make sure you keep your expectations realistic. That's my 2 cents.

[CarlaM 0]

I wanted to do it on my 23rd birthday (june,15th) Im not sure if it's gonna be possible, i dnt think so

[*JG* 2]

I wanted to do it on my 23rd birthday (june,15th) Im not sure if it's gonna be possible, i dnt think so

I'd say no way to that one. Like I said before, by this time last year, Jamaica had our paperwork, Andre had an interview appointment set for June 6th, and he had his medical done. He ended up getting his visa delivered on the 12th and came to the US on the 15th of June.

[Quinn 2]

I HATE the wedding industry as it is right now - that has a stranglehold on brides' imaginations and suckers them into going way past their means to secure some bogus idea of a "Dream Wedding." And for us K1 couples, dumping $35k on something that might get scrapped is crazy. At least I think so.

I could not agree with you more. The second you mention the word wedding, vendors automatically double their price (at least!). I looked forever for a seamstress to make my dress (the plainest, simplest dress on the planet, no lace, no beading, nothing but fabric) and they all quoted me ridiculous prices because i told them it was a wedding gown.

Sorry for the off topic here, but your comment is so right on, I had to voice my agreement with ya!

[CarlaM 0]

That is very sad

[TimsDaisy 0]

I HATE the wedding industry as it is right now - that has a stranglehold on brides' imaginations and suckers them into going way past their means to secure some bogus idea of a "Dream Wedding." And for us K1 couples, dumping $35k on something that might get scrapped is crazy. At least I think so.

I could not agree with you more. The second you mention the word wedding, vendors automatically double their price (at least!). I looked forever for a seamstress to make my dress (the plainest, simplest dress on the planet, no lace, no beading, nothing but fabric) and they all quoted me ridiculous prices because i told them it was a wedding gown.

Sorry for the off topic here, but your comment is so right on, I had to voice my agreement with ya!

Amen, sister - and I blame the brides that have gone before us and allowed the industry to get away with this kind of #######.

Off topic - but I recommend to all this book: Best Bridal Bargains - http://www.amazon.com/Bridal-Bargains-8th-...3232&sr=1-4 - it has some illuminating and SCARY facts about what places try to do to sucker brides into spending SO much more than they have to. Starts with hiding the style numbers on bridal gowns and ends with mysterious surcharges for nothing at all.

Hint though - never be afraid to haggle! I called a place where I had tried on a dress and said "well, shop B is going to sell me the same thing for x dollars, what are you going to do about matching that?" And they'll match it!

It's all used-car-salesmanship out there ladies -dont' fall for it!

Okay - return to topic!

[Quinn 2]

also, regardless of what i said above about seamstresses, I did eventually find one who will make my dream dress for $180!!

So, in the end, if you can find a good seamstress, you can save A LOT of money on a dress. A good seamstress will be able to make a dress for you from a picture, at half the cost. So if you find a great dress by a fabulous designer with those horrible designer prices, consider going to a (good) seamstress who could make your dress for half the price.

PS. TimsDaisy, thanks for the link to the book!!! I'm buying it TODAY!!

Edited May 14, 2007 by Quinn

[Converse34 1]

I HATE the wedding industry as it is right now - that has a stranglehold on brides' imaginations and suckers them into going way past their means to secure some bogus idea of a "Dream Wedding." And for us K1 couples, dumping $35k on something that might get scrapped is crazy. At least I think so.

I could not agree with you more. The second you mention the word wedding, vendors automatically double their price (at least!). I looked forever for a seamstress to make my dress (the plainest, simplest dress on the planet, no lace, no beading, nothing but fabric) and they all quoted me ridiculous prices because i told them it was a wedding gown.

Sorry for the off topic here, but your comment is so right on, I had to voice my agreement with ya!

Amen, sister - and I blame the brides that have gone before us and allowed the industry to get away with this kind of #######.

Off topic - but I recommend to all this book: Best Bridal Bargains - http://www.amazon.com/Bridal-Bargains-8th-...3232&sr=1-4 - it has some illuminating and SCARY facts about what places try to do to sucker brides into spending SO much more than they have to. Starts with hiding the style numbers on bridal gowns and ends with mysterious surcharges for nothing at all.

Hint though - never be afraid to haggle! I called a place where I had tried on a dress and said "well, shop B is going to sell me the same thing for x dollars, what are you going to do about matching that?" And they'll match it!

It's all used-car-salesmanship out there ladies -dont' fall for it!

Okay - return to topic!

I have this book! You can also buy them used on amazon, works out very reasonable. The one investment I have already made has been buying various books and magazines Can't go wrong with that one

[TimsDaisy 0]

I HATE the wedding industry as it is right now - that has a stranglehold on brides' imaginations and suckers them into going way past their means to secure some bogus idea of a "Dream Wedding." And for us K1 couples, dumping $35k on something that might get scrapped is crazy. At least I think so.

I could not agree with you more. The second you mention the word wedding, vendors automatically double their price (at least!). I looked forever for a seamstress to make my dress (the plainest, simplest dress on the planet, no lace, no beading, nothing but fabric) and they all quoted me ridiculous prices because i told them it was a wedding gown.

Sorry for the off topic here, but your comment is so right on, I had to voice my agreement with ya!

Amen, sister - and I blame the brides that have gone before us and allowed the industry to get away with this kind of #######.

Off topic - but I recommend to all this book: Best Bridal Bargains - http://www.amazon.com/Bridal-Bargains-8th-...3232&sr=1-4 - it has some illuminating and SCARY facts about what places try to do to sucker brides into spending SO much more than they have to. Starts with hiding the style numbers on bridal gowns and ends with mysterious surcharges for nothing at all.

Hint though - never be afraid to haggle! I called a place where I had tried on a dress and said "well, shop B is going to sell me the same thing for x dollars, what are you going to do about matching that?" And they'll match it!

It's all used-car-salesmanship out there ladies -dont' fall for it!

Okay - return to topic!

I have this book! You can also buy them used on amazon, works out very reasonable. The one investment I have already made has been buying various books and magazines Can't go wrong with that one

I agree.

And daydreaming: still free as ever.

[DakotaK1 1]

I myself would love to set a date but it is way to risky so we are not gonna do it. I have heard of several cases of people setting a wedding date and then actually not been able to get married after all on that date cos the Visa was not through.

[JVKn'CVO 11]

I agree, I wouldn't risk having to cancel the reservations. Better you wait until the K1 is in your hand to book for the wedding.

for example, what we plan to do is, after we get the visa, go to city hall, get the legal part out of the way and the 90 days limit off our backs, and then plan with more time the actual big wedding ceremony. we think we can't plan that on just 90 days, plus this way we can have some time to save a little money.

I know how you feel, I hate USCIS everytime I see a white dress, I wish we could get married tomorrow, but oh well, we just decided to play it safe.

[Dan&Tiffany 0]

We actually have went ahead and booked things (against all of the advise of every single person on here), but all of the vendors we chose are ones that will reschedule for no fees. Of course picking a new date would be a nightmare, but hey - that's only gambling a bit of stress, not thousands of $$$. All of the people we've ended up going with are very understanding. Like you say - our road to the alter is MUCH different than most.

I'm still hoping with all my heart that he's here by mid-August. Whether or not it happens remains to be seen. If London keeps up the current pace and CSC goes back to work - it very well may. Then again - if not - no airlines book for his family or anything like that. The dress will work regardless if it's a month or so late - it's always damn hot in Texas. Worse case scenario - an extra alteration there.

We're waiting to order invitations until closer to time. Truth is we'd already ordered them once and had to toss them because we changed venues for the reception. ALL weddings have stress, but HA! most brides have no idea, right ladies?

[Cassie 8]

well, I am part of one of those couples who managed to get away with setting a wedding date before the interview. We were only dealing with two vendors (the wedding/reception site, and the photographer/videographer team). We explained our situation to them, and they agreed to work with us in the event that we had to change the date. We took care of a lot of things ourselves, like the food. We only had to move our wedding to a month later than we originally planned, so it worked out.

Would I recommend it? Nope, no way. there's way more things that could go wrong now to delay things than there were two years ago.

Edited May 15, 2007 by Cassie

[Converse34 1]

We actually have went ahead and booked things (against all of the advise of every single person on here), but all of the vendors we chose are ones that will reschedule for no fees. Of course picking a new date would be a nightmare, but hey - that's only gambling a bit of stress, not thousands of $$$. All of the people we've ended up going with are very understanding. Like you say - our road to the alter is MUCH different than most.

I'm still hoping with all my heart that he's here by mid-August. Whether or not it happens remains to be seen. If London keeps up the current pace and CSC goes back to work - it very well may. Then again - if not - no airlines book for his family or anything like that. The dress will work regardless if it's a month or so late - it's always damn hot in Texas. Worse case scenario - an extra alteration there.

We're waiting to order invitations until closer to time. Truth is we'd already ordered them once and had to toss them because we changed venues for the reception. ALL weddings have stress, but HA! most brides have no idea, right ladies?

Yeah, seriously. Those bridzillas on TV should try adding this immigration stuff to their planning!

Yeah, I was thinking that most vendors would let you move the date (except maybe the receiption hall? or maybe just charge you a smaller fee) if you had to rather than canceling. Can I ask when you what date you were planning on?

[carslo 0]

If anything can go wrong, it will go wrong! May is a lovely month in New Jersey. Until that visa is in hand anything and everything can go wrong. WAIT!