Wedding & Honeymoon Ideas?

[Paul in Qatar]

In truth, I think the bride ought to choose the wedding & honeymoon plan. Still, have the fun is thinking about it.

She mentioned she would like a destination wedding. But to having even a handful of guests, that would mean a destination friends and family would be willing to pay to go to.

She also expressed a preference for a 'castle' wedding.

Well, that means Disney World in Florida. Cinderella's coach pulled by four ponies, free Mickey and Minnie cake topper. I check out their site, there is no possible way to get out for less the US$10K! Probably double that!

OK, so put away the castle idea, let's pull out a blank slate. What would be nice and still not too expensive?

How about a civil ceremony (it is a second wedding) and then a train trip in one of those nice Amtrak bedrooms? How about a dude ranch?

Your thoughts?

[IDOL]

Disney weddings are pricey, no doubt...if you go whole hog, I've seen them run over 50 thousand USD Could you imagine???

If you like beach things, you could have a beach wedding for pretty cheap if it's a DIY wedding. Have friends help set up chairs and a pretty floral archway for the ceremony, and say your vows at sunset (or, if you're on the east coast, at sunrise, but make sure your wedding guests are early risers!!!)

I think a civil ceremony is a great way to save money so that you can afford a better honeymoon. That's the route I've always said I would take, if I ever take the wedding plunge. Cheap ass wedding, KICK ASS honeymoon!

Not sure about a dude ranch, unless you're both really into the cowboy/cowgirl scene (which I can completely understand and appreciate!).

[Kat]

If you want a castle-theme wedding, you could check if there's a Renaissance Fair near you that would let get married on site.

[GoSmoke]

You don't need to spend a ton of money to have a nice wedding. Beach weddings can be done beautifully for next to nothing. If you have time, you can make your own decorations. For my wedding we had a beach theme and most of the decorations came from either the Dollar Store or touristy Florida places that sell seashells. We borrowed glass plates and decorated them with seashells, flowers and sandcast castles that I got a really good deal on because I bought 100 of them.

I like the Amtrak train idea for a honeymoon. I haven't been on a train in years but when I was a kid I took a trip on an Amtrak train to Minnesota and I loved it. There is something romantic about trains.

Found this for you, maybe you can find something here: http://www.vacationsbyrail.com/

I just remembered that my sister had a civil ceremony and it was surprisingly lovely and elegant. She wore a vintage wedding gown and then we had a nice dinner for her at a nice place in town. It was a lovely wedding and we had a nice time reconnecting with family members.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding.

[Chacoguy]

$55 bucks will get you a stunning location in Arches National Park. I'll shoot it for free.

[Panacea]

!

I didn't say you could go off and get married !!

!

[pbbth]

I just had my wedding in a huge castle at a destination wedding. The ceremony, minister, flowers, music, and photos cost less than $800. I got married at The Excalibur Hotel in Las Vegas and it was awesome. I couldn't have asked for a better wedding.

As for a honeymoon we are going to Finland. We are really excited but it isn't everyone's idea of a great vacation.

[Paul in Qatar]

Gee, US$10K for a sailboat cruise in a deluxe cabin. I can manage to be in the US for ten days or so, that means a solid seven days of honeymoon. That means staying on land.