Q: How to go against all the trends. I'd rather sink the money into finishing out basement than into a wedding.
A: This is YOUR wedding day and it can be whatever you want it to be! If you don't like the wedding trends, then do what YOU like! Do what reflects the two of you as a couple – that is what makes a wedding so special – not fitting in with the rest of the world.
If at the end of the day you are married to the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, then your wedding was a success. And that is all. Here is one of my articles that may help shed some light: http://www.theoverwhelmedbride.com/the-blog/what-is-a-wedding
Secondly, if you don't want a wedding, then don't have one! Financial issues are one of the top areas for divorce so I urge couples to start their marriage with no debt...and a wedding doesn't help that! If a large wedding or any reception just isn't your thing, then that is your decision and your decision only! Don't let anyone tell you how you should start off your marriage - as long as those vows are said, I think your wedding day was perfect.
Q: How do you serve a nice, elegant but budget friendly meal for a wedding of 130? I can't find caterers that have affordable dining options.
A: I am so sorry to hear that you are having trouble finding caterers that will work within your budget! They are hard to find but I promise they are out there!
A couple options that tend to work great within tight budgets are:
1. An appetizer reception. No, I don't mean that your guests get a couple appetizers each and they are done for the night but a large number of heavy appetizers are served, some stationed and some passed, and this will more than fill up your guests. Many caterers call this their 'Heavy Appetizer Option' so I would chat with them and see if this is something they offer!
2. Pasta Bar: This is one of my favorites because everyone gets exactly what they want! You have a couple of pasta options available (or even one is fine too!), a couple of sauces, and toppings for everyone to choose and it is served buffet-style! It is a great way to fill everyone up and give everyone what they want. And pasta is always a more cost-effective option when it comes to caterers.
3. Food Trucks: I am not sure about everywhere else, but here in Los Angeles, food truck catering is getting huge! The truck has a kitchen of their own and they are always on wheels, so guests can order whatever they would like from the truck or you can pre-order it, and you just pay for the cost of food! There are tons of food truck options, varying from tacos to sandwiches, and even sea food!
Look forward to more top wedding questions answered in upcoming blog posts from The Overwhelmed Bride.
With Love,