WE HAVE A VENUE!!!

This whole wedding planning thing is coming along nicely. For a while there I felt like NOTHING was going to get done, AT ALL. We finally decided on a venue last week. I was desperately trying to get everything as affordable as possible, thinking I wasn't going to get everything I wanted. Things started to add up quickly & I was starting to stress out. I finally decided to go with my Mom & MOH to get all of the info on booking our ceremony site at a location that is ran by Crystal Gardens. Well, once we got there & started talking to the sales rep, I changed my mind completely & decided to go with an all inclusive package at a local banquet hall (Crystal Gardens). I'm so relieved I finally made the decision because literally EVERYTHING is included. Well, except for the photographer, but I've already chosen & tentatively booked one. It's a little more than I wanted to spend, but after itemizing everything & getting a price-per-person number with the a la carte things we chose, it's only about $7 more per person, & I get a LOT more with the all inclusive venue. They're even going to give me a discount because my invitations are included but I decided I wanted to make my own, so I don't need them. We also won't need a limo, unless we decide to get one, because the ceremony & reception will be at the same location. Once we get the ball rolling & start meeting with them about times & everything, then there's a possibility we will change our minds.

I can't even begin to describe how happy I am that I made the decision (with the help of my parents, of course). My parents aren't paying for everything but luckily for us, they allow payments in however many increments we want. That's a huge deal, especially considering our original savings was depleted down to nothing.

Things that are included in our package:

• Hall Rental (duh)
• Food (buffet style for guests, family style for head table)
• Cake (my choice, completely customizable)
• Invites (or chair covers if I decide)
• Choice of Champagne Fountain or late night Supreme Pizza Buffet
• Premium Bar with Bartender(s) (including champagne toast for head table)
• Appetizers (cocktail hour)
• "Master of Ceremonies" (coordinator...)

I'm so relieved that we got pretty much everything out of the way. I already feel less stressed & it's been less than a week. I also bought my dress (!!!) at a ridiculously low price, but I'm not going to post about that here, obviously. ;)