the mula

You're told a lot of things in the wedding business.

1. engagement ring should cost 3 months salary
2. venue/food will make up 50% of your total budget
3. etc, you get the picture

These things are what I hate about the wedding industry. Who's to tell you how much things should cost, ie, who should tell you what's important to you? Puhleeease. The extravagance that's expected, the traditions that you're expected to adhere to. In the end, it's all really up to you. I picked up a total of 0 wedding magazines and watched 0 wedding shows on TLC. I knew enough of what I wanted from going to a few weddings that I didn't want to pay any attention to what others were saying you need to do. My inspiration stemmed from google images. I figured out costs based on my research skills that were built from my general frugality.

This is the breakdown from our wedding, and it was about what we wanted to hit. Basically, we wanted to spend in areas that were most important to us, which were venue/food and photographer. So for the other main vendors, we wanted to hit below budget to make room for the many many other little things that we knew needed to happen but couldn't think of during the budgeting process.

Ending up 50% below budget on music was soooo helpful! And with the help from a few helpful worker bees, invitations, all things paper, and favors fell below budget too.

This was the most I ever spent on any single thing. I was stingy throughout the whole process, but now, I miss having something to spend on! Spending is fun!!

musac

I went through a lot of music to try to find a song that would pair well with the STD. It was at least if not more of a struggle than creating the actual video! While we didn't end up using it for the STD, what came out of the search was a song that really resonated with me, and was ultimately played during the wedding processional. I can get kinda obsessive about things I love, and so I got obsessive about this song and played it over and over and over and OVER again. It always got me in a "wedding" mood even if I was in "wedding frustrate" mood.

Wedding music

Processional - The Way I am by Ingrid Michaelson, I'll Follow You into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie, Marry Me by Train, First Day of My Life by Bright Eyes, Somewhere Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (for the bride)

Recessional - All You Need is Love by The Beatles

First song - At Last by Etta James

Father/daughter, mother/son dance - In My Life by The Beatles

Cake Cutting - Ice Cream by Sarah McLachlan

Last song - Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

A piece of advice. Our dj, per their suggestion and our agreement, went with a "no request" policy during the reception. However, it was "no request" unless approved by the bride or groom. I think this is a good idea, but make sure to tell the dj to not direct the requester to go and ask the bride/groom, so that the bride and groom don't have to figure out how to say no to a Justin Bieber request from a 5-year-old!! Rather, it would have been better if they just said they're not taking requests, and then the dj him/herself would go and talk to the bride and groom to see if it's okay. That way the bride/groom doesn't have to feel like the bad guy on her/his wedding day!

my first pod!

Loogat it!

I can recline 180 degrees!

I was so excited I took a bunch of pictures right when I boarded, much to the unamusement of the guy sitting next to me. He like, did NOTHING. He sat down like it was a normal seat. I played with all the buttons, reclined 180 degrees, changed back to upright position, turned on the TV, planned my movies, and then started one right away while the plane was still at the gate. Unfortunately, this upgrade was on a mere 3 hour flight so fitting in 2 movies was going to be a challenge. I hoped for a delay. I ate everything they served me. Food was not great, but who can complain when you're eating with your legs stretched out straight in front of you?