Elope for Less than a Gucci Bag

So, the big question for most of you is "Do I wait until next year or have a small wedding now?" Sigh. You imagined all your friends and family traveling to support you and come together to celebrate your amazing union. And they should! That's ok! Life (as we have seen) is tough and it is better with friends and family by our sides. The people that show up to your wedding are most likely the ones you will lean on in some way or another. We have all realized how important spending time and making memories are with people that matter because life is unpredictable and beautiful but at times fragile. Fortunately, you have had the love of your life by your side during quarantine and can't wait to marry them!

But I want my wedding!

Ok, the bottom line. $$$ Nobody plans to have two weddings. One is probably 30% more than you planned on spending. You can still make your fiance' your wife or husband for less than $3000 and begin your new life together NOW. That's less than most Gucci bags. Reschedule your venue and vendors for next year and celebrate with everyone else that matters in your life....safely. We all can't wait to party next year!

Every business making weddings memorable and special have been hurt by COVID-19 and most people in the industry are accommodating rescheduling as well as offering steep discounts for services this year. Let's look at what you need to get officially married and think fondly of that day. We are not talking about going to the courthouse but having an actually beautiful and romantic day, celebrate your love and giving COVID-19 the finger.

What do you need to get married and not feel slighted?

1. Each other!

2. A Marriage License (you need it anyways, no added cost)

3. Officiant

Pastors need extra work too now! $100-$200

Or have a family or friend marry you! $0

4. It's Houston Texas...an indoor venue would be ideal.

Venues are offering packages NEVER offered before! You can book a 2 hour

elopement rental with wedding party march music, bridal entrance music,

background music, mood lighting, plates for cake and champagne flutes for as

little as $795 or add on extra time for a mini reception. You can have tables

and chairs, BYOB, and make your own playlist played on a real sound system,

not just one or two speakers set up. Most will let you still have a reception for. 

50 guests to safely socially distance. Consider booking a day rate (most of us

working from home still!) You can have a more DIY wedding that doesn't look

DIY! Love Dance HTX will even include a complimentary wedding dance

lesson! Intimate wedding reception (6-8 hours) $1100-$1800.

5. Cake

Go with a small round cake for about $75 White with real flowers (DIY) looks

great!

6. Photographer

It's not an all day wedding and videography you are booking. Family,

ceremony, you and your now spouse 30min-1 hour $300-$500

7. Wedding Party

Optional, if you want to wait until everyone can make it, wait until next year.

If you have a special person to stand with each of you do it!

8. Food and Alcohol

Yes! Find a venue that will let you bring in your own food and alcohol. You

can keep it less by jus offering beer and wine or go to Specs or Total Wine and

buy the liquor! A signature drink will also keep liquor cost down. Bring finger

foods/appetizers or book a nice Caterer for appetizers that is presented

beautifully. Bring in a food truck! $500+ You can always serve champagne and

cake!

Don't worry about impressing everyone. If they show up they want to be there. They want to celebrate you two joining lives. You already have everything else paid for if you want to celebrate next year with everyone. Don't lose your deposits and well picked vendors and don't lose wanting to to start life as a married couple!