Weddings = Stress

Getting married is a wonderful, beautiful thing. But, it is also stressful. PERIOD.

Not happening, sister.

Suuuuuuuuuree.....

So, why do I say weddings = stress? Let's count the reasons:

Reason #1 - The Guest List

Anthony and I were planning on having a small wedding with family and close friends. Our total guest count could be 100 people (meaning we could only send out about 60 invitations). Here's a fun exercise: go make a list of only 30 people that can come to your wedding from your side. See how easy that is.

Reason #2 - Everything Add$ Up

We had planned on getting married at the Boonshoft Museum of Discovery in Dayton. We were so excited because it was so "us". The building rental wasn't expensive (around $1,200 for everything), but we were going to have to rent EVERYTHING. Tables, chairs, linens, flat ware, glasses, plates, etc. Also, we only had 3 caterers to choose from. We thought that was no big deal as we were going to do heavy appetizers. WRONG. Caterer, location, rentals, photographer, dress, tuxes, gifts, flowers, etc. all totaled would have cost us around $10-12,000! And that's with my sister and I doing a lot of DIY.

The amphitheater where we would have our ceremony.

Entrance to the museum.

Some of the fun inside.

Reason #3 - Family

We both love our families, but they are crazy. And, we are not just talking mom, dad, brothers and sisters here - but extended family. You have no idea how big your family is until you are trying to figure out who to invite to your wedding. In the end, the wedding seems to become more about what various family members think you should do and much less about the bride and groom. But again, we do love our families.

So, what is the solution?

After realizing that we were going to be putting in all of this work (I'm working full time, plus teaching. Anthony is working full time and working with his Trinity Film Group), we were going to throw this wedding for our families and not even get to go on a honeymoon. Maybe it's selfish, but that just didn't seem fair.

So, how could we get a dream wedding, please our families, go on a honeymoon, and be able to afford everything?

DUN

DUN

DUN

DESTINATION!

We will be getting married in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Much of our families and many of groomsmen and bridesmaids will be joining us. When we return, we will be having a casual "open house" for those not traveling to Costa Rica with us. In the end, we will be saving $4-6,000! 

One of the rooms at the Hilton Papagayo.

The "beach front garden".

Pool with a swim up bar.

All-inclusive Hilton Papagayo

Cost Rica - average temps in may are around 85 degrees.

There is definitely still STRESS with planning a destination wedding. However, so far it has been a relief and we are so excited!