Valentine's Day Wedding!

Don't judge, my husband and I did this.  Here's why it worked, we needed to bump up our wedding date and everything was booked.  Looking at the calendar, we noticed Valentine's Day was a Saturday and we thought it would be booked for sure at the church and hotel we were looking at.  Turns out, everything was wide open.  I'm guessing it was because everyone thought it would be way too cheesy to get married on Valentine's Day.  Hey, maybe so, but my husband never forgets our anniversary!

Here's an example of a $500 Valentine's Day wedding:

Location: Anywhere with a cozy romantic atmosphere. A party room at a nice restaurant, a rooftop, someone's home- just some place out in the open where the stars can be seen in all their glory.

Bride and bridal party: The bride in a simple evening dress and if the weather is cold, add a velvet or silk wrap. I think a formal gown (think prom) would be better than a traditional wedding dress although traditional would be beautiful too.

Groom and groomsmen: The groom in a classic black suit would be perfect and the groomsmen in formal white button down shirts with black pants. If it’s cold, have hem throw on the matching jackets.

Ceremony: For seating arrangements, rent or borrow folding chairs and set them up in two blocks thus forming a center isle. Arrange for white Christmas lights to be strung around any bushes or pillars and dig out the artificial green Christmas trees, keep them plain green with only white lights. Using lots of candles will also add atmosphere, use as many red/pink/purple accents as possible. The bride should carry a small bouquet of flowers and find someone to serenade you with a saxophone. Depending where you're putting most of your money- maybe some standards and jazz on the iPod speakers would be perfect!

Reception: Visualize candles on all of the tables with cake, bottles of champagne, fruit, and crackers and cheese. Some jazz music in the background and your set.

Final thoughts: Music is a very inexpensive way to set the mood, especially being outside, you’re also going to want to drown out any traffic or other outdoor noises. Have CD players placed all over your reception area, some suggestions: Anything by Norah Jones, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Tony Bennett.

Budget

The dress $60 - Prom dress bought on sale, borrowed a wrap from aunt

Groom’s attire $30 - Bought white dress shirt, used own tie and suit

Accessories $10 - No necklace, bought earrings on sale

Flowers $10 - Bride walked down the aisle with single red rose, groom had rose boutonniere (flowers bought that afternoon)

Pictures $50 - Hired college student, used three friends as well, uncle taped wedding

Music $10 - Recorded jazz music playing during dinner and reception

Food and drinks $250 (this is a perfect reception for Italian food!)  It’s a late night wedding so just desserts, wine, crackers, cheese and wedding cake are served

Decorations $30 - Rose petals scattered on tables, tea light candles and silver dessert platters on all the tables, tables had white tablecloths, chairs each had a red ribbon tied to them

Invitations $30 Made on groom’s computer

Miscellaneous $20 Always a good idea to have a little left over for the unexpected expense


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