I’ve had the impression that match day was really something for the students, not their families. Maybe you could skip that one, at least.
Back to wedding planning? 
D1 just sent me few links from this photographer she is considering. I really do like moments she is able to capture. We are meeting her in few weeks, along with the florist.
I’ve always wondered with wedding photography how much is moments captured vs. staged/created? At my own wedding, we went pretty basic/low budget on photography. A lot of the stuff I see now is well done but definitely comes across as not spontaneous and more scripted.
My g/f went to her DD’s match day. She was called onstage with her DD. It was a major event.
I had no idea photographers were so expensive. I’m thankful for those of you who have posted costs. It is helpful as we figure out a decent ballpark as to what this wedding will cost. Any DJ costs to share?
I think we will have another engagement soon. Kid 3 and her BF are trying to buy a house. I said I assume that means they plan on a future together.
Any suggestions as to online places to buy a ring or reputable jewelers in the Sacramento area?
bluenile.com gives you very good idea of how much a ring should cost. Their pricing is competitive.
DJ is around 3-5K depending where you are.
I would agree with the link above re: ring costs/options. My S spent some time on that site before heading out to shop. We’re in NYC, so he had plenty of shopping possibilities but he knew nothing about stones when he started, so it was helpful to him when he headed out to begin his search. His girlfriend (now fiancee) gave him some guidance but didn’t want to actively participate so he turned to mom, a lot. @oldfort, will you import a DJ from NY or use someone up in Ithaca?
The band that played at my son’s wedding was really fantastic. Everyone said they were the best and people had a great time on the dance floor. They have 2 singers and at times they sing and dance among the people on the dance floor. They were expensive but worth it. They work in the NYC area.
We are meeting with the number one photographer choice next Thursday. Prices are from $3600-5600. We think the $4100 package is what we will get. It includes unlimited hours, two photographers, engagement pictures, digital pictures, and a small album. All edited.
The $3600 package is for eight hours…no albums at all.
I’d like the bride and groom to have an album. I think the rest of us can get selected prints…or do small Shutterfly albums. I have to find that out!
His pictures are really nice. Even the family and bridal party pictures do not look “posed”. He has a great eye!
I’d love to get this off of the to do list!
Has anyone done invitations via vista prints? Dental Hygienist saw a friend’s DD’s invites, and nice and reasonably prices. $1/per which included invite, envelope, return card and envelope, and outside envelope sticker.
Are you sure all this for a buck?
I find the price is directly related to the print, weight of paper and envelopes. For $1, you may get tissue like thin paper.
I just looked on that website. It’s decent. I wonder if you can order a sample.
D1’s potential DJ is from Ithaca. We are getting our money’s worth with the wedding planner. She is giving D1 some very good referrals. D1 is going to have live music for the ceremony.
Just tonight my S told me he’s arranged fro a string quartet for the ceremony and cocktail party and they have a soft hold on a DJ for the reception. Things are falling into place.
I am so glad we live where we live right now. DJ is going to run us $650 and photographer is $1800. We just got the rehearsal food nailed down. Flowers and cake (maybe) left to do and dd needs to figure out bridesmaid dresses. We are getting there!!
What’s the old real estate saying? “It’s not what you have but where you have it.” Clearly that holds true for wedding-related expenses, as well.
Wedding invitations, and vista print
@cbreeze - I think that cost can be had, maybe with a special, or with a quantity run.
@thumper IDK about samples etc - I just passed along the name for FSIL to look into. My dental hygienist has very good taste and the invitations looked good to her.
I agree a wedding planner in many areas will be money well spent. They have the experience within the area of the venue, and all the ways to do things; how to squeeze a budget. The caveats.
The church we are at, the ‘inside’ wedding planner cost is spelled out; some may use an additional wedding planner. We didn’t need, but our inside person has helped direct DD to some good catering options, and she will work on the wedding day to ensure everything goes smoothly. We have a ‘manual’ that spells everything out.
The invitations are a place DD/FSIL want to save money. IDK if they will be happy with the invitations - what they get for what they want to spend. With anything, how much do you squeeze down and what is the quality difference?
Our niece is a graphic designer, and her H also has a degree in that area and other visual. I am going to suggest DD run their wedding invitation format etc by the niece - and get some input on decisions based on her expertise.
If someone has been through this process, share your insights! Specifics can be very helpful.
I know the invitation I selected 38 years ago was very nice and not much more cost than others in the book - it was a gold script on rice paper. Very elegant and turned out really nice.
Times have changed - new paradigm on the invitations young people select.
D is going with online invitations through Paperless Post. The design she picked is free, so it really helps the budget. Here’s her probable choice: https://www.paperlesspost.com/cards/category/wedding-invitations-paper?coins%5B%5D=0&version=online&sort=Most+Popular&card=31102
(Mountain Flora, if the link doesn’t work right)
I think the design matches the outdoor casual setting.
My 17 yo son is going to be the emcee/DJ (as well as a groomsman!) He’s pretty psyched about it and I think he’ll do a great job.
DD said they also found another printer, although considered vista print. A graphic design student is doing the layout, but DD agreed it would be good for her cousin to look it over and offer any insight for final choices.
Pressing for FSIL to choose the suit he wants the men to wear (including both dads) and if he is also choosing a shirt. I think the couple would buy the ties.