<p>My joke is the girls can have a tent in the backyard. Joke because the backyard isn’t very big and I’m not into porta-potties. in the driveway. Ha. Our reserve for each is small- but it remains to be seen what they decide is important, what they are able to afford. They have lots of friends, but the family is now much smaller, since our dearest close relatives are now very old. Elegant isn’t about the money you dish out- it can be about how small touches form an impression. 50k could pay a down payment, a wonderful chance to travel, or a safety net considering the economy. Of course, it’s small potatoes to some. But that gal I knew with the 700 guests, all out luxury wedding? Lasted one year.</p>
<p>OP here: What a great thread! My D got engaged a few weeks ago and we knew it was coming. Prior to the actual proposal, she and I had a long talk about wedding finances. I told her the amount of money that my DH and I set aside for her wedding. I also told her that I didn’t care if her future in-laws didn’t contribute one red cent–we would not bash them, bad mouth them, etc. No where is it written that parents have to take on this expense. I would never ever let such a thing interfere with my relationship with my D, my future SIL or even his parents. I don’t know what they are willing to contribute–we haven’t gotten that far yet. If they contribute nothing, whatever expenses are incurred above what my H and I pay will be on the bride and groom. His parents can absolutely afford to contribute something–I’m certain of that. However, what they choose to spend their money on is different than ours. I know they adore my D, so I won’t be insulted if they don’t kick in. They’ve already given them their timeshare for the honeymoon. I will feel badly for my SIL because I know he’s uncomfortable with us spending money on them.</p>
<p>It will only become an issue if their guest list is excessive, and I don’t think that will be the case.</p>
<p>mcat, I’ve heard through U friends in-the-know that the same is happening for their college expenses, from certain countries. Financed to the hilt.</p>
<p>Kef, congrats to you and your D. Beware of stress. :)</p>
<p>*In what universe is $10K not a large check?
*</p>
<p>Must be a neighboring one.
Not here.
But I’d like to go to the party.
:)</p>
<p>I had to laugh at lookingfoward’s post. I offered to pay for the reception when B & G wanted a tent in my backyard! I’ve have been fine with port-o-potties too rather than mess up my septic! If I lived where reception venues were very expensive I might feel differently though 
</p>
<p>H just found out D actually got married in early January.
She had called to tell him then, but she wasnt very clear.
It sounded like she said she was * getting married*</p>
<p>Ihilani on Oahu is said to have a great spa. :)</p>
<p>Ema, The guest list for son’s Bar Mitzvah was down considerably when all but one out of town families chose not to attend. (Another relative scheduled a lavish party the week before, in another state.) After my mom and I got over hurt feelings, we altered our plans. She had Friday night dinner at her house, and I had a late meal and breakfast at my house. We added in a few treats to the catered affair, and added nifty take-home gifts for guests. 50 people still made for a great day/weekend.</p>
<p>I expect the wedding to be even smaller, as the kids bicoastal, her family midwest. If 20 people from my family attend, including son’s friends, I’ll be satisfied.</p>
<p>I’ve been to affairs where people have a hospitality room in hotel, and serve food there. at another, we ate in a pizza place. All good. It is the warmth and love of the guests that make the difference.</p>
<p>By the way, I too think a house is a good investment, as are children. A wedding should be a happy day, but not necessarily a lavish affair.</p>
<p>My wedding reception was under a tent in the yard, but no port-a-potties. We used the powder room and bathrooms in the house. Of course, the yard in question was several acres, and we only had 40-50 guests. :)</p>
<p>I just have a question… how much does it cost to rent a port-a-potty? </p>
<p>I would google… but I don’t want to google “port-a-potty rentals” lol </p>
<p>I googled, but all the links require that you contact them for a quote, so I have no idea.</p>
<p><a href=“How much does it cost to rental a portable toilet for an event? - Answers”>http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_much_does_it_cost_to_rental_a_portable_toilet_for_an_event</a>
For nicer ones, it could be 250-300/unit.</p>
<p>$10k wedding expense checks are not in our universe, either. Checks that size only get written for tuition.
We cooked a full dinner, wine, sodas and desserts for 110 people for about $2500. Lots of love and sweat equity in that exercise!</p>
<p>Thanks, OF. That’s actually a lot cheaper than I would’ve thought! </p>
<p>The lavish potties cost far more than that. Camper white interior walls, Hardwood floor, Pedestal sink, Skylight, AM/FM/CD Stereo system, 11,500 BTU A/C unit w/Heat. Some have flat screen tv.</p>
<p>Comments on tmz that Chelsea Clinton had between 4-6 trailers for the big day – with a total cost of about $15,000. They have sample pictures.</p>
<p>We have a powder room, through the kitchen to hallway. Just can’t imagine a big party lining up for that. </p>
<p>Why on earth would you need a flat screen tv for a porta potty?!</p>
<p>(Please don’t answer that lol) </p>
<p>romani, my immediate thought was “Who on earth wants to hang out in port-a-potty–even a nice one–watching TV?!?”</p>
<p>Maybe it’s a simulcast?</p>
<p>(edited: of the event they are there to witness)</p>
<p>Or they get to see those rolling images of b & g through the ages.
Maybe you can save some cost if you let them run ads.</p>
<p>omg</p>