So you've got the perfect ring on your finger, the perfect man to spend the rest of your life with...now what? If you're anything like myself, you are avoiding discussing a budget. Well, prepare yourself ladies...the B-word is not one to fear and you will eventually need to face it head-on (I will help). However before hacking out the budget, you need to tell the world about your big news!!
If you want to announce your engagement on stationary, then I HIGHLY recommend that you work on your budget before doing so. Paper can get costly...we will cover that in later posts. Because I'm a bride on a budget, I found a really fun way to share my news with the world for FREE.
My 96-year old great grandmother is the only person I know who does not own or have access to a computer/internet so GG gets a free pass on this one. Know where I'm going? ....WEBSITES!
There are dozens of free wedding websites online, where you register (for free), pick a template and fill out the information. The sites walk you through the entire process and it can be a really fun way to share information with friends and family...did I mention that is is free?
If you know someone with computer skills, you can always ask them to create a website for you (this can be their wedding gift to you). Creating your own site takes a lot of work and time however, it is well worth it when you are able to add personal touches that express your love for each other.
Lucky for me, my fiance is a computer technician. We started our website a few months back but as mentioned, it takes time to complete. Here is the site's URL: www.jasonandkatey.com
We hope to complete it soon. Ok, back to YOUR site...
Once you get your site set up, you will want to let everyone know that it exists. Running on the theme of technology, you can email or text the link to your friends and family. Social sites such as Facebook and Myspace are also great ways to share the link with friends.
If you are concerned that some of your family members or friends won't see the sight, you can always give them a call or wait until you send out your save-the-dates. Many couples print their website URL on their save-the-dates to let family members know where to find addition information. Your website will pick up LOTS more traffic after save-the-dates are sent so if you don't get the word out right away, don't worry...sooner or later, they will find your website.
Important: This is a no-brainer, however I must mention it anyway. Remember one of the most important rules of wedding planning: FAMILY IS FIRST.
If you plan to create a website, let your family know about your engagement before they hear about it from someone else who has seen your site. Same goes for all other plans - you might not be super close to your family but do you best to keep them in the loop. They don't have to make decisions or sway your opinions about certain details however, including them on the adventure will make the ride much smoother.
Links: Below are a list of free wedding websites that I reccommend...
www.ewedding.com
www.momentville.com
www.superweds.com
www.onewed.com
Happy Planning!
2 years ago
On the subject of websites...my roommate used her website for her RSVP's. Instead of spending money on extra paper inserts,envelops and stamps she had people RSVP on her wedding website. It ended up saving $250. I know that's not a lot, but when you are on a budget $250 is a lot. Just a thought for you. One day we should get together I have sooo many ideas for wedding on a budget b/c of my roommate. She got married for less then $5000 and it was beautiful.
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