Recession Depression: Photographer

Sorry for the delay...this blogger says sheepishly! But I'm back now!

I've handled another downsized wedding problem and with great results! I talked to my photographer and was able to downsize the cost without downsizing the services. How? Well, my package included a few thousand in albums/pictures/framing. The photographer is going to allow me to pay for those items after the wedding and at my own pace. This is great news! I'm continually surprised at how great people can be!

Recession Depression: Reception Venue

Alright, I've already handled the biggest stressor...the reception venue.

I was very fortunate to get it in writing that I reserved the right to make any changes to the production--thanks Mom! Hard to believe, huh? Well, I booked the venue almost 2 years in advance, so Mom made sure that I was allowed to edit the contract.

So, today I notified the venue that I may need to evoke my right to make changes. I simply explained my situation and that I hoped to retain the original contract, but was unsure at this point. The only area to be hit will be the alcohol. If I remove the drinks, this will reduce the cost by over $6000! Plus, it will also mean that the reception venue is paid completely.

I'm really sad about possibly losing the alcohol, because let's face it: free drinks make guests stay longer and have more fun! But, oh well. I guess a dry wedding is better than bankruptcy...

Recession Depression

I was recently laid off at my job, I've been unemployed for almost a month, with little hope on the horizon. This is extremely stressful because I am paying for the wedding with little help from my mother, who will be covering the cost of the catering. Now with just over 90 days until the wedding, I'm faced with a dilemma, if I want to cancel with any of my vendors, it has to be done in the next 48 hours (90 days before the wedding).

I can see everything I've hoped, planned, budgeted and in some cases paid deposits for going rapidly down the drain. What do I do? Do I forfeit my deposits and do without? Do I try to renegotiate?

Right now, I am weighing all my options. Before Friday, I have to decide on the reception venue, photographer and band.

Stay tuned....