We got engaged in January 2020 and were excited about planning at the beginning, but we've since postponed the celebration twice and all but forgot about it until friends and family started poking us about our wedding date this past fall. Neither of us want a big fancy wedding - we are planning a small ceremony, either just us or very close family. We have an outdoor pavilion reserved for the party itself this July, but we keep going in circles as to whether we want to spend the money, time, and energy on it. I keep saying that the only reason I'm moving forward is that I'm afraid I'll regret not having it later. The only thing I've ever envisioned for my wedding is to have my closest friends and family (which between us is still 125 guests, no matter how much we try to cut down) in one place and to have an awesome dance party. But with Covid still lurking, the excitement has fizzled, and it seems weird to be planning buffets, dancing (possibly karaoke)...
My partner is so kind and patient, but he will go either way. We keep talking about spending the money on an amazing honeymoon and other trips instead (we love to travel together). As soon as we start talking about caterers, DJs, flowers, etc. the whole thing gets overwhelming and I want to ditch the whole idea. The reservation is 6 months away and we can't seem to get moving. We are on a tight budget ($12K or less), so it makes things even trickier, especially since it seems many vendors have gotten so much more expensive and people are booked due to all the postponed weddings over the last couple of years.
I wish there were a consultant or someone who could help me just determine what I really want, without charging thousands of dollars at the outset. Do such consultants exist?
Has anyone out there opted for the smaller party/reception and regretted not having the big blowout?