Stuck at Home

Been stuck on the couch all weekend trying to get better, so figured I might as well update a bit.

We got engaged with about 12 1/2 weeks until the wedding. That first week we did... almost nothing towards actually planning anything. After all, there was reason to celebrate; forget the work part of it!

Beyond the time crunch, we've got the interesting challenge of planning on a major budget. This has been both a nightmare and cause for miracles.

At the 5-week mark, we've used about half the budget and still having fun putting everything together, so what follows are the details thus far:

Ceremony: at the LDS temple. Cost: free.
Marriage License: $50, plus shipping across the country.
Reception: We got really lucky and are doing the reception on a weeknight, so the cost of the rental was cut into a third. Cost: $400 for all day, PLUS linens, tables, stands, hurricane globes, kitchen, bathrooms, parking, etc.
Food: I have a major super-saver mom who really knows how to find a deal. Cost: ~$300.
Invitations: We hunted through a LOT of options (including the DIY route) before finding some that would work. Cost: $269, plus another $110 in shipping.
Engagement pictures: we found am AMAZING photographer willing to do a free shoot, but cost to access pictures was still pricey, so have a friend taking them this weekend. Cost: free.
Cake: there's an incredible lady from my church at home that is willing to trade services, so our gorgeous three-layer cake will be exchanged for piano lessons. Free (monetarily at least).
Reception photography: another miracle. A licensed photographer friend/old teacher is willing to do a little charity work that evening, so (at least for the time being), free.
Hotel rooms the night before: Hello, Priceline! $65-70 a night.
Accessories for all the bridesmaids and moms: a lovely deal I got while traveling abroad: $24.

Total cost so far: $1223.

Still hunting for:
-decorations
-transportation
-shoes
-flowers
-ceremony photography
-dress
-tux and ties (for all the guys)
-music
-his ring
-family dinner
-honeymoon
-dress extras
-religious necessities
-beauty/physical routine