This is a copy of a Post i have Posted on my Easy Weddings Forum... Have a Read and then my question is at the bottom!

Hi,
My partner and i have been engaged since August 26th 2009 I proposed to him and he placed my ring on my finger. I know most people are gonna be like WTH but thats just how we work

So since then we have postponned our wedding 3 times and changed so many plans they all blend together like a smoothie in my head now, its always the same thing stopping us is $$$$

Late last year we decided on a date for 30th July 2011, i started making plans straight away knowing that it would soon catch up with me and i would be un-organised. I knew we were goign to consolidate in Jan making the money problems gone. Well thats what i thought. We found out a few weeks back we can not consolidate, and straight away we were going to postponne the wedding, my girls already have dresses the venue is booked, photographer is organised so it is to late to pull out now. All i have to do is find a way around Paying for our wedding. My goal is to pull the whole thing in for under $1000.00... I know most of you are going to be LAUGHING at this but i want to prove a PERFECT wedding does not need to cause financial strain or stress.

I am going to keep a track of every dime i spend on my wedding and be as honest as possible with you all you can keep track of my plans and pics on my S&T http://www.easyweddings.com.au/forum/vi ... hp?t=27210 tell me what you think, PM me any questions about finding a cheaper option. Also remind me of the things i still need to get!

It all Starts now!

To Date 16/01/2011 Spent $425.99 Budget left $574.01:195 Days to Go!
Original Dress - $60.00 (This money is going to be spent on my 4 childrens outfits i am getting tomorrow)
My dress - $145.99 - Ebay
Flowers - $150 - From thebridesbouquet.com
Photographer - $FREE - Nick Hart is our photographer and is building his portfolio with our wedding, He is going to supply photos on a disc captured from 9.30am when we get ready right up until the end of the wedding when we leave also a PhotoBooth and my Trash the Dress Shoot. His services were found by careful searching, i can suggest him to other Brides although he will not offer mor eFree weddigns, he is extremly cheap in comparision to most phtographers so PM to find out more.
Venue - $25.00-$30.00pp(depending on our final numbers) for Buffet sit down meal, venue hire and Decorations all inclusive. FH and I decided we do not need any gifts and we are asking our guests to cover the cost of there meals in leiu of gifts. We are using a beautiful poem that a lovely EW lady posted and it can be found on my S&T.
Invitation/Stationary - $70.00 Purchased all stationary from officeworks in bulk there is enough for Invitations, Place Cards, Menus.

So far thats all i have, in the next few weeks there will be a substantial amount added to that list so keep an eye on this post, i would love to hear what you all think!


So my Question for all the celebrants out there that are willing to help out a young family we are looking for someone to do our wedding for FREE!! I don't care if it is your first wedding, I have already written the whole ceremony i just need the official person to come and read it on the day!
If anyone is intereste dPlease Email me Direct imachocolatequeen@gmail.com or PM me on here, you can also find me on the Easy Weddings Forum with the same user name (Badke2be) I hope someone can find it in there heart to help us out!!

Hi badke2be

I just responded to your same post on Ask A Celebrant, which is the best website make your post. Because that website is set up for the community to dialogue specifically with our ACCN members
See.
http://www.askacelebrant.com.au/ask-now ... t-forum/49

The ACCN has asked for tips on how to make your wedding less expensive.

See saving costs on weddings but still have a beautiful day
http://www.askacelebrant.com.au/ask-now ... t-forum/40

Good luck

Cheers
Rona

In other "lives" past and present I have been advised by peers of some who do conduct ceremonies for free due to their own wealth and the problems it does cause for those who need Celebrancy to survive financially.

So I could never do such a ceremony except for a close family member or very dear friend, as my wedding gift.

Here here I agree..
For those that have plenty it is so easy to give c

With family etc. where you do feel your services make a great gift (and save them $)
If they insist on paying, you can always give them a great present that they will always treasure.

Yes I looked at that posting:
I do see some budgeting happening.

Of course it gets back to.... ok why not something simple and avoid expenses.
I have done weddings where the couple had it all at home and they were great
Friends brought a plate (with something on it) and BYO drinks. Every one had a wonderful time.

Just reading back on things, did the bride get a free celebrant, if so would like to know if there is something other than money that they have bartered with. and after the 30th July did it all go ahead and with what results?
Very interesting!!

Hi,
Do you have a celebrant as yet? If not, are you aware of the need to fill out a Notice of Intended Marriage form with a Celebrant or other appropriate person? I hope so for your sake, because it MUST be completed a month and a day before your wedding. And as your big day is now only 3 weeks away...

You can, under certain circumstances receive what's called a 'shortening of time' but I don't know if simply being unaware of this requirement is a good enough reason.

There are (5) categories of circumstances set out in the regulations for a Shortening of Time, they are:

•Employment related or other travel commitments:
•Wedding or Celebrant arrangements, or religious considerations:
•Medical reasons:
•Legal proceedings:
•Error in giving the Notice:

The reason for seeking a Shortening of Time (to marry) must fall within one of the categories before an application can be considered. There is no capacity to grant a Shortening of Time outside these circumstances. Couples need to understand that a Shortening of Time is not automatic. When making a decision the Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages (BDM) or Prescribed Authority will weigh up the information provided in the support of the application.

Why should the celebrant offer their services for free? In a recent newspapers article, the celebrant's fee doesn't even rate a mention as a wedding expense. Maybe couples should be requesting that wedding venues, car hire firms and photographer should offer discounts before a celebrant does? The nerve!

Adam Ladhams
CMC, JP
queenslandmarriagecelebrant.com.au