two weddings

ok, so I just found out, that my FI wants to have a wedding at home too! I am a little stressed now, he says he wants "just family" there because a lot of his family aren't going to our DW. What should I do for this, now that I have another wedding to plan? even thought it is going to be small, I thought I had enough to do with going away....

Put him in charge of the one here, then! I understand the reason why he'd want a small private ceremony here for his family---- if he has a good handle on the finances, then I say let him plan it!

Maria, why didn't I think of that!!! I totally understand why he wants to have one here, but I guess it can be just a very small gathering, maybe a cookout? We are spending most of our money for our DW, so what are some inexpensive ways that I can do this at home?

At home is definitely a great idea---- something in the backyard in the evening with some strand lights, candles and just moving around the current potted plants from the yard---- might give a nice subdued, romantic feel...

If it's family and a small group, I say go potluck! Nothing like some good home-cooking to celebrate!!

that sounds great. maybe you can even make that one your legal ceremony and not mess with the out of the country mess, kill two birds with one stone my husband was bound and determined we get married on the anniversary of our first date. so i totally put him in charge of it. we got married at a drive through wedding chapel in vegas. legal part done! its nice that he cares about his family

What is his family like?

We did our legal ceremony at the courthouse (just the two of us) after we got back. It was really FUN because it was kind of cheesy and I was giggling through the whole thing since we were already married! It was a Monday at like 1:00. After, we went for pizza at my husband's favorite pizza joint. Even though it was Monday at 1:00 there were two sets of families there. Girls in wedding dresses - people wearing fancy hats. Some people brought little decorations that they were holding in the waiting area. I don't know - it felt very intimate and, yet, light-hearted at the same time. How many people actually go to the courthouse to get married these days?

You could get them all to gather at the courthouse and then head over to your house for a bbq. Hire a small band or a guitar singer, string some lights, and see if you can find someone to cater with food similar to what you'd find in Costa Rica!

I think you could do something really great outdoors. Maybe in your yard (or a family members, depending on the size) and just set up patio tables, lawn chairs, make some big salads and have a bbq. Throw a fiesta!

Speaking of that, who was it that posted about the fiesta they had in their backyard for their party? Where is Courtney when you need a link?!

But something like that could be really cool, inexspensive and fun for your guests!

We're doing ours before -- I wanted to do a shor vow renewal at our AHR in MD since that's when most family will be there ... but Tom says absolutely not. But that's maybe what you can do ... a vow renewal/bbq ... that way it doesn't even have to be in a church / courthouse unless you want it to be. A notary can do it for next to nothing.