Questions & Answers

Sorry, but the only really reliable converibles are going to be a Honda S2000, BMW Z4, or a Nissan 350Z. Unfortunately, you won't find any of them in decent shape for under $10,000. Stay away from the Sebring and the Eclipse convertibles. Their reliability is suspect, at best. Here are some I found that are sporty and reliable: '98 Honda Prelude '99 -'01 Honda Civic '00 Infiniti I30 '01 Subaru Impreza '00 Acura Integra '03 Mitsubishi Galant

Cake and punch reception. Those are fine; you can serve light finger foods if you'd like, but it isn't necessary. Just make sure to say something like "Cake and punch reception to follow" on your invitations so people know not to expect a full meal. If you do not have enough food for your guests to fill up on, simply plan your wedding for a time of day that is not thought of as a mealtime. Do your research when it comes to getting married in a park pavilion. Yes, the park space is free...but only if no one who has PAID to use the pavilion is using it. I have reserved a pavilion in my park to give me dibs, just in case. Something like that should still be pretty affordable, though. (My park has pavilion rental fees of $10.00/hour for pavilions with bathrooms and $5.00/hour for those without. We're getting with.) Also make sure you don't need a permit to get married in the park. If you do get married in the park or your home/yard, think about having a judge or justice of the peace perform the ceremony. It is generally a service they perform for their constituents, so they may not charge fees and the expected tip will be smaller than that generally given to a minister. (Ministers have religious ceremonies to perform and spend much longer preparing; they also don't make nearly as much as civil servants. Judges, on the other hand, make good salaries for offering their services and spend about five or ten minutes on your wedding.) Sometimes your church will let you borrow chairs and tables to set up. And flowers...silks, silks, silks. Some people hate them, but florists cost soooo much and you can't make sure you're getting what you want. This way, you can make your bouquets/boutanniers early and to your specifications, and they will last forever. Have a friend who is handy with a digital camera take some photos and email you the shots. You can later print and organize as you are able. Here's a great website for money-saving ideas. (No, I'm not spamming it. I just like some -- but not all -- of its suggestions.) http://www.cheap-chic-weddings.com/

I think if you are mature enough to marry you are mature enough to expect to pay for your own wedding. Today so many want the "everything" wedding and the costs add up quickly. Having a simple intimate wedding that is within you and your fiancee's budget is the way to go. There are ways to decrease the expenses and still have everything very very nice. So I say don't expect Mom and Dad or the inlaws to do it for you, do it yourself -- that way anything offered and given is a plus.

Oh my goodness that's lot of money! lol! I have a 2 year old daughter and the most that I would ever expect anyone to spend on her would be $30 or less - anything more than that is kinda unneccessary. They are amused by inexpensive toys and stuff at that age - take full advantage of it while it lasts because pretty soon they'll be into the more expensive stuff!