u/Jumpy_Act7374

EDIT** — Thank you to those that provided helpful feedback with various options and included some understanding. I think we will go for the covering the bar tab during cocktail hour and after that will be cash/credit bar. We will include it in the Q&A section of our website, and there is an ATM if they’d like. We are already not doing favors since that is an easy cut, off the rack dress, etc. It’s not a destination wedding and just our closest family/friends. I’m confident they understand and know we want them to have fun, but are on a strict, small budget. They will be happy to be there for our special day either way.

We are struggling to not go over budget despite finding some of the cheapest venue/photographer/DJ’s around outside of DIY’ing those items ourselves as well.

Is it a bad look if we don’t cover any of the bar tab at the reception and just do a cash bar? I’ve also considered doing something like 2 drink tickets for each person in the bridal party… we have about 60-70 people and quite frankly a lot of our family/friends can be heavy drinkers so I know we can’t do more than something partial at best. It just seems like I haven’t seen a full cash bar only option when I’m reading others posts…

We are doing a pasta bar ourselves (family willing to help us with setting up the food the day of so it runs smooth, but I will have it cooked- I’m known for my chicken Alfredo).

Also, thoughts on a sweetheart table vs a bridal party table? We have people that don’t know many others or anyone outside of their family coming in the bridal party and I thought they/their family would enjoy sitting together more.

** EDITING TO ADD- we are middle class midwestern US. Venue is a small town golf/country club that has its own bar with the standard beers/cocktails, use pop cans/bottles for their drink mixers because they don’t go through enough to justify utilizing a pop gun. They do have a 40 year old recipe Bloody Mary that is amazing though :). The golf course will still be open the day of the wedding, we just have the clubhouse rented for use.

Hello! I’m looking for some opinions/advice on a few things that I’m just not sure about.

1. We are handling our own music for the ceremony, so no DJ will be there with his microphones. For a small outside wedding of 60-70 people in a rural overlook setting (no cars/traffic/city noise) - will we need microphones for people to hear our officiant and us?

2. I had not thought I wanted a veil when I found my dress. But, I did end up choosing a dress style I didn’t think I’d originally go with and the dress is more of a simplistic look vs beads/lace etc. - I’m thinking I want a veil now, but am not sure the best way to make sure I get a good match without taking my dress into a bridal shop (bought the dress from 4 hrs away so not same shop). Thoughts on how to do this easiest?

3. We are handling our own food and doing a pasta bar to keep costs down. Few types of pastas, couple different sauces (thinking a marinara, roasted garlic alfredo and Cajun Alfredo), 2-3 protein options, cooked broccoli (for Alfredo option). Then salad (not sure if just Cesar or also standard side salad bar), and garlic bread/sticks. What are the best pasta shapes for keeping warm without getting mushy? Thoughts on protein besides meatballs and sliced chicken? Vegetable options?

Where is everyone getting their song ideas for the ceremony and reception? We are handling our own music for the ceremony, but have a DJ for the reception. I’m really struggling with finding good song lists for walking down the aisle, entrances and special dances.

Edit* We have an outdoor wedding with a rustic/boho vibe.

I do not have Spotify, but I do have Pandora.

I love music and singing but for some reason my mind just goes completely blank when I’m trying to think of songs I’ve loved. I will go through my Pandora thumbs up list though.

Thanks!