Oooookay. So last night was his deadline for the Memories decision. I figured the way to a man's heart is chicken wings... so I ordered some to-go and had them waiting when he got home from work.
From there, it's kind of hard to put in words what the answer was. He said if we did do this in November, it would be just us--and we wouldn't invite 4 people. He said this would hurt my stepmom and my aunt which it would tremendously. He said he wouldn't be able to choose between his grandfather or brother for his side to be along with his mother... so we would invite no one. Stress. He asked why I was going to the showcase if I all of a sudden wanted a plain, quick little deal. Well Sir, when I booked the trip for the showcase I was planning a fancy pants, bling bling, I'm going to sparkle like a disco ball wedding. Now that I have my stepmom going, she's more excited than a 3 year old little girl getting to meet Cinderella for the first time. I have to at least go thru the motions.
Be proud that I didn't cry. My emotions were so confused I wasn't sure how to react. I asked if he would be able to contribute and he said he just can't. His was expecting a raise in February and his company sent a notice that no raises would be given this year. So it's back to being all on me, and whatever I can scrape from here and there.
So last night I tossed and turned trying to come up with a solution. Being the problem solver I am, I knew I needed to wait until I had an excel spreadsheet in front of me. This spreadsheet has everything from spending money for the airport, to paying the dogsitter, to Mousekeeping tips, etc etc. I made one for Memories, Escape and Wishes.
Memories: 12,000
Escape: 30,000
Wishes: 42,000
Really the only difference between the Escape and Wishes was that I had budgeted for a 13 night stay for the Wishes wedding instead of an 8 day stay I switched to for the Escape. Also, the decor and linens for the Wishes reception moved the price up. Plus the planning session is budgeted in there--which we wouldn't need for Escape. For the Escape Reception... we would just grab an ADR at the Cali Grill so everyone could just order what they want.
The Escape pricing includes all the original blingy floral, Mickey and Minnie, 6 hours of Photography, MK Shoot (still on the fence, but wanted to budget), petal cannon, cake/floral upgrades... etc etc---I made it everything I wanted. It's still a giant chunk of cash if I have to come up with it on my own AND move the date up.
I was looking at May 7, 2012. It's a Monday--it's exactly half way between both of our birthdays. Mine is May 1 and his is May 13. Thought that was kind of neat. Plus it'll be warm. But, oh yeah--- where are you getting 30 grand??
I haven't completely given up on the Memories collection. I'm going to check out the showcase, lay it all out for my stepmom and see what her opinions are. If she wouldn't mind us "eloping" then it may just be the best for everyone. For all I know, the family may not really want to travel, but doesn't want to hurt my feelings. So I'm going to lay it all out there and see what happens.
Honestly, seeing that I could have almost everything I want for 12,000 less is very attractive to me. It's an option as well. I could also have my cake cutting on Commander's Terrace which I love... and I could have Mickey and Minnie there

That is one part I wished I could have with Wishes, but couldn't.
So we're back to square one. Still don't know what we're doing... but for sure knowing that it will be at Disney. That's the one part we know is set in stone. I'm going to attempt to keep my mind off of it until the showcase and until I talk it thru with my stepmom and maybe my aunt. I have packing to do, hair to color and cut, nails to be done, cleaning, work... I won't have trouble staying busy. So for now, stay tuned to see what whirlwind I end up in next.