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Beginner October 2019

Can’t afford wedding

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1234, on January 30, 2018 at 8:29 PM

Posted in Planning 23

Hello everyone!

FH and I have been engaged for 2 months and have been trying to discuss when and where to get married, etc. We sort of agreed of February 2019 and so that’s the date I have been telling everyone. I have a terrible relationship with my family and so they can’t help financially and I won’t ask them. FHs family wanted to help and wrote him a check for our venue. Also I went dress shopping early and surprisingly found my dress and FMIL paid for it for me as a gift. She is like my own mother and it was very sweet of her.

However, we have no other money. We calculated needing another $4-5k for catering, flowers, photography, etc at the minimum and we just don’t have that money. I really don’t want to take out a loan as both of us already have car, rent, and school to pay for as is.

So my dilemma is that I have an expensive dress and no wedding! The options I have thought of is just prolonging the wedding for years (3-4 years maybe, I have no idea) or wearing the dress to a courthouse wedding and skip spending the money. Does anyone have any ideas? I wanted to hear others opinions because I feel like I may be being dramatic. It’s just upsetting that I had a date in mind and have already contacted vendors using that date. I would have to cancel my upcoming tours and consults.

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23 Comments

Savvy September 2026
Kim · on April 3, 2018 at 11:10 AM
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Depending on your venue you could skip an expensive caterer and have close family or friends pitch in for a small buffet Set-Up. It would make things more casual and instead of a sit down dinner being the main focus the music & dancing/partying would be the focus. Just a thought ☺
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Beginner November 2020
Nicole · on August 13, 2019 at 3:29 PM
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I was thinking the same thing, but not in a mean way or anything. I’m kind of in the same boat but have not booked anything at all and we are not doing a bridal party. I bought a dress for $500 no alterations needed so that’s taken care of, but even doing a courthouse wedding and renting a venue to have a reception in is really racking up in $$$ when I budget it out. It’s difficult since I know banquet halls would be cheapest, but an industrial/greenery look is what I’d really like... haha. We’ll see what happens... :/
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Just Said Yes November 2021
Magaly · on December 21, 2019 at 7:05 AM
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Have you reserved the date with the venue yet ?
When I started planning I had in mind to do it in March. My FH and I saved the day but it wasn't confirmed yet with the venue. We had a week to finalize it. The very minute we sat in our car to go home, we looked at each other and already felt stressed lol It should not be like that. We ran back in and changed it for October and felt instant relief. Just because you've been saying its for February (and nothing has been booked)... doesn't mean you have to stick to it. Change it if you want to, and its okay. Don't feel bad. And If you want your grand wedding and its going to take 3-4 years, then wait. Your bridesmaids and his family will understand. But if its no biggie, I agree with the other brides and look into a restaurant. And if it makes you feel better, sit down and talk to your FHs family and explain what's happening (since they gave you guys the check for the venue).
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