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Amanda
Beginner November 2022

Freaking out about the budget

Amanda, on March 13, 2021 at 4:14 PM

Posted in Planning 45

Hi all, I have been struggling a bit about the budget. My dad is giving us $5k and my mom is covering my dress, shoes, veil. We live in NC and so far all the quotes I’m getting are coming in around $10k-$14k (total). My FH and I would need to put in the difference, plus pay for our honeymoon. I’m...
Hi all,


I have been struggling a bit about the budget. My dad is giving us $5k and my mom is covering my dress, shoes, veil. We live in NC and so far all the quotes I’m getting are coming in around $10k-$14k (total).
My FH and I would need to put in the difference, plus pay for our honeymoon. I’m super thankful for what my parents are contributing, I just don’t know if we want to spend $5-$7k of our money towards the wedding, plus the honeymoon when we could save that for a house or new car (I will need one soon since it’s old).
I’m torn between being fiscally responsible AND having the wedding I’ve always dreamed of. My FH is okay with eloping and doing a honeymoon because to him, buying a home is more important than a 4 hour party. He wants me to be happy though and we are trying to make this happen. I feel selfish because I’m basically “whining” about possibly not being able to afford a wedding. Our family lives all over the country and would be flying here to NC so we do want to make it worthwhile for them.
I’m rambling here, I guess my anxiety is getting the best of me. Any advice on what to do would be appreciated. Maybe I’m going about all of this the wrong way?
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45 Comments

  • J
    Dedicated April 2021
    Jasmine ·
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    I think you can have a nice wedding in your price range especially with your family contributions. We had the same priorities as you, good food, photographer, and honeymoon. The thing I went over budget on was my dress, which I absolutely love but the alterations alone are $1,000! We only have a 50 person guest list which, sure we would love to invite more but that’s who fits in our budget at our venue. Also we’re getting married on a Thursday evening which alone is saving us $5000. I highly suggest looking into a non-weekend day. You and your fiancé will just have to prioritize size or “experience”. As far as the honeymoon I have seen 5 night all inclusive resort packages for $2000, some even less. It just depends on where you want to go, and you can always wait until later.
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  • Janessa
    Dedicated November 2022
    Janessa ·
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    I too have had issues of budget and spending . At first I wanted a 30,000 wedding and now I’m still debating whether spending about 12,000 is worth it . I think if it means a lot to you guys you can plan something nice still . Have it be more intimate with only the most important guests there and you can do a very elegant reception dinner decor and candles lit up , save money on a dj and just have a pre made playlist ready . See if you’re willing to rent out floral or use companies that will offer rentals . Spend the most on your dress, his tux, your makeup , and good food
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  • Chelsea
    Expert June 2021
    Chelsea ·
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    I'm in NC and I have got everything for 7k! With that being said, I'm getting a free cake and videographer. My parents aren't contributing, but his parents are paying for the honeymoon (3k). It's tough, but it's definitely possible.

    We're getting married in a botanical garden (only $1950) which ended up helping cut costs oddly enough. Since we're surrounded by flowers, I don't have to purchase hardly any for my ceremony decor, just for the reception. You could also consider one of the beaches for a destination wedding? Not sure if you have an ideal venue type in mind, but imo, that's where the bulk of budgets go.

    We're also having an Italian restaurant cater. We purchase trays of past vs paying a set amount per person, so I'm coming out at $1600 there!

    My favorite winery has a spring sale every year, so I'm getting my wine from them (30% off each case) and beer vs paying for an open bar.

    There are tons of ways to save, so don't feel like you have to sacrifice a great honeymoon and a new vehicle!

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  • L
    Devoted October 2022
    Lav ·
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    What city you’re located in NC? I would love to see the botanical garden you’re choosing.
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  • Chelsea
    Expert June 2021
    Chelsea ·
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    I’m right on the VA/NC line by Eden. I’m getting married in Kernersville (near Winston-Salem).


    It’s the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden; here’s the link: https://www.cienerbotanicalgarden.org/space-rental
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