Help! Where to splurge and where to save?

Splurging on venue and food, and will probably pay a bit extra to have unlimited beer and wine instead of a capped amount.

Saving on minimal decorations (my venue is beautiful on its own imo), sort of on my dress (I got one for more expensive than I could have but still on the low side for wedding dresses in general), not having a DJ (this is just a personal choice as we're not big on dancing), minimal favors (bags of candy with our names and date stamped on the bag), photography (have an acquaintance who offered his services for way cheaper than most pros were asking), not having a videographer, will probably have casual flats as shoes.

Haven't decided to splurge or save yet in regards to a MUA.

We splurged on just about everything. After attending a few weddings, where we left early to pick up a bite to eat, I wanted my guests hosted well (lots of quality food/drink) and entertained well (large, live band).

We did not invite anyone under 21, except for one bridesmaid (high school). Guests 13 and up would have been charged the same as the adults, and any guest 12 and under, who wanted an adult meal, would have been charged the same. Our rate included 5 hours of top shelf open bar, so no way ...

My Mom printed the programs and menu cards, a cousin did calligraphy for the escort cards, we chose Etsy invitations that were much cheaper than a local printing shop. We also did online RSVPS, because getting guests to mail back those cards seems to be impossible. Everything was done at our venue, so we didn't have to hire a limo, shuttles, etc. We did not hire a planner.

Celia: It also depends on the venue that you chose. We are getting married at our church (free) and having our reception in the church assembly hall (holds 250 people and free). Church provides setup cleanup etc. We basically have the church for 2 days BUT they require a rehearsal and they require programs. So those are things I have to do. Also the ceremony decorations(altar flowers) have to be left in church for Sunday service so I cant transfer them to reception

I agree with 2d Bride. What is important and what is less important is a personal preference for the couple to choose.

Once you have established your realistic budget, sit down with your fiance and have a discussion about what details are important to each of you (Make sure you write it down so you can go back and remind yourself if you get tempted to splurge or change your mind.) Once you have a shortlist, go back over it together and number them in order of importance to the both of you. This final list will help you to know how to allocate your budget.

If possible, avoid letting the barrage of opinions from "overly helpful family members" steer you off course. It is your wedding, not theirs and unless they are paying for their suggestion, it should not hold as much weight as what you two want.

Good luck and happy planning!!!

Splurge: Venue/food (semi-inclusive), photography, MUA/hair

Save: All paper goods (email and signs instead), decor (borrowed/DIY), Drink (open bar beer/wine/sig drink but no liquor), flowers (bouquet only, no toss or BM bouquets, corsages or bouts), day-after brunch (bagels, eggs and bacon at our place), DJ (basic package w/discount)

Cut out completely: transport, videography, favors, liquor

My Splurges: Venue/food/bar, dress, florist, photography, DJ...everything. Haha.

Saves: I'm not having a videographer or photo booth. We did cheap save the dates. We aren't doing OOT welcome bags or chargers or upgraded linens or chairs. We also aren't having a flower girl or ring bearer. And, my shoes were cheap!