Money talk

You just have to set a realistic budget.

I knew I didn’t want to go over 10K for our all inclusive venue.

Work overtime, sell old items to help pay for it.

After we signed contracts we had 2 family members pass away and the funeral and travel and time off work killed our savings and with things already signed and past deadlines to postpone we are searching for ideas to save more money lol

I’m paying for the wedding. I decided to not do the traditional $10,000 + and opted for a microwedding which is usually 30 guests or less. It’s been soooooo much affordable. My venue was only $450. My photography is the largest expense. When it’s all over, I will not be in any debt for this wedding. It’s a shame that society pushes us to do the traditional things and go into debt and put more importance in a wedding verses a downpayment on a house! Women need to remember that they can always throw an extravagant party much later for their 5th or 20th wedding anniversary.

Budget budget budget.

Do not have a wedding you can not afford. Who cares if someone in the family thinks EVERYONE you have every talked to should be invited. If you can only afford to host 50 people, that is the wedding you should have.

Cut the nonsense. You don't need a large wedding party. That adds more cost. You don't need save the dates, you don't need programs. you don't need proposal boxes. At the end of the day you need food and drinks, a seat for every butt and your marriage license.

Buy things on sale. Check swap shops. Ask friends if they have anything you can buy off them. Sell things you no longer need.

View Quoted Comment Preach!!!! I one hundred percent agree with this!

We have 60 guest. We didnt do save the dates we didnt do programs we got things on discount all of that is done. I also didnt do a proposal box I think its lame lol. I'm 5 months out and contracts are signed. I'm just looking for ways to save money to put towards paying off the venue ect.

View Quoted Comment Unless the venue has a minimum, I would cut your guest list more. That would save money.

View Quoted Comment I've already sent invitations lol I'm locked in

Can one of you pick up a part time job? Or sell some stuff from your house you don’t need?

We went cheaper by having a brunch reception instead of a late night/dinner reception.

The money I’m contributing is directly deposited into a separate account, so it’s as if I don’t actually have that money to spend in “real life” (if I don’t see it, it isn’t there!)

We’ve also been meal prepping to cut costs on going out for lunch during the work day/dinner at night. It’s definitely helped my bank account. I stopped getting my nails done for a bit, and I plan out my budget of each paycheck, while trying to avoid spending elsewhere if I don’t have to. Good luck!

View Quoted Comment I'm a nursing student who works part time I do not have the time to work another job sadly.. on spring break I plan on going through everything I own and seeing what I don't use and could potentially sell. I've been trying to sell all of my old homering and prom dresses but have had no luck and I'm only asking for 25 a piece lol

Pay what you can with each paycheck. If you are like me and live paycheck to paycheck, I use what little I can after paying bills and put towards the wedding. For instance, if I have $50 that I can spend (after paying bills, and keeping enough for groceries & gas to get me through the week) I will try to buy something for the wedding or pay it towards a vendor deposit/payment. Also, if you are getting a tax return, utilize it and put it all towards paying off your vendors.

View Quoted Comment I do my taxes Thursday and every single penny is going to a vender!

If you direct deposit from your job, put some money from each paycheck into a separate wedding account that you don't touch for anything other than wedding stuff.

I also do this for Christmas. I deposit a small amount from each paycheck and it takes away the sticker shock of the holiday!

My job does not sadly . Ive been saving all change and all 1 dollar Bill's lol and any money left over from each check gets saved. I'm just freaking out bc I have 4 months to get it all paid! Yikes!

Since the proposal there has been absolutely zero or recreation or fun in this house. No trip to McDonald’s for a dollar sandwich, no taking a drive to get out the house because gas cost money, and we are foodies who generally eat well but have been eating crap food ourselves too...

I also have been doing online surveys which literally pay a penance

And finally my significant other has been working probably 60 to 90 hours a week since proposal happened... we’ve been on this road since June and will continue until December... 18 months of nothing enjoyable in life other than each other by the time of wedding

I have that dedication but I wish my hubby did. I cancaled hulu and pandora and Netflix and cut out snacks and buying lunch I cut out all my extras. I'm just stressed and very worried when that payment due date comes I just wont have enough. Very freaked out! Once summer hits i wanna try and work like 3 jobs the month before the wedding to hand all over to our venders!

View Quoted Comment

We cancelled some non-essential services like that too. FH is working 6 days/week for awhile to help us pay for everything. I'm a pretty good amateur baker, and I used to sell my baked goods to coworkers and friends for their parties, etc. So, I'm putting together an announcement on FB to start that again, for anyone who wants it.

No more buying lunch, or eating out in any way. We cut our tv package down to the minimum, which is saving us about $100/month. There are things you can do. It sounds like you're already on the right track. You just don't have much time left. But see if you can offer any services to your neighbors/coworkers/friends, such as yard work, sewing, baking/cooking, even house cleaning!

We actually started doing door dash! It gives us almost $150 extra a week! We go together, I drive and he gets off and delivers. we spend time together, in the car but together lol.