Out of control budget!

View Quoted Comment That’s the spirit!

View Quoted Comment

I totally get it. I started with a certain number in my head, realized that wasn't going to work in my area, and costs quickly escalated. But just because I don't have a finite number, doesn't mean I'm spending more than I'm comfortable with.

Photography is a good example. I was figuring about 3k and I fell in love with a vendor, and their package was $4200. That's more than I'm willing to spend. My second favorite was $3300, and I'm ok with that even though it's technically "over" what I budgeted.

I also ended up spending less for my dress than I thought (although alterations were more!) and so hopefully it all washes out!

As I told my husband, "we can't die with it." Spend on what you want when you can afford it. There are very few large moments in life where you get to have everything your way; enjoy it when you can! You can spend on your wedding day, and still put aside for your retirement. Relax, and enjoy yourself! Don't feel guilty, or allow anyone else to help make you feel that way.

I'm in the same position, we have no debt, don't want kids and our mortgage is under control....

However, we never really set a budget. We have A LOT of savings and earn a good wage each week so I just started booking things without thinking too much about the cost. I've booked most of my major (expensive) vendors but still have a few left to lock down then pay off all the remaining amounts. Now I'm kind of freaking about how much I've spent and feel really guilty. We haven't been actively trying to save since we started planning so now I'm trying REALLY hard to save as much as we can over the next 5 months and cutting costs on the remaining items. It's not that we don't have the money but more so the fact I don't want to have nothing left after the wedding. Hopefully it works out for you!

View Quoted Comment I’m already researching how to make my own centerpieces just in case!

View Quoted Comment I like this advice!!

View Quoted Comment Thank you!

I totally get where you’re coming from. My FH’s family has given us a lot of flack for the money we are spending on our wedding. “It’s only one day” they say.. but that’s the thing. It is only ONE day and you only get ONE chance to do it. We set a budget and then set an absolute cant go over budget. I know it sounds silly, but it has helped us spend where it mattered but also added cute little details where we found necessary. Don’t put yourself into debt by any means. Regardless on whether you have your life in order.. life happens and unexpected expenses can happen. We put aside money in a joint account each month to add up to our budget. This helps because writing a big check into that account really helps you justify on what you really want, plus, the money is there when it’s time to pay your vendors. Goodluck

I noticed you were going to cut the photo booth and have favors instead, how about use the photo booth as your favor and have the photos say thank you for attending our wedding or have nice envelopes for them to put their photos in that say thank you. Just a thought. Have fun planning.

I definitely understand living in a pricey area. The average wedding where I live is 42K and we will be WELL under that. At the beginning of planning we made a budget RANGE bc we wanted to be realistic about things and in all honesty there comes a time when you see how much you're spending and you rationalize spending a little more to get exactly what you want. It seems like you are in a good place financially but try to stay focused as much as possible so you are also financially set for things that come up in your future.

View Quoted Comment Good advice!

We are basically the same as you minus owning a house yet (but that is Bc we aren’t sure which coast to buy on, yet-and we have separate money aside for that.)

We have a rough idea but if we go over, that’s fine. My salary pays our bills, etc, FH is our additional savings and fun money-so his salary for the next year (along with my bonuses) is our wedding money. Have fun with it and don’t stress.

FYI, most of the wedding dress rental places are in Koreatown. I looked into it, but ultimately ended up buying my dress in Beverly Hills (and FH bought his suit at Ted Baker, in Century City.)

View Quoted Comment Thank you!!

I'd just plan everything else out right now, and make sure you can afford your final number. Before I even decided on a budget, I started an Excel document and started contacting vendors. I contacted 5-10 vendors in every category, and got their quotes for what I needed. I did EVERYTHING, hotel the night before, transportation to the venue, wedding dress accessories, tips, sales tax, etc. THEN I came up with a budget. Now all the fees I owe, I'm expecting because I'm prepared for them. I think you should just plan everything else you can possibly think of, and see if you have the money or need to start cutting things.