Over budget-high emotions/stress-reassurance please!

What did you get that went over budget? I understand the little things can add up.

85 people for 13k in DC sounds amazing.

Breathe. It'll be over before you know it!

I'm in the same boat. It's the smaller details that are stressing me out not to mention in 2wks I give my final head count and pay off the remaining balance to my venue. My biggest fear is that somehow the remaining balance is going to be more than what we planned. I know it's not going to happen but it's still a fear of mine. I'm on edge all the time and it's draining me mentally. I'm not at the point where I'm like eff it all. I don't care. That's the only way I'm going to be stress free over the next 30days.

I think that sounds really reasonable for your location! We are going to go over budget too (we knew that when we picked our venue), but I just felt like for a once in a lifetime event, the extra money was worth it since we can afford it. After we saw our venue, I knew that I was more than willing to shell out the money to have exactly what I wanted (and the dress too!).

Seems like you did everything in your power to save, 85 ppl isn't a small wedding so you did the best you could. At this point there isn't much you can do. $3k over budget is a lot but your overall budget expense seems very good for the DC area, and most area for that matter. So, rejoice your big day is almost here!!! As you mentioned you FH and you already have a house and stable jobs so in a couple of months you will make back those $3k plus they are totally worth your happiness. REJOICE!!!!

One more saving tip: if you are having real flowers donate them to a nursing home or hospital to get a tax deduction for next years tax return.

We set our budget (20k for 200 people) knowing that we might have to up it a little bit. If you're in a financial situation to spend a little more I say make the night look like your dream wedding! Remember to breathe and enjoy the moment, if you're this stressed now it sounds like you're setting yourself up to be miserable on your big day. The most important thing is celebrating 2 people and their love, all the little details will soon be forgotten anyway!

Thats a pretty good deal 13k for 85 in DC metro area. My wedding will be in the DC area as well.

If you didn't go in to debt for it and you and your partner are on the same page then it's fine.

Start breathing--this is the best part of planning!

ps: Don't show up at a hospital or nursing home with those flowers without calling first. If you want to donate them and get a receipt, contact someplace like Petals With A Purpose.

I can relate!!! Although I've not gone crazy with over the top spending.....things collectively have tallied up FAST!! We are within our means, but it makes me anxious thinking about spending this kinda money on ONE DAAAAAY!!?? LOL. That being said, I'm excited & hoping as you said....it'll be very special and the best day of our lives. We're also having about 80 guests so I'm hoping this allows us to spend time with each and every person there!! :+) All of our vendor payments are due soon.....no turning back now!!! Haha

Breathe, everything will turn out great! It sounds like you can afford the budget overage, and as long as you are properly hosting your guests I wouldn't be stressed about it. Sometimes things just don't go as planned. It really sounds like you got a great deal though.

We have gone about $7k over our budget so I feel your pain. But I do know my guests are going to have a kick-ass time at the wedding!

I'm dying over here @the D.

Also...that name?!?! Omfg >.<

We say YOGMO! (you only get married once!) every time FH and I go over budget...actually pretty much every time we spend money on the wedding. My friend who's getting married for the second time added an H at the end for hopefully it's something silly we do to take away the sting of spending that much money for one day/party.

If it makes you feel better, our original budget was at $15k and now we're actually at $35k. We have about 80 guests (invitations to go out on the 22nd of this month) and we're getting married in Falls Church. TBH I'm doing everything I've ever wanted to do for my dream wedding, so there are no regrets. We're paying everything with cash, no debt, but we will have to tighten our belts a bit for the next two months. It's a once in a lifetime event (hopefully), so do whatever you want as long as you're not going into debt. Sounds like you and your FH have stable jobs, so $3000 should not be a huuuuge problem. Good luck

Punkin, you noticed too!

@Holly- I changed my mind about using silk flowers and chose affordable real flowers 1. prettier 2. did not want to deal with the labor but to save here I did create my own holders. Plus I ended up getting some custom lace added to my dress and a veil. Also a must have for me was draping so I did compromise quite a bit on how much of it I would use but found a reasonable deal so I went for it. Also I did not account for the wedding bands- he chose a more expensive ring than I had imagined but I was not mad. And like you said the little things add up quick!!!

@Marlene & Nonna T- THANKS for the tip! I already searched for one nearby and will be looking to do this!!

@the D- LOL love it, thanks for sharing

@Kashawn- ditto on that fear. Do what you need to do to cope until then! Good luck and congrats!!

And thanks to everyone for your kind/funny words and for sharing your experiences! Congrats on those recently and soon to get married! A reminder for me that I am the only bride feeling this way. I will BREATHE and YOGMO

I know exactly how you feel, chica. I know my FH and I can afford our dream wedding because we both started making more money recently (our income jumped more than our budget). I just keep telling myself if I was able to live off of my previous income, I can live off my current income with the wedding coming up.

Just remember it'll all work out in the end. You're within your means, and even though it can be painful to drop them big dollas, it's totes worth it in the end.

We are in D.C. As well and also went from a 10k budget to 12k cause this area is SO EXPENSIVE. Don't feel bad at all!!

Breathe! Take time for self care, and as long as you aren't going into debt I wouldn't stress about being over budget. Still sound like a steal for your area.

also:

I'm in the MD/DC area and everything is so expensive! $13k for 85 people sounds amazing!!! I've been stressed out trying to plan everything myself as well and I keep telling myself as long as people have food and booze and a good time, it will all be OK. You're marrying the love of your life--the wedding is one day, the marriage is the rest of your lives. Breathe! It will be OK! Where is your venue?

DATE TWIN!! i think it is very easy to let your emotions get the best of you, I noticed i am more sensitive and emotional over things. Just remember to enjoy yourself