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Savvy September 2021

Save money or go for it?

Taylor, on August 16, 2019 at 10:26 PM Posted in Planning 0 12

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Like many probably do, I’m CONSTANTLY struggling with going back and forth between “do whatever you can to save money” and “but it’s okay to spend the money for your wedding.”

Our parents have both readily agreed to give some money to help. But we both struggle to want to accept large amounts of money from them for our wedding.
Its things like: if our wedding is on a Sunday, that’s a couple thousand in savings. If we cut one side dish from the menu, that’s a thousand in savings. If I use very minimal decorations, that’s saves money...
Of course everyone has something to say about the above. “But people have to work on Mondays; but you have to provide plenty of food options for people; but...” blah blah blah.

I have a dreamy Pinterest wedding in mind, but I’m slowly convincing myself to try to minimize as much as possible. I just don’t think I’ll be happy with a simple backyard wedding though.
I’ve already decided against things like favors, boutonnières, and things like that to save money. But it just doesn’t feel like enough at the end of the day!

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12 Comments

Latest activity by Brittany, on August 29, 2019 at 4:02 PM

VIP September 2019
Yam · on August 16, 2019 at 10:34 PM
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Save money on what’s least important so you can splurge on the more important things to you guys. Weddings don’t need a splurge in every category, just spend money on the things that will make an impact.
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Devoted August 2021
· on August 16, 2019 at 10:40 PM
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I agree with Yam. Also remember not to get too caught up on Pinterest. Maybe you can strike a balance between a paired down wedding and the Pinterest dream.
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Legend June 2019
Melle · on August 16, 2019 at 11:25 PM
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I like what PPs said. I went cheap on everything else except food because that's what was important to me.
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Legend November 2019
Caytlyn · on August 16, 2019 at 11:34 PM
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I agree with everyone else. You and your FS need to sit down and come up with your top three priorities when it comes to wedding planning and put the majority of your budget toward those things. For us, that was food, photography, and an open bar. We decided to cut back on things like extra decor, our dream venue, and optional items like programs.
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Legend March 2017
Pirate & 60s Bride · on August 17, 2019 at 1:23 AM
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You can have your dreamy Pinterest wedding if you have a small wedding and consider an off-season or weekday date!
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Just Said Yes November 2020
Crystal · on August 17, 2019 at 4:00 AM
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My best and probably only idea... find a budget. And just stick to that number. Stick to it! Maybe allow your parents to pick one thing from the list...that way they can choose something within their own price range. And same with in laws.
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VIP October 2020
Samantha · on August 17, 2019 at 11:44 AM
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Don’t feel pressured by other people to go over budget! You can still have an amazing wedding on a budget!
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VIP September 2020
Willow · on August 17, 2019 at 12:21 PM
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There is a LOT of gray area between a Pinterest wedding and a simple backyard affair. Spend on what matters to you, but not everything. I am actively avoiding Pinterest while wedding planning.
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Master December 2019
Courtney · on August 18, 2019 at 6:44 PM
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I've been feeling the same way- but to me it comes down to the details in the end. Will I really remember the elaborate invitation suites? The overly decorated centerpieces?
Do would I much rather spend the evening with my husband and all of my favorite people in one incredible stress-free evening?
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Master August 2018
Nemo · on August 19, 2019 at 12:06 PM
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What is important to you? List three things and prioritize those. We prioritized photography, our date (had to get married during a break from grad school), and food/booze. We picked a pretty venue that didn't require a lot of decor. We skipped a videographer and spent a lot of money on photography instead. We skipped ceremony flowers since we got married in the church and felt that our money was better spent on reception flowers since floral centerpieces were important to me. Our crowd isn't big on dancing, so we didn't spend a ton of money on a DJ, but it was still important to us that we had one.
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Dedicated May 2021
Brittany · on August 29, 2019 at 4:01 PM
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I totally get this! And I felt the same way, I wanted a big fancy wedding but then when reality hit and I saw how much stuff cost, it changed lol I found a venue that does food, open bar, cake and centerpieces included in the price which was a huge savings! I'm doing edible favors for the reception like a candy bar or something that will be appreciated but keep cost down. I am also doing to DIY almost all my decor and flowers. If you have a sams club or costo membership, they sell wedding flowers. That alone could potentially save you lots!
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Dedicated May 2021
Brittany · on August 29, 2019 at 4:02 PM
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And i almost forgot lol We choose to get married on a Friday. Most people don't mind taking off one day or just half a day. This gives them the weekend to recover. It was a lower cost for the venue and we did not have to guarantee as many people.
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