What do you wish you DIDN'T buy?

I wish I wouldn't have bought bridesmaids proposals. No one appreciates it as much as you (ok maybe 2/ 7 did). lol. But, still the money may be better used purchasing BM gifts and props such as BM robes, etc. I probably should have waited to take my engagement photos post my photography contract, as its free. But thats ok, as I am doing a pre-wedding shoot, so its not going to waste. Otherwise, I would have been upset.

I am a minimalist so I avoided a lot of unnecessary spends such as guestbook, favors, menu, and programs. I don't think STD's are a waste of money. I am happy we did those. Guest expect one, and love them especially the magnets. We have gotten fantastic feedback.

These stupid fucking custom stamps *glares angrily at invites*

@Lyla - lolol

@PPs - so much fabulous advice. I'm feeling less inclined to impulse purchase already. Thank you!

It's a small thing but the knot planning binder. I haven't used half the info in it and basically just use it to hold contracts. Save your money and buy a folder or thin 3 ring binder.

I ordered table cloths for the tables the venue has on their list before realizing that the venue can't fit ALL the tables at once. It wasn't much extra $ but now I've got multiple sizes that I won't use. Also I bought cool vellum inner envelopes for my invitations but they don't fit.

I'm currently regretting it, but we shall see once it's finished. I decided I didn't want flowers for my bouquet and instead, decided to murder a book and make paper roses. The book wasn't real spendy ($9) and the pages were already decorated, so I saved money on paint. But with how much work I'll be putting in only to have some possibly fall apart (although I try my best to ensure they won't) or get thrown away...its a lot of work and wasted money. But again, I shall see when I finish and if I still like them in a year.

I bought some candle holders that I won't be using, but they ran me less than $20 so no biggie.

I also bought too many invitations because our guest list wasn't finalized but got them on a zazzle sale and was still cheaper than fewer invitations anywhere else!

I am trying not to think about this with a week (!!) to go, but I really could have found a cheaper dress... My mom paid for it and I feel kind of guilty when I see cheap dresses on modcloth and stuff that I probably would have liked just as much. We had a lot of fun dress shopping and it really felt/feels like "the one" but $1500 is just way too much for a dress in my opinion...

I ordered STDs early on when vistaprint was having a great deal. I ordered one for every person instead of every household. They also sent us twice as many as I ordered so we have WAY more than enough

This is a great thread. I am in the same boat OP, really excited but trying not to get ahead of myself.

The only regret I have thus far is buying my invites too early....I've been DIYing some things and realized I'm pretty badass at designing things and could've done them myself for $10 and an ink cartridge.

Great thread!! I'm pretty sure it's genetic because my mom and I both buy unnecessary stuff when we get too excited haha! I bought proposals for my BMs already and I'm not even asking them until next January lol! Hopefully nothing changes, but if so they were only $9 each. I bought them before I came to WW and learned not to ask them yet. So for now, they are just sitting in my closet

ETA spelling is hard

My date isn't until next June. Only thing I've really bought is the shoes I'll change into after the ceremony. They were only $30, so if I don't wear them its not a big loss. I may also . pick up jewelry or hair things I like if they are really cheap. I hate when I wait to buy something I love and regret it later. Just don't invest too too much this early.

Hello, date twin. I have gotten my venue, budget, dress and accessories at this point. Only because my step mom wanted everything paid in full by this october because she is planning other events. Sometimes I wish I would've waited on buying my dress, but its so perfect and it felt perfect, so oh well. Lol.

My first wedding dress :-(

I bought a hairpiece that I ended up not using because it was silver and I really wanted gold accessories, but I got influenced by my mom and best friend to buy it and I kind of got caught up in the moment. It was like $120 and I was able to sell it for $50, but that $50 paid for the cost of the second one I got. I also bought shoes that I didn't like, but I was able to return those for store credit. Other than that all I did was diy some chalk boards that I didn't end up using. I didn't really buy any decor until the last 3 months or so, when I had a definitive idea of what I needed. That seemed to help with any wasteful spending.

I have a few. But its not the end of the world as I will use them somewhere again.

-My wedding dress was way too much money for something I HATE.

-Twine I thought I would use for the favors.

And I believe that is it!

I didn't spend a ton on bridesmaid proposals but it was still like 25$ per girl. They all loved them and they were practical things but I could've just kept it simple to save some money since buying gifts that last month was soo expensive. A cute mug/wine glass and sweet card would have been enough.

Things that were on my "really really want" list that I ended up scrapping due to budget and I have no regrets about:

- a cake topper. We just did flowers only and i didn't really miss it.

- signage. Really wanted a sign that had our last name on it at the front/ to put in our house after but couldn't justify the $75.

- programs or a large chalkboard program

- sparkler send off

- those wood slabs for the centerpieces

- engraved cake/server set (bought a cheap one instead)

Things that were unnecessary but I am glad I did:

- a cute personalized guestbook from Etsy and Polaroid camera and film. I love having this as a keepsake.

- a candy buffet. It went over well and i thought it was a nice touch for only like $115 or so.

Well, I ordered a ton of stuff from Etsy. I used all of it but none of it was truly necessary. We have tons of personalized cocktail napkins left and programs. All the paper stuff is really not necessary. I would avoid Pinterest and etsy until you know how many tables you will likely need at the reception and have your floral inspirations picked.

@MrsKnolle I LOVE your profile pic! Your dress is stunning! @OP It's hard to plan that far in advance. Maybe you can make a list of things you WANT to purchase for the wedding and then when it gets a little bit closer, you'll be able to go thru your list and realize what isn't needed (or wasn't isn't in the budget).

In my case, anything for the reception or bridal party props was unnecessary...we went from 250 people to 30 invited, 17 are coming, immediate family and SOs only (moved/altered the wedding drastically when my dad got sick and was banned from travel or being above 1,000' in elevation...pulmonary fibrosis sucks!), so the white button ups, the BP totes, the 100' roll of 12" wide burlap, none of that is being used! I ended up bringing the shirts to my FSIL wedding two weeks ago (she forgot to get any and all of us were getting our hair done!), and we are using the totes as welcome bags for the wedding in WA (most of the guests are from MO and have never been to the PNW, so it wasn't a total waste, but any decor items that we bought for the reception aren't being used for anything at all now.

When in doubt, wait. Stores like Michael's and Hobby Lobby almost always have revolving sales, so don't buy it just because it is on sale. I am speaking from experience here! Good luck!