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It keeps adding up...

Budget Weddings

It keeps adding up...

Want a beautiful wedding on a budget? Chat here.

Surely I'm not the only one who keeps finding 1 more thiing that needs to be budgeted for. 1) Suggestions for a really comprehensive list of things I should be factoring into my budget? 2) What are yo

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Budget Weddings

It keeps adding up...

Want a beautiful wedding on a budget? Chat here.

Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665

Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:665Discussion:d299d328-7302-4c55-bdd8-65089debe620

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Forums > Wedding Boards > Budget Weddings > It keeps adding up...

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It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/9/2012 6:10 PM EST on theknot.com

ceh789

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Posts: 1674

First: 12/23/2011

Last: 5/9/2012

Surely I'm not the only one who keeps finding 1 more thiing that needs to be budgeted for.

1) Suggestions for a really comprehensive list of things I should be factoring into my budget?

2) What are you doing to keep the extras under control?

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/9/2012 6:37 PM EST on theknot.com

cwaggoner07

Joined on
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DALLAS-FORT WORTH

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First: 12/21/2011

Last: 5/24/2012

The knot budget tool is glitchy, but we used the list, and copied everything onto an excel sheet. It is very comprehensive.
Don't forget stamps, and there's no wedding planner listed either.

~7.14.12~ Scarrie becomes one.

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/9/2012 7:18 PM EST on theknot.com

SSaltzman87

Joined on
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Last: 5/24/2012

I've used WeddingWire's budgeter to see where I'm at. I've also taken a lot of time to figure out what I need and what I can live without, that's really helped keep my budget under control while allowing room to pay for things that might come up.

Steph's book recommendations, liked quotes, book clubs, book trivia, book lists (read shelf)

May 2013 Siggy: E-Ring!

Planning Bio-Updated 4/12/12

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/9/2012 7:23 PM EST on theknot.com

flutterbride2b

Joined on
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HOUSTON

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Last: 5/23/2012

What I did was sit down and focus on my 'vision'. I closed my eyes thought about everything I would possibly want/need BEFORE my ceremony. (engagement photos, STDs, invites, RSVP cards, envelopes, stamps, etc.) and I made a list. I then moved onto the ceremony - what could I possibly want/need there? I also included some things that I wasn't sure if I necessarily wanted/needed such as chair sashes and an aisle runner. Same thing with the reception, and then finally post-wedding (like announcements and thank you cards).

I then split them into 2 groups: independent costs and dependent costs. Independent costs were things I would spend money on regardless of how many total people were invited and included things like my dress, the photographer, and the marriage license. Dependent cost were costs incurred that directly correlated to how many people were invited and included things like stationery, chair rentals, and food.

I've kept track of my overall budget and spending on an excel spreadsheet.

July 2013 Knotties May Siggy Challenge - Favorite Wedding Detail:
Site is in the first place we went on vacation together

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/9/2012 8:50 PM EST on theknot.com

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lovethebeach16

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BALTIMORE

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Last: 5/24/2012

I made my own checklist using a combination of the knot, wedding wire and a bridal bargains book I bought. It was enormous, but I'm a list person so the more I got to cross off, the more organized I felt.

Some of the less thought about things: cake topper/flowers for cake, toss bouquet, garter, clips/fascinator for hair, stamps for thank you cards (for showers and wedding), pew/aisle decor, table number holders, hair and makeup trial (sometimes free), marriage license, additional insurance for your rings, warranty for rings.

I didn't have all of those but they're definitely the less thought of things that seem to add up in price. As for keeping the price down, I DIY'd a lot of stuff or used Ebay and Etsy. I think table numbers were my biggest money saver, I used white picture frames from the dollar store and colored cardstock cut to fit inside.

Married / The Cookaholic Wife

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/10/2012 2:25 AM EST on theknot.com

Elinetrouwt

Joined on
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Last: 3/18/2012

I budgeted for 'other' in each category (food, attire, etc...) and made sure there was a fairly large chunk of money there. Also, I counted on going 10% over budget.

Looking forward to July 7th 2012

My inspiration: http://pinterest.com/2012thewedding/

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/10/2012 8:36 AM EST on theknot.com

aloisk57

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DETROIT

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Last: 5/24/2012

Yeah I'm keeping things as simple as possible - no photo booth, no favors. But we're having amazing food and an open bar for 6 hours. Good food, good drinks, and good music were what we wanted, so that's what we put our money towards. If we can't afford it, we don't get it. But it has been frustrating, for sure.

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/10/2012 9:11 AM EST on theknot.com

bunni727

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Last: 5/22/2012

I used the tool on marthastewartweddings.com. Our budget is super strict, so I've added items to that list to be as specific as possible: I think gift bags for the bridesmaids gifts are even on there. And then, as PPs said, have an extra section devoted to things you might forget or want later. If you save on a certain area, put the money in there untill you decide what you'd like to do with it. My groom's cake of all things was the one thing that I've forgotten to budget for so far.

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/10/2012 11:35 AM EST on theknot.com

volleygurl0306

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Last: 5/24/2012

Other little things I hadn't thought about at first were vendor meals (sometimes discounted but we only have 4 to feed and all were really accomodating so we wanted to give them what everyone else is eating...don't have to pay for their alcohol though since they are working), emergency kit for me and girls and one for groom and guys (mints, deodorant, tums, aleve, bandaids, lotion, snacks etc). craft supplies (like glue for my centerpieces or envelope moistener for invites since I don't want to lick them all), definitely stamps as PP mentioned, lighters for my candle centerpieces, thank you notes for WP and parents, TAXES AND TIPS!!!!!, delivery fee for cake and flowers, give extra room for alterations just in case, little things like guest book and pens/card box/framed photos to decorate cake and gift table with etc.

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/10/2012 1:24 PM EST on theknot.com

GabrielLyon

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Expect to spend a decent amount of money for a good photographer. They can run up quite a bill for your wedding. If you dont care about photographs you can cut out a quite of bit of cost.

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/10/2012 1:30 PM EST on theknot.com

burntofferings

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Last: 3/23/2012

FI and I made a list of everything that was important to us and then compared lists. The high-priority items we both agreed on get the biggest piece of the budget. Then we sorted everything from there and took some items and put them in a "would be nice" category.

Whenever we save money in the "definitely want/need" areas, like invitations or cake, we put it in a pool to use for some of the "would be nice" items. The more I look at the "would be nice" items, though, the more I realize I'd rather axe those and use the extra money to invite a few more guests. I'd rather be able to invite more friends than have super spiffy table runners or something.

Planning Bio (in progress)

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/10/2012 2:01 PM EST on theknot.com

hgumula

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Last: 5/14/2012

CHeck out the google wedding list, downloadable to excel! Iit lets you take over and give yourself estimated costs and then update. http://www.google.com/weddings/

Good luck!!

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/10/2012 8:26 PM EST on theknot.com

mollyehren

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OMAHA

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Last: 4/7/2012

-gifts for the wedding party (My mom demanded expensive ones for the related BMs.) Just say no and buy what you can afford, family should be the most understanding about this not the least

-wedding announcements to keep my MIL from using spare invites as announcements vistaprint groupon for $17, will make more postcard wedding announcement than anyone could ever need.

-DIY supplies: cardstock, ribbons, fancy scissors, cellophane gift bags, etc. vistaprint.com invites (also bought with a groupon or livingsocial offer) are cheaper than any invite that involves ribbon...also cheaper to mail, bet those ribbon invites end up taking 2 stamps plus then another for the RSVP card. Also guessing those cellophane bags are for favors...you don't need them

-suprises: Don't act to eager about anything in front of a vendor, always ask for a discount, and read and re-read everything before you commit. If you are not 100% positive ask first or you will regret it later.

-transportation and time off work to scope out vendors You don't need transport

-afterparty Also not needed

-photo printing, if your photographer doesn't do this you'll have to print out your pics and make an album yourself. This would be months after the wedding, you've got time and can make a book pretty cheap using groupon and livingsocial photobook offers

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/11/2012 1:26 AM EST on theknot.com

ballroombella

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In Response to Re: It keeps adding up...:

Would you mind sharing your list with me? I am big on lists too and have been having issues with finding a comprehensive list. Thanks!

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/12/2012 8:52 AM EST on theknot.com

mcdoh006

Joined on
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CENTRAL FLORIDA

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First: 1/6/2011

Last: 5/23/2012

I've been having that problem too, but I think for me it's because I just didn't have a clear vision of what I wanted at first. I had a good solid vague vision so I could estimate a realistic budget. As I've made individual choices though- rather than my list saying "centerpeices," for example... it now says- candle holders, small seashells, two shades of sand, twine, candles, mirrors... etc. I'm still within budget, but my list feels like it keeps getting longer - lol.

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Re: It keeps adding up...

posted at 2/14/2012 9:52 AM EST on theknot.com

ceh789

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MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL

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First: 12/23/2011

Last: 5/9/2012

In Response to Re: It keeps adding up...:

Mollyehren , I just listed the things that ended up costing me extra money that needed to be accounted for. I don't know why you felt it necessary to attack my list. I live in the city, so transportation isn't just hop-in-the-car situation. It's subway fare, or a by-the-hour Zipcar rental. If you don't live a short distance from your vendors, you're going to have to factor in things like gas even if you drive. Either you didn't read what I said, or you just booked your vendors without meeting them. The wedding announcements were unplanned. I personally think wedding announcements are tacky and self-aggrandizing, and wasn't going to get any at all, but his mom insisted. $12 is a good investment in making your mother-in-law happy, no? And finally, the DIY supplies were for things like seating cards and party favors. The party favors are also doubling as the centerpiece, so I'm not spending any money on flowers, and am saving a lot that way. So, Ms. I-Live-In-Nebraska-And-Somehow-I-Know-Everything, maybe you should try to contribute something positive to this discussion rather than act like a know-it-all and tear down my input via copy and paste and red bold font.
Posted by AFP07

I found your list helpful, thank you for posting :)

I think we're all capable of deciding what is and isn't useful for our own weddings. The fact of the matter is the only necessary things are B&G, license, officiant - all the rest is technically gravy. So... it's up to us to decide what else is and isn;t worth the money.

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