ugh!!! budget

Moonstar713

I never really set a budget because I knew I was going to underestimate everything. I've been looking for the best prices. I've gotten everything on sale, I'm cutting as many corners as possible without looking "cheap" and I've changed my budget everytime I step into reality. But deep down inside I always had a budget, I just didn't want to say it out loud. I was adding things up and I'm scared we are going to go over =(. Even when winning the photography and don't know how this happened?!?!?! And there is still sooo much to get!!! I've seen brides say they did it $10,000, why can't I????

anaroo87

I ask myself the same thing allllll the time ... I have no advise for you, sorry, but at least you are not alone in this boat

Moonstar713

lol that helps a bit

Squeaky00

I am in the same boat as you.  My fiance and I set a budget just like you for 10k, but we realized when you say wedding the prices goes up.  It is very fustrating.   I wish we could win a photographer.

PattyJose

Honestly, the only way that I have been able to stay "kinda" within my budget is by taking on a lot of do it yourself projects.40% of my budget went to the venue, so i had to come up with ways to bring the cost down on everything else.

ie)- I made my own save the dates
    - Im making my own invites, menus, escort cards
    - pomander decoration
    - I bought my dress in Dallas,TX instead of Miami (saved $300)
    - I look online for coupons for every store I go to, whether im buying online or               in stores.

But no matter what you do you will usually always go over budget, but by being conscious of it, you can limit the amount you go over.

GL!

mrskaniver

I know exactly what you mean. My best friend and I are planning weddings for within a few months of each other, my budget is $20k in miami and hers is less than half that I think, but she is in PA. Things are cheaper up where she is. I know she has some friends taking care of things like photography, dj, etc, which certainly helps. I spent $14k on the venue/catering though, so trying to keep EVERYTHING else under $6k is tough, but my venue is worth it

Moonstar713

Patty, trust me I am doing tons of DIY. I am doing my invitations,  FG basket, RB "pillow," cake set and toasting glasses, signs. I am not doing videographer, my venue was not expensive, my dj is super cheap (so much so that he forbids me to give the price cause he doesn't want people harrassing him for it), photography free, tags for favors, my aunt is making my cake and some favors, my dress was a bit over $300. I just don't know where its adding up. My catering and rentals is going to be about 50% of my total cost, is that reasonable?

PattyJose

Wow, how many people are you inviting? Also what is included in your caterers package.

Moonstar713

About 100. It includes food, service, clean up and set up. Bar equipment. 2 servers, bartender and carver. China, tables and linen for food. She's also going to help set up tables and chairs for ceremony. I mean we're having churrasco. That price also inclues tax, trucking fee and gratuity fee. The lady is great, a lil' blunt but still cool

PattyJose

Well I have a friend that budgeted $10,000 for 100, and it seemed as she was about to make it with 15K, but as time got closer she is at like $18K.  So I know its not easy. GL!