Rationalizing costs....any one else do this?

volleygurl0306

So I'm doing my own hair and makeup for the wedding.  But I want to buy heavier duty makeup (after trying it of course), makeup setting spray, and a good hair styling tool because of the wedding.  I'm trying to be frugal about it but sometimes you have to pay for quality.  I'm trying to stick to my budget but I know these things are going to go over.  But, after the wedding I'll be able to use the makeup and hair tools etc (where as when you hire someone you really just get that one-day look since they take the makeup with them).  I keep telling myself it's okay.  I use a budget tool and record everything to the penny.  Is it bad though that I don't want to record the full price of these items because I will get other uses out of them (and so I stay at budget!).  But I never would have bought them if it weren't for the wedding :-/  In the end I guess it's not a huge deal (I'm the budget stickler, FI doesn't even know what we've spend/are going to spend) and I'm buying now when we don't have any wedding expenses coming up. 

Anyone else rationalize some costs like this?  Knowing I'm not alone would make me feel better!

CowgirlK39

I did that once with make up. I went to a Sephora in the mall and had a trial done before a big interview. I loved how it worked and told her I would take what she had used. It costed me over $100. I almost died when I saw the price, but now I use it on any occasion where I want/need to look good. It has never failed me at all. I think this is one of those departments where you will be glad you bought those things. I am feeling this way about the wedding band I want. Its $1100 which is WAY more than I should pay but it caught my eye years ago, even before we were engaged and I just LOVE it. My mom told me that's worth paying for because it will be on my hand forever.

I say if you know for a fact that you will be able to use something again, it is worth the money. Also, that is provided you know how to use it and are pleased with the results.

MissNay1019

Oh definitely!

Makeup

Shoes

Jewelry

These are just things I am buying that will be convenient to have for my wedding day!

mamameech

Budget? What's that? LOL
I've justified so many costs... but I've also saved in a lot of areas so it balances out. And I plan on making some $$ back from a lot of DIY stuff so hopefully that pays for all my "creative" ideas lol

kellycatalo

i really had to justify my dress cost. but to me, there was nothing that compared and i knew i would be so happy with it. plus, it was within the budget so it wasn't so bad.

i justified myself getting a sewing machine because i thought i would sew my own table runners. lol, that is SO not happening.

akbrown19

i do this all the time... trying to strike a balance between "one day" and "THE day", KWIM?
 
i decided to have my hair and makeup done because even though i've become quite the beauty junkie as of late, i don't trust myself to make it look like my vision. i just need a professional in that department. my skin is finicky and my hair can be too, so i just knew i had to do it.

FI keeps freaking out that the budget is getting out of hand, but i think he doesn't realize how much things add up and he has been part of the decision making from day 1. he's more the pessimist but it helps to have both sides of the coin to make the best decision. sometimes i still win though (ex: videographer) because i drive myself crazy for weeks trying to make a decision and he finally says "just do it!" because if i care that much, it's important and we should find a way to make it work.

on the other hand, like mamameech said we'll be DIYing some things (cardbox, escort cards, invites, photobooth, etc.) and not doing favors to save $$ for our important things like photography.

volleygurl0306

Ok you girls are making me feel better.  I was just scoping out the websites too and if I can resist the Sephora people trying to sell me the starter kit and just get the foundation (I already have my eye and lip makeup) I think I can keep it within budget.  But they always put all that stuff on you and make it seem so necessary.  Be strong! 

romamor4

I totally do the same thing! I'm justifying buying myself a $260 pair of shoes just because I know I will be able to wear them out dancing again. 

My big issue as of late has been trying not to justify buying a Cricut cutting machine. I really want one. I could probably totally justify it considering all the things I need to cut out for my DIY projects. But I only would probably use it for the occasional project afterwards. I LOVE crafting, but I keep asking myself, "Will I really use it to make it worth it? OR will the DIYing end up costing me more in the end?" It's driving me crazy!

L&K2012

Haha my problem with 'rationalizing' is that I say, if I am spending xyz on the location, what is spending a bit more to have a band vs. a dj if it is what I really want (and there is a stage so a dj would just look weird.. right!?!  Haha!!).  And if I am going to have this amazing dress/location/etc... I must get a GOOD photographer to capture it all, since those are the pictures I will use to recall all of my wonder memories... and it just spirals out of control.
Or for the cake for example, it is included in our package, and when I look at the total price of the package, adding 1 dollar per peice to add a specialty filling vs just frosting seems like a 'drop in the bucket', BUT that is still an extra $1 per guest.... which again do add up!

morenachica110

Often. But like momma said, I've saved a bunch on other places so it's not too bad. It's surprising how much all the tiny things add up though. =/

HollyRae28

Ugh! Can totally relate! Feel like our WHOLE wedding is a splurge! I know it will be worth it. I have dreamed about this day FOREVER... but at the same time I keep saying "is it worth it?... it's only ONE day"... hah! I'm just gonna go with it. We aren't in financial trouble or anything... and it will all workout I'm sure... but I keep justifying everything I buy.