I have been struggling with our venue selection and our budget. I really wanted to keep our wedding budget (everything except the honeymoon) as close to $10k as possible. I thought it would be a breeze with a smallish guest list of 80, but the cheapest venue will be at least $12k (for the whole wedding, dress, flowers and the whole nine yards). I've been trying to decide what I can sacrifice and still have the type of wedding I picture in my head. I keep finding wonderful venues, but even their off season rates are out of this world.
I came home and checked the mail today and my parents had sent me a "congratulations" card along with a $3,000 check for wedding expenses. The note said that there were no strings attached I can use the money however I want. Mom is happy to help plan in any way she can but she wanted to give us this gift. I almost cried I was so relieved. I now have a $3k more breathing room in the budget where I can splurge on a few things without feeling like that money should stay in savings.
My FI was surprised and admitted that his parents had asked if we "needed" money for the wedding. He told them we had it covered but that he fully expected them to make a contribution of some sort. I'm not counting on anything but I would be so grateful if that happened.
Regardless, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders with this extra money. Thanks Mom and Dad!