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And the Budget is Rising!

Original post by vanillataco

I made an excel sheet to keep track all of my wedding expenses and estimates. I have only booked my wedding venue and photographer and I am seeing some scary numbers already. Who is in the same boat??

MarryTheNight24 Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!

I really don't want to spend a lot of mine and FHs money on the wedding. My parents are taking care of reception venue and my dress. His parents are giving us what seemed to me like a decent amount of money for vendors, but now I'm starting to worry. I really don't know how to budget that chunk of money that they are giving us.
FutureMrsSweeney Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!

Things cost A LOT more than we expected. I'm keeping a spreadsheet, as well, and it's really helping to keep me on track. I'm also trying not to go crazy for the little things. For example, FH and his friends are really into cigars. I wanted a cigar roller, but I refuse to spend $600-$1,000 for 1 1/2 hours. FH is going to buy a few cases of his favorite cigars and I'm making custom labels. He will pass them out during the wedding.
Eunified Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!


Posted by KroertGS

Budget....lol....we used to have one of those!



AGREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEED!
jassy119 Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!


Posted by MarryTheNight24

I really don't want to spend a lot of mine and FHs money on the wedding. My parents are taking care of reception venue and my dress. His parents are giving us what seemed to me like a decent amount of money for vendors, but now I'm starting to worry. I really don't know how to budget that chunk of money that they are giving us.



You are lucky! I wish our parents were able to help that much. FH parents cant help at all. My dad has helped some and my mom wants to buy my dress but shes not in the best financial situation so Im not going to count on that.
stormstryker Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!

I know this feeling also! My parents are giving a decent amount of money.... ALMOST covers the hall, but with the prices of vendors.... I don't know how we are going to do this. And we are going cheap too! the only splurge was photo/video.... I would REALLY love to keep dj under $1k, we don't need the tvs or anything, or photo booth... and lights are a big NO! with FH and others epilepsy, but I don't know if its possible with the trumpets for the ceremony.
DIY has definitely helped, but not sure if its enough.

SPECIALLY since we are moving after and not a clue to where tho.
Bellabride2014 Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!

Budget, what budget. With all the planning and costs plus everything else it is a fond memory on an excel spreadsheet that looks at me from time to time saying I told you so!


And the Saga continues!
vanillataco Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!

In my original spreadsheet, I listed the cost of a DJ would be 500. Boy was I wrong!

b2b2013 Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!

What's even worse is looking at how much we've already paid and how much we still have left!!!
Butterflyfaye Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!


Posted by stormstryker

I know this feeling also! My parents are giving a decent amount of money.... ALMOST covers the hall, but with the prices of vendors.... I don't know how we are going to do this. And we are going cheap too! the only splurge was photo/video.... I would REALLY love to keep dj under $1k, we don't need the tvs or anything, or photo booth... and lights are a big NO! with FH and others epilepsy, but I don't know if its possible with the trumpets for the ceremony.
DIY has definitely helped, but not sure if its enough.

SPECIALLY since we are moving after and not a clue to where tho.



Someone else understands the problems of lights and those who have had epilepsy or other seizure disorders!!! Yay!

I've got close friends/family who simply can't handle a lot of flashy lights - so they aren't an option.

Besides - they don't go at all with the quasi-medieval/Renaissance theme I'm going for..

which I think I was talking about with you Stryker.
stormstryker Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!


Posted by Butterflyfaye


Posted by stormstryker

I know this feeling also! My parents are giving a decent amount of money.... ALMOST covers the hall, but with the prices of vendors.... I don't know how we are going to do this. And we are going cheap too! the only splurge was photo/video.... I would REALLY love to keep dj under $1k, we don't need the tvs or anything, or photo booth... and lights are a big NO! with FH and others epilepsy, but I don't know if its possible with the trumpets for the ceremony.
DIY has definitely helped, but not sure if its enough.

SPECIALLY since we are moving after and not a clue to where tho.



Someone else understands the problems of lights and those who have had epilepsy or other seizure disorders!!! Yay!

I've got close friends/family who simply can't handle a lot of flashy lights - so they aren't an option.

Besides - they don't go at all with the quasi-medieval/Renaissance theme I'm going for..

which I think I was talking about with you Stryker.




yup we were talkin bout it.

my FH, BM, FSIL, AND FH's aunt all have epilepsy!!!!!! When looking at photo also, we were asking if they used a lot of flash! We also had to ask the RH's if they use the energy saver light bulbs or florescents cause they affect them also!!!! This is soooo annoying, but the last thing we want is any of these important people going into a seizure, right?

Atleast not doing lights or anything cuts back on cost, right????? Now to find the DJ/MC that will be cheap like i want but good and willing to dress the part.... hmmm... have you had any luck?
Butterflyfaye Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!


Posted by stormstryker


Posted by Butterflyfaye


Posted by stormstryker

I know this feeling also! My parents are giving a decent amount of money.... ALMOST covers the hall, but with the prices of vendors.... I don't know how we are going to do this. And we are going cheap too! the only splurge was photo/video.... I would REALLY love to keep dj under $1k, we don't need the tvs or anything, or photo booth... and lights are a big NO! with FH and others epilepsy, but I don't know if its possible with the trumpets for the ceremony.
DIY has definitely helped, but not sure if its enough.

SPECIALLY since we are moving after and not a clue to where tho.



Someone else understands the problems of lights and those who have had epilepsy or other seizure disorders!!! Yay!

I've got close friends/family who simply can't handle a lot of flashy lights - so they aren't an option.

Besides - they don't go at all with the quasi-medieval/Renaissance theme I'm going for..

which I think I was talking about with you Stryker.




yup we were talkin bout it.

my FH, BM, FSIL, AND FH's aunt all have epilepsy!!!!!! When looking at photo also, we were asking if they used a lot of flash! We also had to ask the RH's if they use the energy saver light bulbs or florescents cause they affect them also!!!! This is soooo annoying, but the last thing we want is any of these important people going into a seizure, right?

Atleast not doing lights or anything cuts back on cost, right????? Now to find the DJ/MC that will be cheap like i want but good and willing to dress the part.... hmmm... have you had any luck?



We have a friend or two with epilepsy, and while looking into DJs - have already specified if we ask for colored lights they are to stay fixed, same color same location. She's a close friend, so we've generally asked her what her limitations are and are working around them.

but on the bright side - you are right - it keeps costs down!

We've given up on vendors dressing the part. We as a couple decided sometime we're going medieval with modern twist. I will probably find an all white gown or have one made that's a corset and skirt in white/light gold.

We found a DJ willing to play everything from oldies to Industrial, ambiant and techno without giving us attitude (yup, dress like its 1500s, party like its 2020). So we're waiting to see them in person at their next showcase... if we like them there, we'll reach out.
Shimmerette Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!


Posted by vanillataco

In my original spreadsheet, I listed the cost of a DJ would be 500. Boy was I wrong!



YES! Totally feel the same way!
stormstryker Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!


Posted by Butterflyfaye


Posted by stormstryker


Posted by Butterflyfaye


Posted by stormstryker

I know this feeling also! My parents are giving a decent amount of money.... ALMOST covers the hall, but with the prices of vendors.... I don't know how we are going to do this. And we are going cheap too! the only splurge was photo/video.... I would REALLY love to keep dj under $1k, we don't need the tvs or anything, or photo booth... and lights are a big NO! with FH and others epilepsy, but I don't know if its possible with the trumpets for the ceremony.
DIY has definitely helped, but not sure if its enough.

SPECIALLY since we are moving after and not a clue to where tho.



Someone else understands the problems of lights and those who have had epilepsy or other seizure disorders!!! Yay!

I've got close friends/family who simply can't handle a lot of flashy lights - so they aren't an option.

Besides - they don't go at all with the quasi-medieval/Renaissance theme I'm going for..

which I think I was talking about with you Stryker.




yup we were talkin bout it.

my FH, BM, FSIL, AND FH's aunt all have epilepsy!!!!!! When looking at photo also, we were asking if they used a lot of flash! We also had to ask the RH's if they use the energy saver light bulbs or florescents cause they affect them also!!!! This is soooo annoying, but the last thing we want is any of these important people going into a seizure, right?

Atleast not doing lights or anything cuts back on cost, right????? Now to find the DJ/MC that will be cheap like i want but good and willing to dress the part.... hmmm... have you had any luck?



We have a friend or two with epilepsy, and while looking into DJs - have already specified if we ask for colored lights they are to stay fixed, same color same location. She's a close friend, so we've generally asked her what her limitations are and are working around them.

but on the bright side - you are right - it keeps costs down!

We've given up on vendors dressing the part. We as a couple decided sometime we're going medieval with modern twist. I will probably find an all white gown or have one made that's a corset and skirt in white/light gold.

We found a DJ willing to play everything from oldies to Industrial, ambiant and techno without giving us attitude (yup, dress like its 1500s, party like its 2020). So we're waiting to see them in person at their next showcase... if we like them there, we'll reach out.




Its nice you take her limitations onto account. not everyone would!

Your dress idea sounds nice.

still looking on dj myself. Have a few ideas, but haven't put a whole lot into it myself just yet.
linda_art Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!

I am going to give my advice even though you didnt ask. lol. hope you dont mind! Be careful with your budget unless your parents are paying for 85%^ and you dont care... This site makes it so easy to get caught up in all the little things, channa plaques, name hangers, and I can go on and on..... Being days away I can say that you are far better off saving your money. As it gets closer you'll see all these little things add up and a few dollars here and there starts to equal hundreds and up... Also, again, unless you really arent spending your own money you will see when you send out invites how shady ppl can be, even family, even ppl who's weddings you went to... Its a long road. Just think of what else you can be spending your money on. It'll be special no matter what!

vanillataco Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!

Thanks for the advice Linda...I see you are one month away. Im so excited for you!

linda_art Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!


Posted by vanillataco

Thanks for the advice Linda...I see you are one month away. Im so excited for you!



NP, any questions feel free to message me! HTH.
JenniBella Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!


Posted by linda_art

I am going to give my advice even though you didnt ask. lol. hope you dont mind! Be careful with your budget unless your parents are paying for 85%^ and you dont care... This site makes it so easy to get caught up in all the little things, channa plaques, name hangers, and I can go on and on..... Being days away I can say that you are far better off saving your money. As it gets closer you'll see all these little things add up and a few dollars here and there starts to equal hundreds and up... Also, again, unless you really arent spending your own money you will see when you send out invites how shady ppl can be, even family, even ppl who's weddings you went to... Its a long road. Just think of what else you can be spending your money on. It'll be special no matter what!



So true! Couldnt say it better myself. I know how these things are adding up now. And Ater my engagement party i am not buying anything else. I need to save money for my final venue payment and I need money left over too. SO as far as I go, I know my limits!! Thank yoU!
torresm Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!

Did you guys know that long island is the second most expensive place to get married in the united states? It's ridiculous I try not to look at the numbers unless Im balancing my spreadsheet. It hurts too much.
Supersara7 Posted:

Re: And the Budget is Rising!

I wanted to cry when i realized how much everything actually costs, especislly since FH and I are paying for everything! The budget totally stresses me out but FH calms me down thankfully!

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