The Budget

The Budget

September 19th, 2010 @ 1:15 pm by Ms. Sloth
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I know that it’s frowned upon to talk about money in regular company, not to mention on a public blog, but I’m doing this as a public service. I saw a handful of bloggers that published their budgets, and it was very helpful.

When we went into this whole thing, we were hoping to keep our budget in the $10k–$12k range. Unfortunately, it’s looking like we’ll be spending about $15,000 total, and that doesn’t even include a few things (rehearsal dinner, attendant gifts, rings). We’re trying to figure out how to cut our budget down, but we’re already spending the bare minimum on some things.

I’ve been using My Wedding Workbook, a really handy free planning tool, to put the budget together, and here’s what we’ve got. Everything that’s starred is an exact quote that we’ve gotten from vendors we’ve contacted so far. Everything else is the most we’re hoping to spend.

Ceremony/Reception Location Fee: $3000*
Marriage License: $75*
Invitations: $100 (since we won a design and have cheap printshop connections)
Postage: $40 (fancy postage isn’t in our budget)
Bridal Gown (incl. alterations): $1000
Bridal Shoes, Jewelry, and Accessories: $200
Groom’s Suit: $300
Groom’s Accessories $200
Makeup (hair will be done for free by future SIL): $100
Mani/Pedi (at my cheapo place): $30
Flowers (wholesale): $500
Catering (incl. food, tables, chairs, linens, flatware, and glassware): $6400*
Alcohol: $1000
Cupcakes (baked by a friend): $150
Photographer: $1750
Music/Sound System: $400
Tent Rental/Lighting: $1500

It’s kind of killing me, spending all of this money for JUST. ONE. DAY. And I think that we’ve cut as much as possible. We don’t want to skimp on food or booze. We’re spending as little as possible on decor and music. We just want the actual photographer and digital negatives—no special albums, slideshows, etc.

We’re not sure where else we can cut our budget. Does anyone have any suggestions? What are you doing to keep your budget down?

Tags: budget, philadelphia |

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31 Responses to “The Budget”

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Member

sapphirebride (message) 1,747 posts, Bumble bee

I think you’ve done a pretty great job of trimming it down! Here are my thoughts: if your groom rents his suit or tux, and you have groomsmen, the groom’s rental is free. Does he really need to keep the suit? What kind of groom accessories are you talking about? Shoes and such? Also comes with rental. As for your own accessories–do you have jewelry already that you could wear? Or a family member to borrow some for your something borrowed or old? Same with veil if you are wearing one? Other than that, it looks like you’ve really cut it down except that your ceremony fee+ tent rental + sound system rental makes for a pretty expensive venue rental…but I’m guessing that there isn’t much you can do about that at this point. Good luck!

9/19/10 @ 1:27 pm (reply)

Member

camrie (message) 3,044 posts, Sugar bee

Can you do your own nails and makeup? I did my own but I’m used to doing more photo-ready makeup because I’ve done pageants for years.

If it’s something your comfortable with then I’d suggest it (not only to save money but mostly because I don’t like how most makeup artists do my makeup).

Also have you bought your gown? If not, that’s something you can definitely control what you spend for it (unlike food).

9/19/10 @ 1:58 pm (reply)

Member

CorgiTales (message) 9,861 posts, Bee Keeper

I love budget posts! My budget is very similar to yours (13k) and we’re breaking things out in a similar way. We dont have as much in rentals so that is where we’re saving. I really don’t see how you could save much more. I’d love to hear a post on how you’re deciding on alcohol… we get to bring our own in as well (I’m assuming you are since 1k is pretty low) and I’m having a hard time deciding!

9/19/10 @ 2:06 pm (reply)

Member

eileen marie (message) 1,662 posts, Bumble bee

I think you’ve done a pretty good job! I trimmed where we could, but we splurged on venue and therefore the exclusive caterer (did NOT know about that!) and music, so we did our own flowers and got the cheapest, but most delicious cake possible, among other things. I was married in Chicago, and I don’t know if that makes a difference, but I would have been THRILLED with $15K. Our wedding was…let’s just say more than double that. BUT, I don’t regret a penny we spent, and we didn’t go into debt. That’s really all you can hope for.

9/19/10 @ 2:11 pm (reply)

Bee

Miss Sand Dollar (message) 1,305 posts, Bumble bee

One thing I like to remind people about whenever they pull the “just one day” card, is to think about just how much you’re stimulating the local economy. You’re supporting photographers, caterers, venues, florists, and so many other people. Yes, the money can be extravagant, and it’s a hard number to swallow sometimes. But think about Chelsea Clinton’s wedding, and just how many people they paid. Instead of keeping all that cash “in the family”, it’s benefited so many other families now!

9/19/10 @ 2:20 pm (reply)

Member

fromcharleston (message) 651 posts, Busy bee

I have to say I totally talk about money. I don’t care…if you don’t like it tough. Is that wrong? But if you’re generally iffy about talking about it, this would be the place! I think the general opinion of the hive would be that people find it helpful.

9/19/10 @ 2:21 pm (reply)

Member

maureen9004 (message) 2,417 posts, Buzzing bee

I’m against the whole tux rental thing for a groom another person suggested. I know it’s “normal” but if I can spend 500+ on a dress, why does the groom have to wear a suit 50 other people have already been in?

I think your budget is fabulous and is almost a replica of my own. Yes, it’s just one day.. but how many excuses are you going to have to hold a fabulous celebration throughout your lifetime?

9/19/10 @ 2:28 pm (reply)

Member

PepBandLove (message) 90 posts, Worker bee

I think it’s awesome when Bees give their budgets. It’s nice to be able to see all of the DIY projects in context with the budget.

9/19/10 @ 2:33 pm (reply)

Member

sapphirebride (message) 1,747 posts, Bumble bee

@maureen9004: I bought my dress used and also plan to resell it. So in my mind, renting a tux or a suit seems like a similar plan to save money and reuse or recycle.

9/19/10 @ 2:44 pm (reply)

10.

Member

jordynrose (message) 6,351 posts, Bee Keeper

Your budget looks pretty trim to me! I think your approach is great, food and booze are definitely not the areas to skimp on. Do you have to have a tent? As a guest I wouldn’t mind sitting outside, uncovered one bit…so long as it isn’t raining.

9/19/10 @ 2:50 pm (reply)

11.

Member

gill84 (message) 725 posts, Busy bee

It looks like you’ve done a great job. I was also faced with the fact that weddings are just more expensive than you think, and where each item individually seems justifiable, it’s hard when you realize that adds up to more than you wanted to spend.

I think your areas you can cut on are clothes (have you thought of rentals or pre-worn dresses?) and maybe music - have you considered an iPod reception?

If all of these things are important to you, and it won’t kill you to go a bit over-budget, I think the biggest thing now is to forgive yourself for spending so much on ‘one day’. The only way to get out of that mentality is to not think about it like that. But I had the same troubles, so good luck!

9/19/10 @ 3:09 pm (reply)

12.

Member

corleycolorado (message) 133 posts, Blushing bee

it looks like the easiest, most obvious place to cut your spending is catering. that is far and away the bigget part of your budget. is there a more budget-friendly caterer or meal option that would still leave your guests filled with deliciousness?

9/19/10 @ 3:50 pm (reply)

13.

Member

Miss_JD (message) 70 posts, Worker bee

I have no problem talking budget either! But I was just wondering… how many people are you expecting??

9/19/10 @ 3:56 pm (reply)

14.

Member

bRooklynRocks (message) 3,767 posts, Honey bee

That is an awesome budget and some of those things, like the nails and the invites, hello? Score!! And in Philly too? I hope I can get mine to be that low. I don’t mind discussing budgets. I did with my two friends who got married this year if not, I would have suffered from massive sticker shock. Have you seen floral budgets?

9/19/10 @ 4:16 pm (reply)

15.

Member

HELLOLVR (message) 49 posts, Newbee

as i’m planning, myself, i’ve been SUPER tempted to just throw in the towel and go with one of those “all inclusive” venues that supply the place, the food, the dj, the table linen and flatware, the cake, etc….. but it offers NO personality or reflection on the couple!!!! i’m paying for everything seperate, and believe it or not, i’m giving myself a TEENY tiny dress budget. $700 at the most. as far as the alcohol, will this be open bar, or just beer, wine, and champagne? if so, have you considered maybe having a signature drink?

9/19/10 @ 4:16 pm (reply)

16.

Member

MissMusic (message) 302 posts, Helper bee

most of the time if the groomsmen all rent a tux at a place the groom gets his for free- you should try that!

9/19/10 @ 4:33 pm (reply)

17.

Member

AmuseMeMusically (message) 1,079 posts, Bumble bee

What’s “groom’s accessories”? If that counts his ring, $200 is probably about as low as you’re going to want to go. But if not…and he’s buying a tux/suit…what’s the $200 for? You can find cheap used (or sometimes new) men’s formal shoes on Craigs/Ebay/thrift stores. Ditto for the shirt, and I’m assuming he is wearing underthings and socks he already has. So unless he’s springing for a full tophat and cane, or wants something unusual like a giant gold-chain necklace, $200 seems a little high. Especially if you’re already buying him a new suit.

Also, has your friend offered to bake your cupcakes as a wedding gift? If not, it might be something to bring up. Assuming she’d probably spend 100-150 on a gift, letting her give the cupcakes as a gift will allow her to still give you the same value gift, but she won’t have to make a trip to the store, and you can save a little money.

I’ve heard of many bees doing their own makeup. There are apparently a ton of tutorials on the Web to help.

And it isn’t “just one day”. It’s arguably the most important day of your life. The memories and pictures will last a lifetime. So do it up!

9/19/10 @ 4:35 pm (reply)

18.

Member

anvil_chick (message) 387 posts, Helper bee

definitely keep an eye out for cute stamps that could be in your budget… i got lucky and had some come out just before i was planning on buying stamps and they were regular postage… just what i needed… no special order stuff!

9/19/10 @ 5:16 pm (reply)

19.

Member

SweetSweet (message) 15 posts, Newbee

You can definitely do your dress for cheaper than $1000. Keep an eye out in the Classifieds, Craigslist, Ebay, and sites like OnceWed for used dresses. I purchased my dress on Craigslist for $450 (original price was about $900 with tax).

We are planning on buying a matching wedding ring set from Ebay (he really wants Titanium - lucky it’s cheap!). They come as cheap as $30!

9/19/10 @ 5:51 pm (reply)

20.

Member

rlsulli1598@verizon.net (message) 1,935 posts, Buzzing bee

One suggestion I would make is that if you are planning on buying a used wedding dress, see if you can find a new one that you like, and check out the size you need first, to see how it fits you. Then go looking on the used dress websites. If you need alterations, check a reputable dry cleaner tailor or seamstress. Can you borrow shoes, or jewelry-especially if it is family jewelry it might be nice to wear for sentimental reasons. If the linens are included in the venue or catering price that is good, if not, you may want to see if you can purchase them for less, and sell them after your wedding. I actually bought dishware, glassware, flatware and linens (except for the tablecloths-due to desired color) for less than renting them from the caterer/venue.

9/19/10 @ 8:29 pm (reply)

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