Minor Budget Freak-Out

Posted Friday, March 07, 2008 11:39 AM

I updated my budget tonight.  Sigh.  I wish I had a larger budget, an unlimited budget.  I should be happy with my $20,000 cap.  It's more than I ever thought I would spend on our wedding.  I actually can't believe we're on schedule to scrape together that kind of money, actually.

I'm come to face the fact that we won't be getting free photography.  We won't be getting photography for $500 or even $800.  The package I've settled on is $1600, but I can make do with the $1200 package, if I have to.  Tonight I decided I have to.

During my minor freak-out, I decided I have to finish addressing all my Save-the-Dates.  I then sorted all 100 STD's into special piles: Have to Invite and Don't Have to Invite.  I've come up with 27 people I don't have to invite.  Then, I went through and sorted those into Hurt Feelings and Wouldn't Even Know.  Basically, friends I no longer associate with but were once dear to me (and may not know they are no longer dear) would be in the Hurt Feelings Pile.  The people who wouldn't have Hurt Feelings are people who aren't neccessarily expecting an invite and/or family I never talk to but Grandma said I should invite.

Basically, we have budgeted for 130 people, at $32 per plate.  A lot are "plus guest" because we're having a kinda destination/overnight wedding, so I thought it would be nice to let people bring a friend.  Of course, our guest list spiraled out of control and we are now looking at 180 people.  So, I can cut the list further and risk hurt feelings and Grandma's wrath, or I can send out every Save-the-Date I've addressed and hope that 50 decide they can't make it, or 50 people decide they won't bring a guest. 

Help!

Posted by oneluckygal
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Comments

re: Minor Budget Freak-Out

We're in the same dilemma you are, with the photography. A friend of FI started playing the "how much can I raise my prices" game--including travel and lodging costs-- BEFORE we even formally booked him, so that settled that, and we're looking for someone else in the CFL area(less expensive) now.

Budgetwise, I'm not sure what we'll do. We're starting with a $15K budget, but FI is determined that this will be a wedding we'll both love, so it may end up being more. We could swing the extra $$ if we have to, but I think I'm becoming budget-conscious more and more...especially after the photog fiasco, and with the price of gowns being what they are!

We're budgeting for 75 guests, but I don't think everyone will show up. Most will be OOT, but some just..won't make it. I know that..so we're keeping that in the back of our minds, but still sending everyone Save-the-Dates and invites. I'm sure you'll figure out your situation---GL!

Posted by bluepoet2007    Friday, March 07, 2008 8:10 AM


re: Minor Budget Freak-Out

Photos will last a life time...to me they are worth the extra money and the one thing I didn't scrimp on in the budget.  

Posted by Heather&Alexi    Friday, March 07, 2008 9:51 AM


re: Minor Budget Freak-Out

Go with the photography.  It is definitely the best bang for your buck.  Hether&Alexi is so right with this one!  You want great pictures because they are what remains at the end of the day.

Posted by SugarBottom    Friday, March 07, 2008 4:00 PM


re: Minor Budget Freak-Out

We went with the guests.  We are going to ask all of our family to take pictures and send them to us (just about everyone has a digital camera these days).  I am going to give a couple people specific requests of pictures to take as well....

Posted by faemoon    Wednesday, March 19, 2008 6:47 AM


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About oneluckygal

I'm a poet, a waitress, a dreamer, and an adventurer! I love life and I love to party!


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