What we did was set a budget based on realistic prices. I knew I didn’t want to spend a TON on a dress, so I put my budget at $2000 with alterations, accessories, ect. and I made sure we didn’t go over this.
We did this with every aspect of our budget. From linens, to chaircovers, to hair & makeup.
Once we came up with a budget, we figured out how much we would be willing to contribute monthly to the wedding, and divided it up. For us, we were comfortable putting $800 a month towards the wedding, which equalled out to being around 22 months. We had a 22 month engagement, and spent $800 every month towards the wedding. As we got extra month [bonuses from work, birthday/christmas money, ect] we put that towards the wedding as well and ended up having it, and the honeymoon paid off an entire month before the wedding, with plenty of extra “slush” fund available.
The key is to be realistic with your expectations, and figure out what is most important to you. For us, it was food, photography and a beautiful ceremony location. Everything else came in second, and even our food isn’t all that exepensive. We went with fazoi’s because we LOVE it and so does the majority of our family [people from out of state haven’t had it.. but it’s italian, so what’s not to love?].
The good things about weddings is that while items can skyrocket in price.. there are ALWAYS cheaper ways of doing it. We got 20 bouquets of flowers from costco [that are actually due to be delivered today!!!] for $200. Nobody will know where we got them, and we didn’t spend TONS of money on them, either.
You can pick up suits at burlington coat factory for less than $200 each. For a cake you can do cupcakes which are much cheaper than cake.. or even have a local person who bakes cake make one [this is what we did.. we got an 8 tier cake for $500].
No prices are set in stone, the price is what YOU make it to be! Don’t get caught up in the pinterest-style wedding.. those are expensive and honestly, look very cookie cutter. Have the wedding YOU want.