Today I want to write about something that is kind of hard for me to actually write about. Go figure!
I want to talk about the budgeting part of my wedding and about calling in favors.
Important back story: I hate, HATE asking people for favors. I want to be completely self-sufficient and hate asking people do things for me so much! Another important note is that I know a LOT of people in various areas that would benefit me and my wedding. I even hate writing that. Sigh.
So when it came time to start finalizing plans for my wedding, I decided it was now or never in terms of calling in favors. This is only time in my life that people will want to do things for me with very-little or no strings attached. So, emails and FB messages went out to my friends who own bakeries, are photographers, work for online invitation companies and work in the hotel/hospitality industry. I made my request/contact with them as "April" as possible and included humor and of course, the option for them to say "no". Y'all I FREAKED OUT about asking people for stuff...it's just hard for me to do. I thought they would think differently of me and peg me for some sort of moocher. (I'm not trying to insult anyone by saying this...it's just part of my nature.)
And wouldn't you know that everyone was willing to help out or at least try for me!?!? I really freaked out over nothing. I'd say that with the right attitude and right approach, people are willing to do something for you.
Which brings me to the other part of my post today: the budgeting part. I'll be completely transparent and say that I'm trying to do this wedding as cheaply as possible. Well, within reason. I want to include all the things that I love but still stick to a fairly strict budget.
With that, I'm about to blow y'alls minds. I'm going to do whatever I can to make this wedding happen for less than $2,500.00. That includes ceremony (to include paying personnel, photographer, av person, building fees, etc.), dress, flowers and reception (which is more like a gathering than a real reception).
I know this seems crazy, but I really think I can do it. I've done some preliminary budgeting and I think it could work. The honeymoon is NOT included in that estimate. Part of the reason I think I'll be able to achieve this is because I am calling in some favors. But know that doesn't mean I'm getting things for free...I'm just getting discounts.
Do I think I can do it for $2k? I think so. I may go a bit over, but I think I can do it.
Now, y'alls thoughts. Am I crazy?
Below is a pin I saw on Pinterest that gave me some ideas for my reception theme. I'm not going to do all of the patterns but I love the brightness and the colors.
I don't think you're crazy for thinking this can be done. I did my wedding for about $2500, although that was 13 years ago, so I don't know how much everything would cost today.
ReplyDeleteI DO think you're a little crazy for trying to do this. I did it because I HAD to - there was absolutely no other money. If that's your situation - go for it! If that's not your situation, my advice is to cut yourself some slack and up the budget. I'm not saying go crazy, but and extra $500 - $1000 could potentially save you a LOT of stress.
I called in tons of favors for my wedding too - it was the only way to get it done on budget.
just seeing your inspiration board makes me SO excited for your wedding! (and all the wednesdays up until then)
ReplyDeletedid you guys pick a date?
and you are a brave, brave, budgeting soul. :) get it girl. i know you can do it.
As low key as my wedding was I think it ended up being around 4K. That makes me want to barf. But we had a tent and a ton of food.
ReplyDeleteI will be so impressed if you are able to do that. And I am SOOO glad you are going on a giant, amazing honeymoon!
Calling in favors is not fun, but people really do love to help brides. Especially when it is someone they love. I'm so glad you bucked up and sent the messages as least asking.
It's all going to be so fabulous.