Can’t afford a wedding/cheap Raleigh venues

Hi Meghan! I definitely understand how you're feeling and felt the same way many times during planning. It's a lot of major (and majorly expensive) milestones happening at the exact same time!

I think it's all just about prioritization - and reminding yourself what you're saving for! It sounds like buying is house is #1 right now, so is there any flexibility with your honeymoon? Would you be open to a less expensive trip, or doing a mini-moon now and planning a bigger trip later?

Same thing with your wedding - if less than 50 guests feels like an unsatisfactory compromise, would you consider hosting your reception during a non-meal time (like mid-afternoon or late evening)? If you could do a cocktail style reception with a variety of hors d'oeuvres, desserts and cocktails that would reduce your catering costs significantly! (We've got some tips here: This is Why a Cocktail-Style Wedding Reception Rocks)

You should also check out these smaller venues who have lower rental rates: The Glass Box, Caffe Luna, JC Raulston Arboretum, The Winmore Tea Roo, The King's Daughters Inn, and Bridge Club!