Do it yourself

Create a guest list, that would give you the best indicator when you have an idea of how many people you need to accommodate.

when you think about your budget, remember about what you are COMFORTABLE spending and what you absolutely must have [e.g. good food or good decor, etc] and what things can be compromised

Thank you so much. I wrote my guest list not it is just trying to find vendors within my budget

Idk about staying on budget and not losing my mind lol but i set a total number and then used a suggested budget list for set the numbers. Then i moved money around, like bumping my wedding dress budget up from 5% to 9, till i they were to my liking. Then i break down each section, like 10 dollars per centerpiece and just try to stick to it.

View Quoted Comment Ohhhhh i definitely like that idea 😍 thank you so much

I’ve unfortunately done neither of those lol

We formed a budget by looking at a couple things. We first wrote down everyone we would want to be there to get a general idea of how big our wedding would be, then thought about our dream wedding and started looking things up to guestimate cost in our area. The last thing was between us ask what our 3 must haves for our wedding. Those 3 must haves when it has come to compromising and on wiggling the budget up is where we have done it. Because it is so important to us. The larger the guest list you have the bigger the budget especially depending on the location of your wedding. Where I live weddings are very expensive. For me my big things were photos, food, and alcohol. For florals I created a budget and went to my florist with that budget and we created things within it since florals were not at the top of our list for must haves or most important. That's how we have done it. Hope this helped

Ahhh budgets! First things first, RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH. FH and I made our budget when we originally got engaged in 2019 and didn't readjust when we started planning in 2022 (lol @ us).
We first had to research the average wedding cost in our area and then adjust to our personal finances. We also decided what's most important to us (location, food, decor, floral, etc.)
After that we researched, visited, & booked a venue! My current motto is one thing at a time! So when we're looking for photographers, all of our energy is focused on interviewing and booking photographers. Then on to the next!
Also make a wedding email! All vendor communications in a central location is super helpful and makes it easy to compare.

I agree with all posters above, particularly researching costs in your area and prioritizing vendors with your partner. On keeping sane: 1) be a team. It's best to match top 3 financial priorities. 2) Be mindful of guest count and budget for 100% acceptances. Allowing vague numbers will drive you crazy every time. Should you get declines, you get extra money for optional upgrades. 3) Trust in what you are comfortable paying. If you are intentional in your choices, you will not have regrets or be pressured by others. 4) The basics of good hosting is universal so aim for enough seating and food for all (whether full meal, cake/punch, or cocktail menu only). You can use WW for other etiquette details. 5) Make a list of "Saves and Splurges". Good taste is a range after ensuring good hosting basics. Limit Pinterest. Plus, people who judge other people's weddings are those who haven't yet paid for their own wedding!

Ultimately, i came in 20% under budget in a high-cost of living area and then i allowed myself to add a couple splurges in the last weeks. No regrets. My challenges: making my partner understand restraint.

Best wishes!