How are you affording this?

I'm also an NJ bride and we're having a huge wedding. We're very thankful that both my parents and his parents are helping out, which helps since NJ weddings are insanely expensive. If you can push out your wedding to save money during a longer engagement I definitely recommend that. Ultimately it depends where you and your FH are willing to compromise (cut the guest list, have a weeknight/daytime wedding, book a banquet hall instead of a large wedding venue, etc.)

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I completely agree with you Caytlyn, make it a two year engagement instead of one!

I just finished graduate school and my fiancé just went back to school so we couldn't get married super fast because we need to be able to save up and budget accordingly ☺️ hope that helps!

Pretty much sit down and ask yourself what are the things you really want for your wedding and then a list of things you could live without.

My FH and I have paid for most of everything with our wedding and yes its hard but since we're getting married in 2020 we've had time to start to pay n pay on n pay off our vendors.

GIRL, I feel you on the outrageous prices. I'm in the Chicagoland area and we are also paying for it all ourselves.

Have you looked into any alternative venues? Maybe someone who has a large home and backyard or a park where you can get licenses and insurance and all that and a cheaper caterer or do a potluck?

If not, I would look for something in more rural areas, which will mean some travel for guests, but I know that by doing that for us we were able to book our favorite state park lodge and it ended up being WAY cheaper and included food and drinks, which was half of what I was previously looking at on the north shore. Plus all of the other vendors are way cheaper cause they're all in the boonies.

Best of luck!

Really think about what’s important to you about your day. For us it was a small ceremony and need to have my dad walk me down. Also the photographer and the location were important. We knew we didn’t want any traditional stuff otherwise so we decided to do a cocktail style reception to save on money too ! And having the wedding off season. I’d say write down what’s most important to you about your day or top 5 must haves .. and have your FH do the same ! Then compare... then cut corners on the things that don’t matter as much.

FH and myself are lucky in the aspect that we live in a super expensive area (DC) but are not from here so can choose to have our wedding basically anywhere else. We are getting married in NC about one hour from Raleigh. NC is much more affordable when it comes to weddings than DC. I have also had my eye's peeled for deals from our vendors and have been able to negotiate a few prices here and there. I took on a part time job that works with the bridal industry to make additional money and get a discount on a few of the things we need. I also picked up more hours at my full time job. FH has a great job and our parents are helping with the cost of most things also. FIL's are paying a portion of the venue, DJ and rehearsal dinner and my parents are paying for flowers, hotel and my attire. Their generosity has helped FH and myself by leaving us roughly paying 50% of the total cost which we have paid out in chunks since May of this past year. I have been working on DIY items also that can be used at Rehearsal Dinner and Reception. I am also starting to stock pile things for the wedding events that don't expire (alcohol, paper products, etc) so when those events come up we will have some of the items already in hand. This will include bachlorette weekend and wedding weekend as we are renting an Air BNB for both events and will bring in our own supplies. I have also been buying my bridal party gifts as I see a bargain since spring and should have those items out of the way in advance as well. We will have all of our vendors paid **hopefully** well in advance which should allow us to save up for things like tipping, last minute items and honeymoon spending money. The biggest tip I can suggest is to keep your eye's open for deals and steals on wedding items, buy used (facebook marketplace and even WW) for decor and other small items, and spread out your spending. Focus on one big vendor at a time, pay off the smallest one first then move on to the next. Good luck and remember, your day will still be wonderful regardless of the price tag.