How to save money

For me and my husband, we actually worked extra shifts and a side job and the money from those extra shifts/side job went to solely paying for the wedding

Congrats on the engagement! Very exciting.
You have a good timeline. I’d use the $15k as a target budget, but also be realistic about how much you can actually save based on your current income.
Once you draw up a plan, move the money into a savings account and set up and automatic wire transfer each month. You can make extra money by driving for Uber/Lyft or taking random jobs in your free time.

We limited spending outside of our bills as much as we could so that we could save whatever money was leftover each month. Even small things like making coffee at home rather than buying out, which alone can add up quick. Also we took as many extra shifts as we could at our jobs, offered to work holidays, etc.

View Quoted Comment That’s why I’m trying to do now. I think I want to find something small on the side. Because my job don’t offer over time unfortunately

View Quoted Comment That’s a great tip! Thank you

View Quoted Comment Yes I’m definitely going to stop going to Starbucks so much haha. Thank you !

Hi Ebony! Congratulations!! My brother helped me sign up for a Chase credit card and it earned me points in exchange for gift cards. I was able to get gift cards to David’s Bridal and grocery stores to save money. By no means am I suggesting to go into debt, but if you pay off in full monthly it saved me hundreds over a year. Hope this helps! ❤️

View Quoted Comment I’m definitely going to take a look into this. Thankyou !

Sit down with fiance and decide on priorities. Most couples focus on the guest experience (good food/free drinks/good dj) and quality photos. Cut out the rest you don't care about. Skip favors/programs/champagne/welcome bags/bridesmaid boxes. Take a look at eventective.com for a venue. Blank slates have tables and chairs but do not have 5 figure minimums you must meet for food and drink alone. Vendors via Instagram or thumbtack.com

Get a grocery store cake. Flowers from the grocery store or fiftyflowers.com. get alcohol from a local warehouse store.

Annsbridalbargains.com or costco.com for invites.

Only invite the people you cannot imagine spending the day without. Pick only your closest best friends 6-8 months before the wedding to stand up for you. Bridesmaid dresses via Azazie or Cocomelody.

View Quoted Comment This is like the best. Thankyou so much ! For all the ideas and websites. We actually are good with the priorities it’s just the food and actual venue we are worrying about.

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Look at blank slates that let you bring in your own vendors on eventective.com

For food, browse websites of your favorite restaurants since most offer catering services providing a ton of delicious food at a fraction of the price of a wedding caterer.

View Quoted Comment Yes we did have that in mind going to our favorite restaurant and having them Cater

I would honestly try for 20k with the rising cost of everything better safe than sorry!!

View Quoted Comment I’m not a doctor or a lawyer. I don’t have rich parents. $15000 is pushing it 😂everyone can’t afford that. Wish I could but I can’t.

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People get married with less money than that everyday and have a beautiful wedding. It's all about priorities

View Quoted Comment You’re absolutely correct. Budgeting and also what you like and want play a major role as well.

View Quoted Comment That’s the average in my area for basic
DJ $1000

Officiant $500
Photographer $2000
Florals $3000 (ceremony arch arrangement, 5 bouquets, 5 boutonnières, Corsages and boutonnières for parents, welcome table arrangement, guest tables flowers)
Food and open bar for 100 ppl $12500
Wedding Cake $500
Miscellaneous supplies like invitations, favors, etc. $500
It’s adds up very quickly

View Quoted Comment I’ll make sure to budget better. That’s your area hopefully mine is different. Thanks

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Thumbtack.com lists prices and you can also get quotes via email/phone by contacting vendors directly via their websites on Yelp/Instagram

View Quoted Comment Thankyou, yes I’ve been trying to get quotes. I’ve been doing good so far.