I’m over budget already!!

Did you create a budget prior to starting all of this? My husband created an Excel spreadsheet with each category listed out and approximately what we were comfortable spending on each item. This helped me plan accordingly.

Sit down together and discuss your budget for both the wedding and your everyday lives. Pinterest has several templates you can print out free. GoogleSheets has free budget templates as well. Also it’s not other people’s (parents, etc) responsibility to help out with paying for the wedding, because you are usually advised to have the wedding you can afford. Destination weddings are not cheaper, and instead of covering costs on your own, the destination expenses are often passed to the guests, making it more expensive for them. And social media doesn’t help anything because it pressures the couple to spend every expense that the guests are responsible for in addition to their own, and that is why couples say they go into debt.


What so far have you budgeted for and what do you still need? Some expenses can be cut out entirely and you will still have a beautiful fun wedding, and likely be happier at it.

View Quoted Comment

We had a rough budget but no, we didn't do anything like that. I'm sure it would have really helped.

View Quoted Comment

When I said family I meant like my parents won't be helping with anything. I'm actually having to pay for my moms plane ticket, dress, makeup etc. She's unable to pay for anything. She doesn't have a penny to her name she's an alcoholic. I wanted this venue bc guests won't have to pay for a place to stay since it's a destination wedding. The only thing they will have to pay for is their plane ticket.

My planner is through the venue and I haven't spoken with her yet. Everything that was "included" is ending up being very little in each category so when even little things are added that I originally didn't think about it just adds up.

I will for sure have to cut alot out, our biggest expense was the venue bc it's for 3 nights and all our guests will be staying on site at our cost.

Thank you for the reply!

View Quoted Comment

I read your other comment and while it's nice you are covering costs of the venue for your guests I'm confused why if it's putting you over your budget. Typically guests know when they agree to attend a wedding (whether it's local or destination) they are responsible for their accommodations.

View Quoted Comment Agree with the other posters that you are not responsible for guests’ lodging. They don’t stay there free. Someone has to pay for their stay and it should be them.


It’s also not your responsibility to pay for mom’s expenses by enabling her illness. These two things are why you are over budget.

View Quoted Comment

My guests aren't putting me over budget that's not what I mean. I was in a moment of high stress when I first posted this I wish I could delete it lol

I think I just personally had no idea what to expect. So, all the little things keep adding up and i'm trying to get it together. Everything fell into place (the big things) so fast that I think it was just a shock to me and also my fiance.

View Quoted Comment All those emotions are completely understandable and common. You’re not alone with the price shock.

Find a way to make income. Sell things on poshmark/FB marketplace, take online surveys, there are plenty of options.

If your wedding is a year from now and you're over budget, you may have to scratch the FL destination idea and start over. Have the wedding you can afford. That starts with a team budget plan and comparison shopping research. Together, make lists of must haves and like to haves to prioritize vendors. You can cut out while vendors like a videographer and opt for alternatives like faux flowers. Only you know your money. Put it to what you value the most. Good luck.