Should I Cancel my Bridal Shower?

Can you do your own hair and makeup? $60 saved! But check your venue contract carefully. Mine requires a security guard and insurance.

I'm so sorry you were bashed. I don't get on here often just because I see a lot of negativity. However - throw yourself a shower! You only get one wedding and one chance at celebrating with a bridal shower. No one coming has to bring you gifts. No one coming has to know you are the only one planning.

Enjoy your shower!!

Yeah...I can't get over how much the venue is considering your budget. I looked at probably 50+ venues because I knew falling in love with a $2,500 venue wouldn't keep me under budget.

Three days of rental. One to set up, have the wedding and break down, all tables/chairs for reception, area for both parties to get ready.

Whoa 3 days?! Is there any way you can negotiate and bring that down to one or two? You can break down and clean up after the wedding, no need for a 3rd day. It might bring your cost down. Most people only get one day of rental.

You really don't need three days, especially since it doesn't sound like you have a lot of decorations ($200 for flowers). Hiring someone to do the set up and take down for you will come out to less than what you're paying the venue for giving you time to do it yourself, and I honestly think you can do it yourselves in one day.

I would skip the setup day and as much as it sucks, I would break down everything that evening. If you come to the place ready then that could save you money too. Even if it only saves you $500, that's $500 more than you had.

Again. Venue is paid in full. Less than 80 days to go, most things have needed to be paid off.

Things can often be negotiated. You won't get all the money back for unused days/labor, but you may get a big chunk. Let your venue know you're over budget (and whether or not you do get alcohol, you are over budget) and you need to scale back. Some places are willing to work with you.

@Breanna - I have nothing to say that other posters haven't already covered when it comes to advice but I just want to give you a big thumbs up for sticking this out and taking the advice as it comes. You keep coming back and answering people's questions helping to clarify so they can offer more targeted advice which is a lot more than many posters do. I know this all has to be very overwhelming. Good luck to you.

I'm just trying to figure this out. FH wants to say screw it and go courthouse and not have the ceremony or reception.

Following your FH's idea will insure you lose everything paid. Try to negotiate with with your venue. And check your contracts, you might be able to cancel the dj and switch to an ipod play list-it's not ideal but that's a good chunk of money that can be re purposed. Listen to Matt, he has great advice and ideas. It's going to be a little more work for you to see what can be done, but it will be worth it.

Not saying that you should cancel and go to the courthouse, but courthouse weddings can be beautiful. Keep your photographer, invite immediate family only and take them out to dinner at a restaurant afterwards. Some of my favorite courthouse weddinsg:

https://www.buzzfeed.com/mackenziekruvant/city-hall-weddings-that-prove-less-is-more

https://www.buzzfeed.com/melissaharrison/couples-who-eloped?utm_term=.mdRqmO0b#.qb0QGW6N

I've already checked my contracts and rechecked, I cannot get money back.

If you do that you could splurge on a big HM.

What deposits would you lose?

Seriously, call your venue and set up an appointment. See what can be negotiated. Likewise, if you have your DJ just play during the dancing he may refund the dinner hour if you explain your situation. Contracts are contracts, but it's always worth trying.

What do you have to lose at this point?

I would lose all but my dress, the decorations and his attire.

Everything I booked said nonrefundable within 90 days of event.

I don't get the impression that she is looking for gifts! I think she just wants to have a shower and sadly nobody around her is doing it! No, you don't need a shower to get married but it's part of the fun and tradition! I'm sorry you had to throw your own shower that really sucks! I say go for it and have fun! However I wouldn't put hosted by and then your name on the invitations, I would leave the hosted part out. I would also (just to keep from offending anyone, although I wouldn't be but it seems some may be) keep the registered at info off the invitation. Believe me people will ask and where you are registered will travel by mouth quickly without you saying anything Also please make sure to host your guests properly so it is a properly thrown shower even if your doing it on your own! Good luck!

Dry wedding aside, the fact is, even without alcohol you are over budget. It would be beneficial if you at least tried. Let them know you are over budget and see what they can do. I am sure they wouldn't want you to miss out on your special day because you couldn't afford something. The least they can do is tell you no.

Breanna, just wanted to say that you're truly being a champ here. Thanks for being open-minded to the good advice.