Should i Just Let It Go?..

I would talk to your aunt before making a decision. If you were to decided to use her, she should treat you like a customer so that means listening to what your vision is. If you talk to her and it’s not a fit, then it’s not a fit.

I would honestly tell your mom exactly what you said in this post... that you would love to use your aunt, but that you just can't afford it. I would put my foot down on that... it's so sweet that you want to help your aunt get her business started but you can't put yourself into debt over it lol. I would tell your mom that, and then hopefully either she will understand or maybe will offer you some money to help pay for it!

I would tell her how much you would love to use her and that you love her work but your budget is firm at $200 so if she can work with you that’s great otherwise you’ll mention her to friends and spread the word about her business but you can’t afford her. Unless your mom wants to pay she doesn’t get a say, don’t be ashamed about “not being able to afford her”. She should respect that you want to stick to your budget

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Thanks for your advice! I know i'm working with a small budget but when something doesn't matter that much to me I don't think its necessary to spend too much on them

View Quoted Comment Exactly this. Use real numbers and talk to your mom about it. If she wants to pay for it, or your aunt wants to do part of it as a gift, try to be open to their ideas. But if they expect you to pay for it, be firm. And make sure you have a Pinterest board with all your floral ideas and best case examples of what you like and want, to show your aunt, if it comes down to it. One of the very first things she needs to have down in that business is listening to the bride's vision for her wedding.

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Thanks for you advice! This makes me sound really bratty but i was honestly hoping my aunt would say shed do it for free that doesn't sound like that's the case LOL which is fine and i hope we can find a middle ground.

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No it doesn't sound bratty at all honestly! It's not like you really want all those flowers and you're expecting her to do it for free... you'd be doing it as a favor to your mom and your aunt, so you definitely shouldn't have to pay for them especially if you wouldn't otherwise be getting that many flowers.

i.e. we have always just been planning to use a Spotify playlist for cocktail hour and the reception, but my mom has a friend who is a guitarist in a band and she thought it would be nice for him to come and play acoustic guitar during cocktail hour and while everyone eats lunch. I agreed that would be nice but music was a place we were trying not to spend money on (we are having a Sunday afternoon wedding so don't expect tons of dancing... we prioritized food, drinks, photography, etc) but since it's important to my mom, she said she would have her friend come play but she would handle the arrangements and she would pay for it. I think that's more than fair, because as much as I do think it'll be nice and I do appreciate it, it is more for her than for me, so it only makes sense that she would be the one to pay for it. Similarly to your floral situation, i think!

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No it doesn't sound bratty at all! My aunt is making my cupcakes and small wedding cake for us to cut as well. My mom is paying for the groceries I guess you could say for the cupcakes but she is making them free of charge and decorating them too. So I completely get what you mean!

I would suggest talking to your aunt about what your are looking for and be honest about your budget. Maybe she can offer suggestions on how to achieve your look without breaking the floral bank.