The bills are all in, they’ve been paid, and I’ve been sorting through receipts and invoices to determine the final cost of my inexpensive wedding… drum roll please?

I was over the guesstimated budget of $10,000… and I’m not going to go into detail because I’m so SAD about it!

I was doing very well, up until the last month of planning. As the big day approached we realized that we had forgotten to pick up something simple, like napkins.  So… I guess all in all I’m not too depressed that we didn’t come in under budget. In the end, it was a few things we splurged on (like an awesome photographer, an upgraded meal at the reception, a backdrop for the cake table, etc.) that put us over budget. Not to mention the fact that we paid for tuxes and bridesmaids dresses and not many people do that these days. 

Anyway, these decisions enhanced my experience, so I can’t really complain about the money spent. Each and every one of those decisions turned out to be for the best. We did them as cheaply as possible… but sometimes you just can’t afford not to pay.

Since this was the first wedding that I have ever planned, there were also a few things I just wasn’t prepared for – so here’s what I learned in this experience.

• Don’t forget to budget for things like plates, napkins, cups and silverware.
• Don’t forget to budget for gifts that you’ll need to purchase for the people that help you out. All along I had planned on buying these, but didn’t really consider it part of my “budget” until afterward.
• If you’re on a tight budget, don’t ask everyone you know to be involved in the wedding. Don’t get me wrong – I’d do mine exactly the same if I had it to do over, but I realized afterward that I could’ve saved a lot of money by hiring fewer live musicians for the ceremony, and by asking fewer people to help out with logistics on the big day. In the end, it was PERFECT, but I realize it’s one of those areas I could’ve saved money.
• We also had a little mishap with the hair salon that cost us extra. Again, not a big deal, but Mom and I felt it was only right to go in and tip my stylist extra because she saved our rears on the big day. One of the bridesmaid’s stylists scheduled an appointment over ours and refused to reschedule her other client, so my personal stylist stepped in and did an extra head of hair. Mom paid the normal amount and then went back and gifted her extra for being nice – guess that other lady missed out!

Any questions? Let me know! I may not be an expert, but I feel qualified to offer advice now! 🙂