u/New_Tomato1193

Hi everyone! Just had our wedding last weekend and it was a blast! Quick budget breakdown here. Please be kind as I KNOW we did not do this the cheapest way possible haha.

Total: about $73,000, 70 guests (4 children)

Context: We are two brides in a VHCOL (CA). I think 2 brides increased some of our costs in terms of rings, HMU, dresses, etc. We made a list of things we cared most about when it came to a wedding and it came down to: photos, having all our close family and friends, and enjoying our wedding day (aka not doing anything traditions we didn't want to do, not waking up at 5am, etc.)

How we paid: We were gifted $10,000 from my wife's family and $16,000 from mine. We got about $12,000 in cash gifts which we'll likely put some towards the last few payments. The rest came from savings.

Breakdown:

Planner: $6,100

• We hired a full service planner that would start a year out. We hired her about 8 months out and had some vendors already chosen, but we did utilize her vendor list for the others. Worth EVERY penny. This entire process was honestly as low-stress as could be. I didn't start feeling stressed until the week of and that was only because she couldn't help us with some of the tasks (e.g., write vows, pack, etc lol). The day went amazing and I got to enjoy myself the whole time without any worries. Even had time to go for a run!
• She handled all signage, printing pictures, doing place cards, getting the drink garnish, getting Polaroids, provided silverware (by choice, she didn't like the venue's), and much much more. She just charged us for the cost of the garnish, polaroids, etc.

Venue: $3,100

• We got married at a historic house that is now used for a women's social club. We paid $100 to use a parking lot nearby.

Catering + Bar: $25,000

• A bit pricey for catering, but this was their in-house caterer that they encourage you go with. We liked the owner and food so we went with it. They handled linens, rentals, glassware, etc.
• The bar was open bar with mid-tier liquors. We had two signature drinks. They made a syrup for one and we provided special garnishes for the other. They offered champagne for toasts.

Dresses, Alterations, Hairpieces: $4500

• My dress was ordered online for $500 + expedited shipping for $100, and alterations $600
• Hers was $2100 + $800 in alterations
• We spent a few hundred dollars getting hairpieces (got a few options), and I added a small belt to my dress

"Bridal Party" gifts: $600

• We each had a sibling stand with us, so they were our pseudo MOH and BM. We also got our officiant (a cousin) a gift.

Rehearsal Dinner: $1500

• Immediate family only: 14 adults and 1 child

Photographer: $6,100

• This was THE most important vendor to us. We loved his portfolio. This included an engagement shoot. No videographer.

H&MU: $3,145

• bridal hair & make up + trials for both of us
• She did an amazing job. We have different skin tones and hair types and loved the way we both looked!

DJ & MC: $2,500

• Included a photobooth and uplighting.

Hotel: $350

• My wife stayed with a family member so we paid for 1/2 that room. We were planning to pay for 2 nights of the bridal room, but my dad surprised us during check out by switching it over to his card.

Cake: $35

• Included with the caterer, but we got a specialty filling so it had a slight upcharge.

Flowers: $3,484

• We were not picky at all about what flowers. We just gave her a general vibe. She did an amazing job.

Gratuity: $5,450

• This was for catering staff, bartenders, DJ, photographer, H&MU, and our wedding planner

Misc: $300

• Marriage license, cocktail garnish, photo prints, batteries for LED candles, etc.

Stationary: $1500

• We used Canva print for the Save the Dates & invitations. Then bought nicer envelopes + gold "wax" seals on Amazon. We used clear Avery address labels.

Rings: $10,000

• 2 custom engagement rings + bands

We told people we'd be at the hotel bar the night before + a local bar after the wedding. We didn't host either of these. We also didn't buy any drinks as family + friends treated us and the bar was nice to give free drinks all night to us. An additional cost was doordashing Taco Bell at 3am that night! 😂

All in all, we had a great time. I was worried I'd think all this $$$ wasn't worth it, but it was truly one of the best days of my life. We walked home from the bar and my wife said it was the perfect day. I have absolutely no regrets. I wish we could afford to do it again lol!

I think our #1 best decision was hiring a wedding planner. We basically deferred to her about all the things we didn't want to decide (i.e., napkin colors, napkin folds, where signage went, etc). It was great.

Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any questions :)