You may or may not have heard me mention my love for my accordion folder when it comes to budgeting for our wedding. It’s probably the thing that has helped us plan for this wedding the most because we’re able to see what money we have where. For some reason, putting our money in a bank account just isn’t good for the wedding (for us) because we can’t visualize what money goes where. This way, we can!
I was able to take out some saved money from my bank account (4 thousand smackeroos) and distribute it through our funds. We now have paid off our reception money for our estimated 200 guests. I’ll probably put $1000 more or so just in case because I’d like to add for our guests to have apple cider and hot cocoa instead of alcohol (We’re not against alcohol, but Mathew’s whole family is VERY conservative). We also were able to pay off several vendors.
Fully paid so far:
1. flowers
2. reception (unless I add hot choc/apple cider w/wait service)
3. cake
4. DJ
5. ceremony trio
6. church
We still need money for:
1. little things (unity cross, garter…etc)
2. random small DIY projects
3. photography (which I may monthly)
4. decorations
5. postage (we have about $275 so far)
6. candy buffet
7. dance floor
8. honeymoon
You guys…I’m so excited! I get paid again on the last day of the month, so that just means more money saved! Things are going SO well considering our wedding is in December. Having a long engagement (it’ll be 17 months total) has definitely helped prepare us for a nice wedding and good life together.
that’s so great you have everything so organized!!
i wish i could say the same! we kind of have the idea that “as long as we can pay for everything in cash… it’s in the budget” and while i know i’ll be happy that we’re not in debt after all this… i can honestly say i have NO idea how much we’ve spent — which isn’t really good haha
i agree, having a long engagement is a blessing for couples who are saving money for their wedding and futures together!
BTW, congrats on your list items already fully paid for!!
jasmine- yeah i’m really trying to make sure we’ve got all our expenses in order for the wedding. we’re paying everything in cash too (so yay good for you!) because you’re right- getting into debt isn’t worth it.
albs- yeah it definitely is great! i mean, every day we still say “lets just get married noooow” but it’ll all be worth it in the end.
hopefully the money we give you can help pay for something on your list.
congratulations girl! 🙂
Thanks for the sweet comment! Looks like you have your wedding planning very together– I like that folder idea. Wish I had known that from the beginning. Right now I have various wedding piles at my apartment and at home… kind of crazy lol
congrats on being so organized I am sure ti helps a lot
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we’re also engaged 17 months and it was such a good idea. Definitely less stressful that way. good for you!
I agree on the long engagements… it makes life and budgeting SOOO much easier. We’ve already been engaged 15 months and will be married just a few days after our 17 months of engagement… how weird is it that we all have the same length of engagement???
Great job on the budgeting! I think I’m going to go that route soon because it’s been really hard for me to determine what I have left to pay for and how much money I need for it.
arlene- you know we’ll put it to good use!
maggie- thanks girlie!
jessica- oh wow that sounds a bit crazy! but sometimes piles that look crazy but are organized the way you like them are just perfect for you. i hope you keep it all together 🙂
jillian- thanks! yeah it definitely helps. our next step will probably be to take the dave ramsey “financial peace” class so we can REALLY be prepared for marriage and money!
fash boulevard- thanks for following and stopping by! i’ll definitely check yours out 🙂
laura- seems liek 17 is the magic number, huh? 🙂
lexi- they definitely are so much easier. how funny too that 17 months seems to be the lucky timeline. i think it’s a perfect length! i think you totally should try the accordian folder. they’re normally sold for holding coupons and they’re a great size or money. the tabs really help for you to split the money up too. if you try it, let me know how you like it!
We have been stressing over our budget as well. We have weekly meetings on Sunday evenings so we are on the same page, etc.
Your folder is a wonderful idea, and it sounds like you’re pretty on top of things! Yey for progress, and getting vendors paid! I know that was such a relief for us too!
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