From Start to Finish #21

Mistake 1: Waiting to see how much it costs before determining how much you’ll spend.
When I was first putting together my budget, I was filling out how much I would spend in each area and trying to keep the total under $15,000. But for the categories that I didn’t know yet how much I would spend, I left them blank...silly me! That, my friends, is the easiest way to go over budget. The whole purpose of a budget is to set what you won’t go over so that you make choices on what to buy accordingly. Moral of this story, set your budget in each area before you go shopping and it will keep your spending in check!

Mistake 2: Giving up on the budget you initially set.
The more photos I pinned, the more prices I saw, and the more ideas I loved...the more my wedding cost grew. And the more my wedding cost grew, the more discouraged I became that we’d be able to stay within $15,000. Instead of keeping a determination to stay under budget, I gave up on the possibility of it. I decided it just wouldn’t be enough, weddings were too expensive, and I gave myself permission to overspend. Bad idea. Don’t give up! Any budget is possible if you get creative and keep your priorities in line.

Mistake 3: Forgetting what’s important.
Keep your eye on the prize. Marriage, celebrating with your family and friends, and making amazing memories. Buying BHLDN straws for each guest’s cup, elaborate stationery, and the finest foods are all great ideas but if they put you over budget, they’re not worth it. That’s not what the day is about. :) It’s about you and your love.

Anyway, hope that helps a bit! Next week I’m going to cover a list of ways to save! For now though, tell me about your budget dilemmas! What area are you finding is the hardest not to overspend in?

Chat soon