$10,000 Budget Too Cheap?

Question

My parents have said that for my wedding (whenever that will be) there will be a 10,000 dollar budget. I looked up how much the average wedding costs and it said 27,000. I think they're being ridiculously cheap and the event won't be what I've dreamed about and everyone else will think it's cheap too. Of course I realize that the marriage itself is what is really important, but every girl wants to have a nice wedding, and I'm afraid mine will be disappointing. Do you guys think that 10,000 is really cheap? How much did your weddings cost?

Answer 1

Its called Ebay

Answer 2

I think if you shop around and budget yourself, you can have a gorgeous wedding for less than 10,000.  My wedding was absolutely gorgeous and i spent 7,000.  I am a shopper and look for the best bargain.  Just cause it is cheap doesn't mean it can't be elegant!  Good Luck!

Answer 3

Don't be an ungrateful brat

$10,000 can go a long way if

you work at it

Answer 4

I don't think your parents are being cheap, however you will have to get creative to have a decent wedding in NYC. I live here to, so I'm familiar with the NYC expenses.

Some options:

• Start saving money on your own to add to the $10,000. It's a gift from your parents, and its NOT their obligation to pay for your fairytale wedding. They are being traditional enough that they are paying for anything at all.

• Get a second job to make extra money if you can't save.

• Think about getting married outside of the city.I know that the immediate surroundings are not much cheaper, but if you go north into New England or (gasp) into South Jersey, you will find that prices will be significantly cheaper, and not much of a hassle for people to travel to.

• If you want to be married in New York, maybe hire vendors from outside the area, who will be cheaper.

• Limit your guest list. Half your budget will go to your reception. The reception will be expensive depending on how many guests you have. Think that it will cost between $50-100 per person for food and drinks. That does not include reception hall rental, flowers, entertainment or decorations. You can have a really nice wedding if you limit it to 20 people.

Another option is to do a destination wedding. They are usually much cheaper, and if you are planning on a small amount of people, a more unique choice and good way to stretch your budget. My wedding will cost about $20,000. I'm getting married in Spain with 80 people from all over the world, in a castle. I'm going to have a second reception in NYC for even more people (this will include co-workers and other people not important enough to invite to the wedding or who were unable to travel).. We are refusing to let our parents pay for anything. We both saved from the moment we got engaged, stopped going out drinking and eating (except for a once a month splurge).

My budget is twice as much as yours, but I refused to let any of our families to help out financially. My fiance and I both work full-time jobs, and asked our bosses if it was possible to work overtime for more money. On top of that, we are both doing freelance work as a second job. Once we saved a few thousand dollars, we put the money into a CD for a year, so it will gain interest. We have a year to go until our wedding, but so far we are on track, on budget, and we won't be in debt after we get married.

Good luck!

Answer 5

Our budget is $25,000 and so far, we're totally on track.

$10,000 is NOT cheap, and the fact that your parents are contributing this much at all is an amazing thing. These days, parents rarely foot the whole bill, or contribute at all.

Yes, the average wedding is about $25-30K, but many brides can have their dream wedding for $10K. You do a LOT of it yourself and bargain hunt. You cut back on things that seem important now, but that you'll forget the day after your wedding (ahem ... flowers). People spend thousands on flowers, and I have yet to  understand why. We're having our bouquets and boutionniers for the ceremony and that's it. We're having candles and branches as our centerpieces, and we're saving about $2K that way. You also don't need an expansive dinner package. My  family members who have been to many, many weddings told me to get the cheapest dinner plan possible because no one remembers the food ... just the alcohol, and having a good time :) Best decision I've made during our wedding plans.

If you're dead set on having a lavish affair, foot the rest of the bill yourselves, and if you can't afford it, stay engaged a little longer while you save.

Answer 6

WOW, if only I had  a budget like THAT!!  I'm getting married this Saturday.  We paid for everything ourselves.  We cut corners and did a lot of things ourselves.  I even made my own wedding gown.  Our total cost is at  $856.43  

And nothing looks cheap, or tacky at all.

Answer 7

another way to save money s EBAY!!!

i have brought alot from there and it is all very good stuff for 1/3 of the price it is in the shops!!

like bonbonnieres, 40 bucks

guest book, 30 bucks!!

i have saved alot of money shopping on ebay and i dont regret buying any of it!!

just type in weddings at the top and it comes up with everything you can think of for your wedding!!

also my wedding is only going to cost about 9,000.00!

it does sound cheap but it is the big white wedding that i have always dremt of! dont think that 10,000.00 isnt enough!

by saying that you just sound un gratful!

you have to shop around and bargain hunt!

dont buy from a dress shop where you'll pay big bucks! my wedding dress is worth 2500.00 dress maker 800 bucks!!

cake 500.00 through a little old lady 200.00!!!

shop around!

i have been to alot of weddings and of you can not tell the difference between weddings that are 20,000.00 or ones that are 10,000.00!

it has nothing to do with where you live! it has to do with you not wanting to bargain hunt and you being greedy!!!

Answer 8

Considering your parents are giving you money for your wedding, nothing is too cheap. Your wedding wouldn't be disappointing and I feel you really should be grateful to your parents for even giving you that. I had the wedding of my dreams and it was no where near that price and I paid for it all myself. Thank your parents for the amount they are willing to give you. Just shop around.

Answer 9

first off, you sound spoiled. you may live in NY, however your parents are being generous and loving enough to throw 10k your way! are you even going to try and cough up some money yourself?  

Answer 10

I think $10,000 is more than generous for parents to pay toward YOUR wedding.  You're an adult, you should be putting in money as well.  If you want the things that cost, pay for them.  I can't believe you just called your parents cheap when they have offered to help pay for your wedding (whenever that may be happening)!  Consider yourself fortunate and say thank you over and over again for the financial help!

Answer 11

That is pushing it. I live in Los Angeles, and my parents told me the same thing...and we tried to find places for a while, but it was not working out that well. Luckily his parents said they would double it for us, but still at 20 k its hard in our area. We are doing what we can ourselves to save some money, like making our own invites, place cards, centerpieces and having our friends do what they can like the flowers and pictures. Also it helps a lot to cut down your guestlist, we are having pretty much just family and a few friends but it still comes out to be about 75 people. So it is possible, it might just be a little more work on your part to get what you want. Hope you figure it all out!

Answer 12

You are spoiled. If you want a $30,000 wedding you need to pay for some of it. My fiance and I are working and saving to pay for our wedding ( all of it) and it will be around $25,000. Repeat, we are paying for all of it. You are fortunate your parents are willing to contribute $10,000. I hope they  do not know you that you think they are cheap. It would not surprise me if they took their money back. I am sorry, but I am sitting here shaking my head in disbelief that you just called them cheap.  My mom gave me $2000 and bought my dress. That is her contribution and I would not expect more.

If you only have $10,00 to work with , have a small wedding. gee whiz. I still cannot get over the fact you called your parents cheap when they want to give you $10,000. You sound selfish.

Answer 13

My wedding couldn't have cost more than a grand. Thats cheap. You can make it work if you try. $10,000 and a little imagination will make for a great wedding.  

Answer 14

my parents only paid for my wedding dress to get fixed..thats it!

honestly, ur wedding doesnt have to have the most expensive things,

try paying for ur own wedding then start complaining

Answer 15

Anyone can have a nice wedding for under $10,000.  I had a live swing band that traveled here and ours was still only $8,000, and people are still telling me how fun and special it was.  Your parents have no responsibility to pay anything for your wedding, that is an archaic expectation from the days when brides were 18 and weddings cost $500 for punch and cake.   Be grateful for whatever they're giving you, but expect that they will want some input on the details since they're forking over that much cash.  If you want to spend more, go ahead, but remember it's just a party.  

Answer 16

Since you didn't mention that you nor your fiancee is adding anything to the budget, I guess you have no choice but changed your vision and plan a $10,000 wedding.  Many couples, especially brides, tend to let their vision drive their budget, instead of the correct way of letting your budget drive your vision.  It can be done.  You will mostly likely have to change your vision for the reception site, food service, and maybe even the number of guests considering you are in NYC.

I'm in the Maryland area and I once planned a wedding for $3,000.  It was in the couple's church hall, a member made appetizers, cake, punch, dvd playing...etc.   The most expensive part was the photography.

And be more grateful to your parents.  I got $600 from my parents and was very thankful for that.

Answer 17

I have to say that's a fair amount of money. But where you live $10,000 would not be enough. There are many diy brides on this board who would be more then willing to give you alot of money saving tips. In other parts of the country that would more then cover the wedding, reception and honeymoon. Just do like the rest of us did.. shop around, see how much bang you can get for your buck. Invest some of your own money into the wedding. Ask your fiance's parents to help contribute that way you would have more money if that's what you want.

good luck.

Answer 18

I think that you are ridiculously greedy, spoiled and demanding.  I think your parents offering you $10,000 is wonderful. My parents won't pay a dime.  My wedding will be $7,000 including engagement ring, wedding rings and 10 day honeymoon.  The wedding and reception is $2,800. We kept it to 30 guests. For the same amount, we could have had a lovely wedding and reception at a really nice restaurant that even has a formal room for small weddings.

Answer 19

My parents offered my husband and I a similar budget for our. We graciously said thank you. However as we went along with wedding planning, I brought my mother along, and she would up the ante each time. Sometimes parents are not familiar with the costs, and when they are faced with the reality, they are able to change the budget.

Regardless, a wedding can be gorgeous at any price range. It is the personal touches that make the difference. As for whether 10K is too little, it will depend entirely on where you live and how many people you plan on inviting. I know for a fact one of the most amazing weddings I went to this year cost 9K. It was held in a castle, the bride wore vintage, flowers were amazing....however they both had small families and hosted only 60 guests.

Best wishes!

Answer 20

I know how to fix it PAY FOR IT YOUR SELF I wish my parents would give me 10,000 for a wedding. you are ungrateful

Answer 21

Wow, I would be forever grateful. If you can't have your dream wedding on $10,000, sounds like you'll have to pony up the extra dough.

My husband and I paid entirely for our own wedding, and it cost us about $8000 total (honeymoon and all) and we had a beautiful event. We limited our guest list to 75 to stay within our budget, and we had a noon ceremony followed by a brunch reception to also keep costs down. It was really a nice event and cost well under teh $10,000 your parents have offered.

I knwo you are going to get bashed here, so I'll be kind, and say just be grateful for what your parents have offered you, as it is more than enough to have a beautiful wedding. Please don't be ungrateful!

Answer 22

10,000 dollars is not cheap, my sister's budget is equal to that. but, of course she won two photographers, 3 honeymoon, and is getting the groomsmen suits for free. all of that is because she attended bridal shows and won all of these stuff. and your parents can give the 10,000 dollars and you and your mate can add the 17,000. i would encourage you to attend bridal shows and enter the Raffles that they have.

Answer 23

you should be incredible grateful for your mother being willing to contribute $10,000 thats a lot of money.  Especially because these days parents often are not paying for weddings.

As for my own wedding, my parents are contributing $5000, my fiances parents are contributing $3000 and my fiance and I are each contributing $4000.

These days its very unreasonable to expect your parents to pay for your entire wedding.

Advice for NYC - don't get married in NYC, look further north to the Poughkeepsie area and even a little beyond ... its gorgeous because its by the catskills and the hudson river and its a lot cheaper.

Answer 24

i think that it is perfectly fine. i am only spending $5000. $10000 will be a very nice wedding! just be careful and concentrate on the necessities rather than overdo something like flowers. Flowers are very expensive. I had a friend who spent nearly $20000 on her wedding and completely regretted spending that much. And there were only like 30 people there. She said it was horrid and the pretties thing she had was her dress. She said everything looked unplanned. So it goes to show you that even really expensive weddings can flop. Be smart about it. I would rather have a $5000 wedding and my parents give us the other $5000 for a honeymoon!! i wish my parents and his parents were giving us $10000

Answer 25

you can do whatever you want (of course within reason) for that much. for instance, i've always wanted a beach wedding. with a little research, i found that i can do it for $250 in florida or $5,000 in jamaica. the best advice i can give you, is to think about all the weddings you've been to and what you remember about them? all i remember is the alcohol, music, and her dress. therefore, here are a few tips that i've come across that i'm incorporating into my wedding:

- cut out favors (there usually just for show, and something for everyone to point at and say "awww how cute" and toss in the trash on their way out. even if it's just tiny favor boxes with hershey kisses, they add up$.

- i'm getting my cake from publix (grocery store). they have beautiful cakes at a fraction of the cost.

- i found my dress on the clearance rack ($40). however, i think that was just luck.

- unless you want a live band, put all the music on a playlist on an ipod and hook it up to speakers. (you can buy brand new speakers for a fraction of the price a dj charges). have someone in the wedding party be your announcer (your introducion, first dance, daughter/father dance, and mother/son dance).

- if you must have your food catered, make at least half of it. (veggie plate, fruit plate, dips, finger sandwiches, etc.)

- i'm making my own invitations out of cardstock.

hope this helps. good luck!

Answer 26

i live in new york and had 180 people at my wedding and only spent $8,0000.

i paid for it myself - don't make your parents pay for it, get a job.

Answer 27

Not at all you can pull off a wedding with less money many people do it. If you think they are being cheap then you should dish out the rest of the money. Do not invite everyone and their  dog to the wedding. and you can always get your in laws to help since they are also inviting people.Plus its not the how much your wedding cost, the day is about you and your fiance making a commitment to each other. You do not need $100 plated dinner. Like i said if you want to spend more money then put it in your self. remember now a days parents do not pay for their little girls weddings any more. The couple them selves are. Grow up and be happy that they offered to give you $10,000. they could have send we are giving you nothing.

Answer 28

Mine cost more than that, but my parents contribution was about $10,000.00.

If you want to have a more expensive wedding, start saving yourself!!

But with $10,000.00 you can have a gorgeous wedding if your guest list is a decent size.

Answer 29

My wedding budget is like $500. So far I am on track that includes a dress, flowers, venue, invitations, basically everything but food and I have plenty left over for that. The day isn't about the wedding it's about being married to someone you love and sharing it with your family. I live in Tennessee so yea everything is cheaper but 10,000 should be more than enough. My mom (dad has never been around) is making my dress that's it and I am completely grateful for that. Be thankful that your parents are willing to help you.

Answer 30

I don' think that is an unreasonable budget.  Consider this when you say that you don't think it is enough.  A lot of people, even in NYC, manage to have a beautiful wedding for half of your budget.  You are being very selfish in my opinion.  A lot of couples have to pay for their weddings themselves.  I think your parents were right to give you a budget so that you wouldn't spend every last cent of there money like you probably would if they would have just told you that the wedding was on them.

Answer 31

It depends on where you live and how much money you have to spend. Across the country, $10K is considered average but larger cities tend to cost more. I personally don't see how a $10K wedding would be considered cheap unless you were marrying Donald Trump or someone with his paycheck.