Budgeting a Wedding

Before I even start, here's a bit of background.

"On average, US couples spend $26,542 for their wedding. However, the majority of couples spend between $19,907 and $33,178. This does not include cost for a honeymoon or engagement ring." per Costofwedding

That's a lot of money.. For one day. Important enough, and once in a lifetime.. But still!! Am I the only person numbed with sticker shock?

I gotta say, we make much above the national average in regards to salary. However, we are far from spending above this national average in wedding cost. Of course, there will be aspects of this wedding where we will splurge (I'm thinking food, and the venue) but I'll have to keep this average in mind and give myself restrictions. I have too many friends that went on a spending frenzy as a bride.

So.. Fiancé made a great plan. Any money saved up to our engagement date will not be touched. That's for our future.. Downpayment for the house, furniture, trips. Whatever we can manage to save from now on will be the defining factor for our wedding. Let's see if we can do this:)