Budget Timing

[Nrvsbride]

I have a question for everyone. I am trying to figure out how to budget things out. Are most of you purchasing things little by little or are you just saving up and waiting until the day gets closer and then purchasing things? I see some great things on sale and I feel like scooping them up but my wedding is a year and a half away and I'm scared I will change my mind later on. Is it better to just save and then buy things as the date gets closer?

-Glenda

[Jessalyn]

I started buying things from the beginning, a little at a time. If I found a good deal, I'd snatch it up. I think that in the process, I may have bought too many of somethings...ie. flip flops...I think I bought 80 pairs. I figure I can probably sell the left over stuff later on ebay (although, that will probably be a pain).

At this point, I'm trying to spread out the rest of the money I have to spend over the next 5 months leading up to my wedding....of course, I'll still have the big ticket items the day of.

[MrsWtobe]

I've been buying things little by little. I think it seems to make a huge difference on your bank account. This way it doesn't seem like one MASSIVE amount of money leaves your account. I did the same thing when we bought our new house....just one thing at time far in advance, and it doesn't seem like you've spent a ton of money. Hope this helps!

[Hummingbird]

If they are things that you really know you want, buy them now if you see them for a great price. The little things can really add up, and even if you are a good at saving and budgeting, I think it's easier if you have purchased some items along the way. If you do change your mind, you have some options: Re-sell them on Ebay, Craigslist, etc., or return them to the store depending on when they were purchased.

Just keep your receipts in one of those wedding folders, to make them easy to find. Try to write down what you've spent on a budget sheet, and add things up along the way, too.

That said, do be careful that you aren't just thinking, "Oh, I like this, and this, and this....", and then you end up with tons of stuff that you won't really use. If you are unsure of whether or not you really like something for the wedding, just wait on it. Like you said, you do have plenty of time. )Just be sure you don't wait too long, and then stress yourself out having to rush to find things.)

Did that help, or just completely confuse you again?

[Christa]

Like what kind of things are you talking about Glenda?

For me, I had a savings account going & would pay for wedding expenses out of that. But I didn't really buy "things" - I made major purchases like: my dress, put a deposit down on our venue, bought airline tickets, bought a rehearsal dinner dress, MOH dress, coordinator deposit.

[mexico15]

I agree with Hummingbird...the things you KNOW you really want, start getting that now...and start your savings account for the things you will want later (in case of mind changes)
I started a scrap book of cut outs to narrow the items I wanted...and what I knew for sure I needed and wouldn't need to change my mind about (mainly basics (votive candle/holders, etc. and OOT gift ideas) I have been getting now.

[BayBug]

I started a scrap book as well. I thought I was the only freak doing that. :) It is always nice to hear that other people are doing the same things that you are.
I set up a wedding account and try to stay on budget. I buy little things here and there, but I try not to go over board with everything. There are so many things that I want to buy, but I need to be careful and not spend too much money.

[Nrvsbride]

Thanks for the advice guys! I have already started saving I just didn't know when I should start buying stuff.

-Glenda

[LALA]

I'm sort of waiting to buy small stuff - OOT bags, menu cards, etc - until the end when I know how many people are coming. I'm spending $$ now on the deposits, dress, photographer, etc. I'm also saving the balance I owe the big vendors so I have it when the time comes. For example, before I booked the photog and put down a deposit I made sure I had the full amount.
I'm a bad budgeter so this way I don't get in over my head.

[amyh]

Glenda, you always ask the right questions!

I was thinking about this too. I am so eager to start planning. I found those little starfish and fans!... Why did we decide to get married a year and a half in advance