I probably shouldn’t admit this...

The four things I wish I knew before saying "I do."

I hated my wedding.

There, I said it.

Tbh I’m actually getting trigged just writing this. BUT, it’s good exposure therapy (I guess) and if it helps someone, well that’s a win, too.

So, instead of spiraling, I thought I’d share my wedding worth-it’s vs not-worth-it’s. Basically, the things I’m glad we spent money on, and the things I’d definitely do differently.

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(Side note: Wanna know the best way to find out who your real friends are? Invite them to your wedding. You’d be surprised who shows up and who doesn’t. The ones who came are still my ride-or-dies. And the ones who didn’t? Well, we just naturally drifted apart over time, and that’s okay too.)

(Another side note: I don’t hate everything about the day. The venue drama just caused way too much unnecessary stress which I hate thinking about.)

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For context: we had a pretty small wedding, under 50 people, and spent around $7-8k between our own money and gifted money.

🚫 Not Worth It: An expensive wedding

Even though the amount we spent isn’t even close the average that Americans spend on their wedding (~$33,000), I recommend putting that money towards a house down payment or a cool ass honeymoon. Personally, I would’ve picked the down payment option, only because my daughter was barely 11-months-old at the time, and I was not about to leave her for a few days to go on vacation.

What you could do instead → Go get married at the courthouse, or better yet, have Elvis officiate! I’m from Vegas can you tell? Here’s my personal take (which def doesn’t have to be yours): weddings are for the guests, not for the bride and groom. You really don’t need this massive production just for the sake of other people. Tie the knot, then go celebrate however tf you want.

💸 Worth It: DIY-ing (mostly) everything

I cooked up our invitations in Canva, had them delivered, and added a few other things to make it look exactly how I wanted. I also DIY-ed our wedding sign, table décor, and all the food & drink signage. Pinterest was my lil bestie during this time. Not only did it save money, but I genuinely enjoyed the process. Our wedding sign now hangs in our garage as a little memory.

🚫 Not Worth It: Dropping $$$ on a dress

That *dream* dress you’ll wear for six hours max? It’ll live in your closet forever. Luckily, I spent under $150 (plus alterations), and I don’t regret it one bit! I even carried fake flowers down the aisle and honestly, no one even knew the difference and could probably care less. Hobby Lobby ftw.

💸 Worth It: Hire a good photographer/videographer. Or both.

Probably the best money we spent. Long after the day is over, you’ll probably want to relive those memories and this is the only way you actually can. The getting ready photos, the look on your partner’s face when you walk down the aisle, and alllll the tiny details you’ll be too busy to notice in the moment. That is priceless. It’s literally the only investment that grows in value.

…and those are just a few quick tips off the top of my head right now! At the end of the day, weddings are expensive, but they don’t have to be wasteful. If you are going to splurge, do it on the things that truly matter to you and let the rest go. That’s what makes the day feel like yours. <3

5 Good Things

1. Just finished this book-turned-into-a-show and I literally cannot WAIT for the next season. The drama and toxicity has me in a chokehold.

2. Here’s a better way to consume content.

3. If I was a makeup girlie, I’d 100% get this.

4. Feel-good vibey song I can’t stop playing.

5. Do you know what your values are? I thought I did until I took this quiz!

   

   source

Thanks for hanging out. Same time next week?

—xo, millie