How to Track Your Wedding Budget, According to Real Brides

Feb 18, 2017

Getting hitched this year? By now, you probably already know that weddings can cost a pretty penny — especially if you’re planning a few extravagant splurges. It’s *super* important to have a budget in place before you start searching for the wedding dress or venue of your dreams, or just to help you avoid any of those wedding mistakes every bride makes. But how on Earth are you supposed to keep track of it all?? We chatted with 10 real brides who gave us the scoop on how to stay on top of the wedding budget. Read on to check out their IRL tips and learn how they managed all the details while planning their picture-perfect wedding.

1. Break down the budget. “My husband (then fiance, obviously!) and I started with a solid plan of exactly who was contributing to the financing of the wedding and exactly how much each party was responsible for. Then, we determined whose money would pay what vendors and notified our parents (or made a note for ourselves) of the deadlines. We used a financial tracker from Southern Weddings to write out all of this information and keep track of who paid what and when.” (Kaitlyn Ivancic / Photo via Maria Newman Photography)

2. Spreadsheets are your new BFF. “Make sure you save all your vendor quotes in one place so you can keep a running tab. Being organized really will help take the stress off.” (Sara Bell Smith / Photo via Michelle Lyman Photography)

3. Invest on what’s important to you. “The first thing we did after getting engaged was sit down and figure out how much money we wanted to spend altogether. Photography was more important to us than florals, so we budgeted more money to photography and searched for vendors accordingly. As we found vendors and made purchases, we tracked it on a spreadsheet and adjusted our estimates. It’s important to us that we tracked every tiny little wedding-related purchase, so we could always see how much we’d spent and how close we were to the total budget. It meant we had to make sacrifices and say “no” to fun things because they didn’t fit in our budget, but it gave us so much peace of mind to know the spending was under control.” (Samantha Handel / Photo via Jake + Heather Photography)

4. Google (Doc) it. “Google docs were a lifesaver for us! We used the spreadsheet option and listed categories, used different color keys, and tracked each purchase in the document. Since Google docs are electronic, it was easy to keep a check on our budget and things we needed, even on the go!” (Monique Tuset)

5. Underspend wherever possible, and allow for contingencies. “I made an Excel sheet when we first started planning with allocated amounts for everything. As we got into things, I entered in the actual amount spent in a new column. If I stayed under budget on anything, I moved that amount to our contingency fund… which was completely used up!” (Danielle Koesling / Photo via Taylor Noelle Photography)

6. Collaborate, if possible. “My fiance and I created a spreadsheet in Google Drive and shared it with my family, who are helping to pay for the wedding. That way, everybody can collaborate and see how we are spending our wedding budget. A shared spreadsheet is an easy way to keep everybody involved with budgeting on the same page.” (Heather Mahr / Photo via Athena Damianos Photography)

7. Share the details. “We made a Google spreadsheet! Using a living document was great because we were able to share it with my parents who were helping pay for various aspects of the day. While we were planning we anticipated costs, and then in the next column we put the actual cost. We also added additional miscellaneous costs like tips and the marriage license. It worked great for us.” (Alexandra Sanderhoff / Photo via Christina Karst Photography)

8. Prioritize, allocate, and negotiate. “The first thing my husband and I did when we sat down to kick off our wedding planning was set a budget. This not only included a dollar amount for us to stick to, but it required us to prioritize a list of wedding amenities that was most important to us. By doing this we could allocate and negotiate what our top spending line items were. Luckily, we both agreed that the venue was on the top of our list and we were willing to “break the bank” on that one item. We also stuck to a motto: In 10 years are we going to remember this detail? It’s hard to not get wrapped up in the hype and spend a lot of money on things that do not matter in the long run.” (Ashlea Hendricks)

9. Figure out where to splurge. “The wedding has to revolve around a budget or else it’s very easy to go way over (which we may have done, therefore making it be somewhat of an unlimited budget…), but it’s best to write out all the costs. Deposits, total package costs, etc. Certain things may cost more than you initially thought. The flowers we wanted, for example, were $12K alone, but that was important to me so we splurged. A wedding budget is what you make of it, give and take, so if certain things are important to you, make it a priority on your special day.” (Katie-Ann Roach / Photo via Brian Mullins Photography)

Do you have any tips + tricks for tracking your wedding budget? Tweet us and follow us @Britandco for more wedding essentials!

Nina Dobrev Just Revealed Why She's Not Wedding Planning

Shaun White made us all swoon when he proposed to Nina Dobrev with white roses (and a fake Vogue dinner to throw Nina off the scent). And while this couple is head over heels in L-O-V-E, they're not in a hurry to get down the aisle. The Vampire Diaries star just spilled on why she's not trying to "rush" this phase of her life.

Here's why Nina Dobrev and Shaun White's wedding could come later than expected.

Nina Dobrev doesn't want to "rush" her engagement.

In an interview with E! News, Nina Dobrev explained why she and Shaun White haven't planned too much of their wedding.

“I was in Australia shooting a movie and then Christmas and New Year’s,” she says. “We’re just enjoying being engaged at this point and being in that sort of phase...you have a boyfriend for half of your life and then you have a husband for half of your life but the fiancé period is very short.”

And while being married is so sweet, she's also having fun with their engagement. “I really want to enjoy it and not rush that process," she adds. “It’s so fun to say fiancé."

Nina says she "was never one of those girls who dreamt of what a dream wedding would be,” but it's very important for her to plan a wedding that's as sustainable as it is memorable. "I’d have to do a lot of research and find out the areas of improvement.”

“My number one goal is to find out how to make it as low-impact as possible," she adds.

Shaun White and Nina Dobrev's wedding will be a "blowout party."

But even though we might have to wait to see what Shaun White and Nina Dobrev's wedding looks like, it's sure to be one for the ages! One source tells People the wedding will be a "blowout party."

“They are the perfect fit together — fun and adventurous, but also very grounding for each other,” the source says. “After the proposal, they were calling and texting friends saying, 'It can't get better than this' and were just glowing.”

I have loved keeping up with all their snowboarding, travel, and red carpet adventures, and it's better than ever now that they're fiancés. Cheers to the happy couple!

Loving all this celeb love? I know I am. Check out Hailee Steinfeld Just Kissed Josh Allen (& Flashed Her Engagement Ring) On Live TV for even more celebrity engagement news on Brit + Co!

8 Times "Old-Fashioned" Boomer Advice Aged Horribly

We've all been taught to respect the wisdom of our elders, but in today's world, is advice from Boomers really relevant anymore?

Think about it: this generation, born between 1946 and 1964, got to benefit from easier access to entry-level positions, more affordable home prices, and much cheaper college tuition rates. Nowadays, younger generations are grappling with housing shortages, high mortgage rates, student loans, and an extremely competitive job market.

So, whether it's about career choices or money management, here are some classic pieces of outdated Boomer advice that haven't aged well and need a refresh.

Scroll to see all the old-fashioned Boomer advice that just didn't age well...

1. "Follow your dreams."

cottonbro studio

This phrase became a mantra for many Boomers, pushing the idea that pursuing passion and fulfillment in work should be a top priority. Unfortunately, that's just not realistic any more.

Sure, passion is important, but the reality is that dreams don't always pay the bills or ensure financial stability. Today, many people find themselves balancing passion with practicality by taking on side gigs, freelancing, or choosing careers that might not be their ultimate dream job but offer security.

2. "You can pull yourself up by your bootstraps."

RDNE Stock project

Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps has long been hailed as the hallmark of self-made success. It suggests that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve greatness through pure hard work and determination.

However, younger generations agree that's just not the case in 2025. With growing economic inequalities, skyrocketing housing costs, and student debt, that proverbial bootstrap can feel pretty elusive. For many, the idea of pulling yourself up isn't as simple as working harder; it's a matter of having access to the right opportunities and resources.

3. "You can be whatever you want."

Anastasia Shuraeva

Again, just because someone wants to be a lawyer or doctor (and is willing to work hard) doesn't mean they can. Sure, the idea of limitless potential sounds inspiring, but it blatantly overlooks the systemic barriers that so many people face.

In the modern era, the road to success is often paved by factors beyond anyone's control, like access to education, family wealth, and even geography. The harsh truth is that "being whatever you want" is a lot harder with these obstacles in the way.

4. "Go to college, get a degree, and you'll be set."

Moe Magners

It was once thought that a degree would immediately open the door to a stable, well-paying job and a secure future. While college education is still valuable today, it's no longer a guarantee of success, especially due to crippling student debt and a more competitive job market than ever.

Many graduates still find themselves underemployed or stuck in jobs they didn't really want. So, unfortunately, degrees are no longer surefire tickets to successful careers.

5. "You should buy a home instead of wasting money on renting."

MART PRODUCTION

Homeownership was a milestone viewed as a mark of stability and success. Meanwhile, renting was considered a temporary solution.

Even so, high home prices and interest rates, coupled with housing shortages, have left plenty of young people simply unable to buy their own property. Instead, renting has now become a long-term reality for many.

6. "It's taboo to talk about money."

Ron Lach

Talking about income or other financial matters used to be considered tacky or inappropriate. Yet, salary transparency is more important than ever in 2025.

Wage inequality and pay gaps are major issues, and openly discussing money helps ensure people are fairly and equally compensated in the workplace. Many employees now recognize the power of sharing their salary as a way to hold their bosses accountable and help others negotiate better pay.

7. "Just save your money."

Pavel Danilyuk

Anyone with a Boomer parent has probably been told that if they "just" set aside a portion of their income, they'll be set for the future. That's not true anymore.

With inflation and rising living costs, stashing cash away in the bank isn't enough to secure financial stability. Not to mention, many people can't even keep up with the increasing costs of essentials, let alone saving to build wealth. Instead, budgeting, investing, and strategic financial planning are essential for money management today.

8. "Settle down and start your family."

Mikhail Nilov

Last but not least, settling down and starting a family used to be viewed as the natural next step in adulthood. But this advice doesn't resonate the same with younger generations.

The pressure to settle down has been replaced with a desire to achieve personal growth, career advancement, and financial independence first. Also, starting a family isn't a one-size-fits-all goal anymore, especially amidst evolving gender roles and an increased focus on mental well-being. That's why more people are choosing a path that feels right for them as opposed to following a set timeline.

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8 "Outdated" Bachelorette Party Trends That Are Super Cringey In 2025

Bachelorette parties have been around for decades, but they've come a long way from the days of predictable bar crawls and tacky accessories.

In 2025, modern brides and their besties are ditching outdated traditions in favor of celebrations that feel more authentic, inclusive, and, overall, more enjoyable for everyone involved.

Sure, some classic elements still hold their charm and humor (like gifting the bride-to-be saucy items for her wedding night), but many old trends simply don't make sense anymore, whether they're financially burdensome, aesthetically overplayed, or just plain exhausting.

Here are eight old-school bachelorette party trends that, in our humble opinion, need to stay in the past or be retired once and for all.

Scroll to see which outdated bachelorette party trends you really should stop in 2025...

1. Expecting Bridesmaids To Foot The Bill For Destination Celebrations

Orlando Filho

Life today is already painfully expensive, and while getting asked to be a bridesmaid can feel like an honor, it just piles on even more costs.

You'll have to buy a dress, get your hair and makeup done, purchase a gift, and possibly arrange hotel accommodations or childcare for the day of the event. So, why bridesmaids are expected to drop hundreds if not thousands of dollars on flights, hotels, dining, and activities for a destination bachelorette party is beyond us.

Yes, a weekend in Miami or Las Vegas could be epic, but not everyone can afford to splurge on a mini-vacation just because their friend is getting married. Unless everyone involved feels comfortable spending that kind of money on a bachelorette trip, just pick a more budget-friendly option, like a one-day celebration or even a short road trip closer to home.

2. Matching Outfits

George Chambers

Coordinated bachelorette party outfits definitely had their moment, but nowadays, the idea of forcing everyone into the same cheesy T-shirts or color-coordinated dresses can be overboard.

Again, some bridesmaids may view it as an unnecessary expense that's not worth it for a cute Instagram photo. Plus, personal style and comfort matter, so if you have bridesmaids with different aesthetics and body types, at least one may just end up feeling uncomfortable the whole time.

That's why looser clothing themes or overall color palettes are a safer way to go.

3. Sashes, Tiaras, and Cowboy Hats

King Shooter

If you truly love the idea of parading around in sashes, tiaras, and hot pink cowboy hats during your or your friend's bachelorette party, more power to you. Honestly, though, the accessories have begun to feel more like a cliché than anything.

They can come across as tacky and overdone. Not to mention, they're usually cheaply made and end up in the trash by the end of the night.

Our advice? Save your money and invest in more stylish, personalized touches, like custom accessories or jewelry.

4. Brides Only Wearing White

Los Muertos Crew

Traditionally, brides have stuck to wearing only white throughout their whole bachelorette party celebration. That's still fine, but if the idea makes you feel restricted, don't be afraid to break the mold.

If you want to switch it up by mixing in colors or patterns, don't let anyone stop you. Remember, your bachelorette party is supposed to be fun for you.

You shouldn't allow social media photo ops or general societal expectations to dictate what you can and can't wear during your own party.

5. Cringey Slogans

Yuliia Auer

We've all seen the slogans that brides and their bridesmaids use for their bachelorette parties, either on apparel, decor, or hashtags for social media. For instance, "Bride Tribe," "I Do Crew," or even "Last Fling Before The Ring."

Like sashes and cowboy hats, the slogans are cliché and sometimes just cringeworthy. You don't need a catchphrase to have a good time, and if you want one, maybe go the more unique route.

6. Getting Blackout Drunk Every Night

AMBADY KOLAZHIKKARAN

Spoiler alert: you don't have to get blackout drunk every single night to enjoy a bachelorette party.

We get it: throwing back some shots or sipping on wine all day can be fun, especially with your girlfriends. But if you have a whole day (or even weekend) planned, getting wasted can be a recipe for disaster.

First, you'll probably be hungover or generally unhappy for later activities. Moreover, alcohol has the ability to raise tensions and spark drama, which can bulldoze the group dynamic.

Obviously, you can still kick back and indulge a little. However, keep the bride in mind and strive for a balance to make memories that you'll actually remember.

7. Over-Scheduling The Itinerary

Nano Erdozain

Since multi-day bachelorette parties are so popular, it can be tempting to pack your group's itinerary chock full of activities. And suddenly, things that sound exciting on their own, like brunch, yoga, wine tasting, dinner, or clubbing, feel like an exhausting checklist when scheduled literally back to back.

Realize that the reason for bachelorette parties is for brides to connect and bond with their closest friends. Leave room for spontaneity, downtime, and relaxation. Wedding planning is already stressful enough as it is.

8. Not Considering What The Bride Wants

Melike B

Finally, at the end of the day, a bachelorette party should be about celebrating the bride. So, if bridesmaids are tasked with planning the celebration, the bride's personality and interests need to be considered.

It's time to retire the idea that every bachelorette party has to follow a cookie-cutter formula. If the bride isn't into clubbing, don't plan a huge night out! Or, if she's more of a homebody, don't push for a major trip.

The best bachelorette parties are the ones that feel thoughtful and personal, not just trendy. And if you have any doubts about what the bride wants, all you have to do is ask her.

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Colleen Hoover's 'Reminders Of Him' Movie Is On Its Way!

A new Colleen Hoover movie is in the works. Reminders of Him (which the author published in 2022) is getting the film treatment alongside It Ends With Us, Verity, and Regretting You — and we finally have our first cast member. Keep reading for the latest news on the movie, and check back here for updates as they're announced!

Here's everything we know about Colleen Hoover's Reminders of Him movie.

Is Reminders of Him going to be a movie?

Amazon

Yes, a Reminders of Him movie is coming soon! Deadlineannounced in October 2024 that Universal Pictures was adapting Colleen Hoover's book of the same name, and Vanessa Caswill (who directed Love at First Sight) was announced as director in December 2024.

When is Reminders of Him coming out?

Universal has scheduled Reminders of Him to release on February 13, 2026 so we'll see it next year! Considering Verity is currently filming, I expected that movie to hit theaters in 2026 and Reminders of Him to come in 2027 but Universal is giving us this new movie earlier than I could have hoped for!

What is Reminders of Him about?

Kenna Rowan made a tragic mistake — and has just served five years in prison for it. When she finally returns home to her now four-year-old daughter, Kenna realizes just how much her mistake cost her, and wonders if she'll ever be able to redeem herself.

Bar owner Ledger is one of the only people who hasn't cut Kenna out, and as they form a connection, they realize their blossoming romance could risk everything.

Fans of the book are thrilled that this book is being adapted for the big screen. "I loved it. Cried a lot and I’m happy it’s also getting an adaptation!" one user wrote on Reddit, while another added, "I was captivated from the very beginning. It was a great book for me."

A third says, "Overall I loved the book, the ending was perfect, I wouldn’t change anything. But it was very predictable." Hey, sometimes we need a predictable happy ending!

Who's in the Reminders of Him cast?

Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Paramount+

Actress Maika Monroe (Longlegs) will star in Reminders of Him, and it looks like she's be playing the lead role of Kenna Rowan.

Who are the characters in Reminders of Him?

We're still waiting to hear the full Reminders of Him cast, but here's a rundown of the book characters:

Kenna Rowan: our lead character who spent five years in prison and longs to reconnect with her daughter Diem.
Ledger Ward: the local bar owner and a very important link between Kenna and Diem.
Scotty Landry: Diem's father and Kenna's first love.
Diem Landry: Kenna's daughter, who's four years old when Kenna gets out of prison.
Grace Landry: Diem's paternal grandmother and guardian.
Patrick Landry: Diem's paternal grandfather and guardian.
Benji Ward: Ledger's father.
Robin Ward: Ledger's mother.

Is Reminders of Him steamy?

AmazonIs Reminders of Him going to be a movie?

Yes, just like Colleen Hoover's other romance books, there are a couple of steamy scenes in Reminders of Him.

Are you excited for the new Reminders of Him movie? I can't believe we're getting it in under a year! Stay tuned for the latest updates and read up on the 10 Most-Anticipated Book-To-Film Adaptations We Can't Wait To See In 2025.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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11 Confidence-Boosting Plus-Size Swimsuits To Wear All Summer

Finding the perfect plus-size swimsuit is all about feeling confident, comfortable, and of course, stylish. Whether you love a sleek one-piece or a flirty bikini, there are so many flattering options out there that celebrate your curves. Get ready to upgrade your swimwear game with these must-have plus-size swimsuits for summer!

Shop our 11 favorite cute and comfy plus-size swimsuits below!

Land's End

Land's End Slender Suit Wrap One Piece Swimsuit

The wrap silhouette on this suit is nothing but flattering, hugging in your waist to a tee.

Summersalt

Summersalt The Ruched Sidestroke One Piece

Add a little pinch of playfulness into your swim look with an asymmetrical strap! Plus, an all-black number will never not be chic.

Target

Shade & Shore Shirred Square Neck One Piece Swimsuit

Square necklines are exceptionally flattering on plus-size body types, adding a feminine vibe to your collarbone and chest areas. The floral pattern on this particular one-piece is also springtime's perfect match – spring break, anyone?!

Lane Bryant

Lane Bryant Underwire Balconette Bikini Top

With plenty of support up top, this balconette-style bikini top will have the girls sittin' right.

Land's End

Land's End Plus Size Ruffle Hem Mini Swim Skirt

For added coverage, swim skirts are the way to go – but they don't always have to be bulky! This one is frilled up with a subtle ruffled hem to give your gorgeous body added shape.

Target

Wild Fable Bow Front Triangle Bikini Top

Polka dot swimsuits are everything this season. If you want to show some more skin, this adorable bikini (complete with bows on the front and sides!) is calling your name.

Land's End

Land's End Plus Size Slender Suit Wrap Tankini Top

Tankinis offer a nice balance between a one-piece and a bikini, erasing the difficulty of putting (and taking off) a one-piece and covering up spaces where traditional bikinis simply don't cover. This top even comes ready with a slenderizing design so you can feel stunning in your curves!

Summersalt

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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