While flipping through the new Athleta catalog I stare at beautiful new workout capris, matching sports bras, and casual summer dresses that I can’t wait to put in my closet! I stop myself and debate on what buying these items will actually mean. Now when contemplating purchases I not only think of mai tais, but also wedding guests. I have no idea where our wedding will be located, but I do know each guest will be expensive. Jimmy and I both have sizable families and lots of friends that we want to include in our wedding. Although mai tais and peace are great motivators to save, not being able to have my friends at my wedding is a great extra push to watch my spending.

I don’t want a lavish wedding, but even the simple beach weddings can cost a great deal if you want a fun party for a lot of people to go with it. I am reading books like Budget Weddings for Dummies and blog posts that discuss where to save and where to splurge. The problem is how do I know who is right? I read mixed messages about wedding coordinators, cost of all inclusive venues, and caterers. There are millions of opinions and billions of dollars spent on having the “perfect day.” I am not a wedding expert and I feel like I’m swimming in information. Although I have been in a lot of weddings and a part of planning many of those weddings, I still find myself quite unprepared. Pinterest is helpful and dangerous all at the same time. Within thirty minutes you can blow your budget by $50,000 taking in all the beautiful ideas.

I thought I would be better prepared, financially stable, and wiser when I got engaged, at least this is what I assumed at the age of nine about my late twenties. I don’t feel any of those things most days.

This is what I do know. I want a great wedding and a great honeymoon, but at a price I’m not nauseated at years down the line. I eventually want a beach home that includes a room for Jimmy’s surf stuff. Spending extra money on a single day will not help me get that or the extra mai tais in my future. I’m excited about my wedding, but also about my life to come, and I want to be financially prepared for fun after I say I do.

Until next time,

Kaycee

P.S. My favorite song of the day is I Do by Colbie Caillat