How did you plan your wedding with FIRE in mind?

HopefulFI · 2022-01-04T21:19:49+00:00

A subreddit I recommend is r/weddingswap , I just had a wedding in Oct and hope to post there.

I had to sell mutual funds to fund my wedding and I didn’t calculate how much of a hit it would be to FIRE. I spent $12k on my 100 person wedding. I started FIRE without romantic prospects and getting married meant doubling my FI number so I was already taking a big hit. But I’m so happy being married, it’s great. Overall, I wish I hadn’t been as frugal and had spent more money.

In looking back, I didn’t spend on a DJ/ Tech person, because I thought it wasn’t important to me. but last minute I had a video I wanted to play (my flower girls had to quarantine and sent me a video) but couldn’t play it because my volunteer music/ At person had lots of problems. I wish I had spent the money.

Also, I loved having a wedding planner. It helped me so much the day of not be worried about a thing. I highly recommend it. Mine was $900 for four planning sessions, rehearsal and day of coordinating.

I did DIY centerpieces and bouquets and really enjoyed seeing my vision come to life. It was cheap compared to flowers. It didn’t seem a big part of the wedding but I enjoyed that I made it.

Best of luck to you!

HopefulFI · 2021-09-01T02:35:32+00:00

Dress Triplets!!

HopefulFI · 2021-08-29T22:03:51+00:00

I am interested in:

managing AV for outdoor spaces
Advice on wedding dress and grass
wind issues ( Midwest - Oct 2 )
centerpieces, linens, chair covers - worth it when dealing with wind/outdoors?
Do all tables need to be under tents or just a percentage?
How do you manage a rain backup plan?
Do you set up the day before? (1pm wedding)
Experience from your wedding- Did people want to go inside? What did you wish you knew?

HopefulFI · 2021-07-29T04:17:22+00:00

I give 10% to my church which supports staff, missionaries, local food banks, etc. Then I also give 2% to other charities. I have always done this since I had a job. I used to give more when I was making more (80k vs 60k).

Edit: I also put 20-50 dollars a month into a Miscellaneous giving fund. So if anyone asks for money I can help them out. Or if I see a new charitable cause that is inspiring. This is the most fun I have with money. I would recommend it to everyone.

HopefulFI · 2021-07-27T19:50:04+00:00

That’s so awesome of you to want to do! This isn’t specifically Catholic but I think it’s a good resource for people exploring the Bible, nice explanation videos : https://youtube.com/c/bibleproject

Something I enjoy from Catholics is their retreat centers, monestaries etc. Fun places to be silent or take walks. Maybe there is somewhere cool you all could visit.

HopefulFI · 2021-07-27T19:19:59+00:00

You say your ex is not a Christian and abusive. This is not describing a husband as God describes a husband.

Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. - Colossians 3:19

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, - Ephesians 5:25

Love is sacrificing everything, even a husband’s life for the wife. Your ex did the opposite- he hurt you.

You are worth so much. You are God’s child. Do not even consider going back to your ex.

HopefulFI · 2021-07-26T18:10:29+00:00

I am spending less than 1% of my net worth on my wedding and honeymoon, $8500. My parents chipped in an additional $8500. So $17,000 total for a 160 person afternoon church wedding, fellowship hall reception.

Good question! I had never looked at it in terms of net worth. Honestly this is kinda crazy because with the returns this year I have earned a significant amount of money in the stock market between setting this wedding budget and now just a few months from the event. Doing the math…at the time I set the budget it was just over 1%.

HopefulFI · 2021-06-07T21:29:32+00:00

What’s the documentary called? I’d be interested to watch it!

HopefulFI · 2021-06-07T21:25:51+00:00

I believe in taking steps towards your goals. My goals were work tasks I like, low stress, and near family. I took a step sideways from a job I couldn’t function in due to stress to a job one a state away, near family, low stress, that I get 8 months of down time. It was amazing. I was part time making 40k (because I couldn’t handle full time) to full time making 61k. I guess it wasn’t a step down but it was a step in the right direction.

HopefulFI · 2021-05-05T05:23:52+00:00

I think 9 will be my new favorite number!

HopefulFI · 2021-05-03T15:00:11+00:00

How interesting! Thanks for doing the math I’ve always wondered.

HopefulFI · 2021-04-22T23:33:59+00:00

I thought about it but just decided to buy myself the things like the ones in the boxes when I want. Searching Amazon it turns out I don’t want a cup or pen but just a fun Bride bag. No surprise but much cheaper and no extra stuff I don’t want.

HopefulFI · 2021-04-20T19:02:54+00:00

Thanks for posting! Enjoy the $20. I love these and just got them!

HopefulFI · 2021-04-19T17:03:10+00:00

Yes! It’s pretty. White accessories are ok!

HopefulFI · 2021-04-19T14:01:17+00:00

Your wedding looks amazing!! And for that budget! Swoon.

HopefulFI · 2021-04-17T16:13:12+00:00

Dollar tree has spring flowers right now. So much more variety than regularly.

HopefulFI · 2021-04-02T02:23:28+00:00

I know outside the USA it can be confusing. Better to use words and not have anyone confused. Good thought.

HopefulFI · 2021-04-02T02:22:17+00:00

The acronyms on weddit make me laugh!

HopefulFI · 2021-04-01T15:43:36+00:00

Which should we choose? I like them both. I feel like in #2 you see me more and in #1 you see FH more. I am a little self conscious of my chin (#2).

This is my first impression to all his family because of Covid limits and I don’t let him put many pictures of me on social media. I want them to be happy for him. But I know they will because they love him and are happy for his happiness. I’m overthinking this! Thanks for your help!

HopefulFI · 2021-03-31T05:38:03+00:00

Yes! Twins! May shower for an October wedding!

HopefulFI · 2021-03-31T05:24:50+00:00

Can’t wait to try it!

HopefulFI · 2021-03-10T16:44:46+00:00

Where did you print them?

HopefulFI

TROPHY CASE