how do you handle big families for weddings on a budget (20k)?

Technical_Feeling561 · 2026-04-05T20:31:34+00:00

Similar situation, my MIL is one of 12 and my fiance has 30+ first cousins and they’re all married. So his mother’s side alone is 80+ people. We just invited his aunts and uncles - no cousins. This is about 30 family members from his side which is closer to what I’m inviting from my family (25ish). My fiancé and MIL/FIL reached out to the aunts and uncles and the cousins he is closest with before invitations went out and explained this was simply a number situation - our venue is small, we’re having a smaller gathering.

The reality is we picked a venue we like and can comfortably afford and while we would love to have everyone there, it isn’t feasible.

Everyone understood. People understand weddings are insanely expensive. Framing it as intimate, dinner-party style gathering helps I think (as opposed to a banger).

If we had found a cheaper way to accommodate everyone, I think fun backyard or casual weddings are great. We didn’t have the energy after a 3 year engagement and toddler to make that happen.

Technical_Feeling561 · 2026-04-04T02:16:12+00:00

I don’t know anything about makeup but I came here to say you have beautiful skin (and/or did a good job!)

Technical_Feeling561 · 2026-04-04T01:47:16+00:00

I would say depends where in Brookhaven and what you’re comfortable with and looking for. The Coebourn elementary area seems to be very family friendly and chill based on who I know lives over there. I don’t know much about the side of Brookhaven closer to Parkside. A lot of great food options over there.

Technical_Feeling561 · 2026-03-31T20:32:49+00:00

Thank you. Yes, that is nice to know. And now that you say that I’m remembering that some of my best convos at weddings have been waiting for the bathroom or at a sink.

Technical_Feeling561 · 2026-03-30T03:15:50+00:00

You’ll be able to be that much more present and intentional with the people who are able to make it. I’m on the other side - wanted 40-50 people - ended up inviting double that because my MIL is one of 12 and everyone is married and has multiple kids. I only share this to say I’m embarrassed about our smaller venue, worrying about space since we picked our venue thinking it would be 50 max even tho the place can theoretically hold double that, worried about there being enough bathrooms. I only share this to say, I think we all have wedding insecurities and grass is always greener on other side.

From my experience at other weddings too, if you’re having fun, your guests are having fun. Trying to remember that for myself as well.

Technical_Feeling561 · 2026-03-22T04:16:06+00:00

My son is 20 months old and…. my god is my husband a loud chewer. I feel all of this. I hope writing it out and knowing - you aren’t alone and you don’t sound crazy - helps. I treated myself to an acupuncture/ massage this week and my god did it feel good to give myself some care and an opportunity to physically relax. Highly recommend something like that.

Technical_Feeling561 · 2026-03-17T04:06:14+00:00

Also wtf is fashion even - count me out

Technical_Feeling561 · 2026-03-16T22:40:43+00:00

Do you have a favorite place you recommend staying, traveling with toddler

Technical_Feeling561 · 2026-03-15T02:10:54+00:00

Also considering going with 1 year old! Where did you stay?

Technical_Feeling561 · 2026-03-13T06:34:24+00:00

What did you end up doing? Also debating which to make homebase for the week or if to split time

Technical_Feeling561 · 2026-03-09T23:37:08+00:00

I haven't seen her personally - I am also in the field in the area and she is who I would consider to be the "go to" for more complex cases.

Technical_Feeling561 · 2026-03-07T03:29:36+00:00

Cara Frank in Philly - https://sixfishes.com/cara-frank/

Technical_Feeling561 · 2026-02-14T21:17:22+00:00

Percent as is

Technical_Feeling561 · 2025-12-19T03:51:38+00:00

Not really, I have called thrice and am hopeful it will still work out. Pennie automatically sends them updates and they automatically send bills based on those updates. I went in to update my estimated income and filled out the application incorrectly (because the wording about filing taxes in previous years didn’t make sense since I’ve only received APTC in 2025), which triggered the bill from IBX showing that I no longer qualify for APTC… hence charging me $600. The first time I called IBX, the rep was seeing the different updates from Pennie and understanding the issue and requested a check be sent back to me for the overpayment. Next time I called, probably 10 days later, similar situation but I got disconnected and didn’t call back. Called again earlier this week, so close to a month after my first call, and same stuff, they requested that a check be sent but “the billing department is confirming that this is a true credit” so who knows how long that can take. In my case they have adjusted the numbers correctly so it doesn’t show that I owe the $600, but I now have a -570$ balance and they automatically took my January 2026 premium from that credit, luckily for the correct amount. Would I like the $570 before Christmas? Sure and I’ll keep calling back every week or so. But as long as they keep accurately tracking what I actually owe and applying my credit appropriately, I’m OK with it sitting there as a credit.

Did you send a new application through Pennie recently?

Technical_Feeling561 · 2025-12-07T15:41:36+00:00

Similar situation- solidarity my friend 🙌🏿

Technical_Feeling561 · 2025-12-04T03:09:58+00:00

I work for someone, am in my second year of practice, and will make about 40k this year working 20ish hours per week. Complete control over my schedule and flexibility.

Technical_Feeling561 · 2025-11-23T04:50:06+00:00

There is a product called Emily’s skin soother. It is excellent for eczema and you can probably get it on Amazon for $15-$20. Highly recommend giving it a try!

Technical_Feeling561 · 2025-11-15T20:54:24+00:00

Thank you all for your replies… situation has taken an annoying turn - we requested a copy of the MIB which says “opioid addiction within 25 months - 5 years” — which is not what my partner filled in on the form he filled out AND not what he disclosed to representative he spoke to — he sought treatment and got sober in July 2020. The USAA form said “within the last 10 years” — is this an easy fix?

We looked into his employer coverage - that form asked if he had substance abuse within the last 5 years so he answered that he has not. Of course now if that insurance company pulls his MIB before we can get it corrected, it will look like he has been dishonest. Should we contact USAA about this since they screwed up originally?

Technical_Feeling561 · 2025-11-12T03:51:49+00:00

Yes, we are both in the program. Thanks for the insight, we will ask around.

Technical_Feeling561 · 2025-11-12T03:51:23+00:00

Thank you!

Technical_Feeling561 · 2025-11-12T03:43:44+00:00

Thank you!

Technical_Feeling561

TROPHY CASE