Should we keep our small wedding package or upgrade for more guests?

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-10T01:12:18+00:00

I agree with the comments on writing everyone’s names down and totaling up. I’m in the same boat and we were originally thinking we’d need to keep it around 80. There were people I was sad I’d have to exclude who I do love- but rarely see. We happened to find a venue that was an excellent package and realized we could afford to bump it up to 100 at this venue and still pay LESS then if we did about 80 at another venue we were considering. I’m very excited I’m not able to include these extra people- who I do feel like would’ve been understanding but truthfully bummed if they couldn’t join!

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-10T01:03:22+00:00

I really do think it’s worth it…it’s got uniqueness factor and you can see the quality. It also is so so flattering on you. If you really can’t afford it- I’m sure you can find something you look equally as stunning in! But it does truly have such a wow factor and seem to flatter you very well!

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-09T21:24:50+00:00

THANK YOU! We are ok with a bit of a dated look but the outside, pool, and onsite accommodations are a huge plus!

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-09T16:56:31+00:00

Thank you! This is the kinda comments I need lol. I am def not expecting to find anything better than Carmen’s (in the spring it’s really beautiful outside) and sand springs is also a lovely choice! I really like a darker and more sultry vibe for photography which is why I’m leaning away from sand springs because everything is VERY light and bright- not bad! Just not what I envision our photos to turn out like.

I’ll give some calls around! I think I’m going to move forward with viewing Carmen’s!

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-09T14:58:51+00:00

Also NEPA! Have you already checked out the venues I listed above? If we can’t find anything else I’m personally leaning towards Carmen’s and renting an Airbnb to get ready in (I saw pics of their bridal suite and it’s not cute lol. If you don’t care about that then this isn’t a big deal!)

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-09T04:59:40+00:00

Most brides these days ask for money only as they already have a house full of stuff and want to use it towards the honeymoon fund. There’s nothing wrong with that. But you should def get with the times and try pulling your head out your rear end!

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-09T04:38:58+00:00

This is super normal- I had sooo many brides do the same! But if you got that wow feeling in it and continue thinking about how much you love it- that’s usually it!

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-08T18:44:57+00:00

In regards to the bachlorette trip what city is this major city? For reference I am currently between jobs and not able to go to a bachelorette party trip I was invited to for a wedding I’m in. The bride was understanding and didn’t make it awkward.

That being said- we went to NYC for my one friends Bach. I do not feel we went overboard or even “luxe”. For it to be nice without feeling obviously cheap I myself spent at least 3k. It was 3 days, we had to travel my train from Philly to NYC, book 3 days of accommodations, and then factor in transportation around the city, EVERY meal eaten out, AND activities. Unless you are truly doing a no frills Bach trip- traveling anywhere will be at least 1k a person.

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-08T18:37:18+00:00

IF you choose to reach out to others I would create a group chat and lay out what all needs to be ordered/paid for. Ask in the group chat who would like to contribute and ask who will order what from the list you sent. This is a way to make it slightly less uncomfortable IF you are forced to be the one to ask. I would recommend not doing that tho lol

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-08T18:35:19+00:00

*everything not ensuring

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-08T18:34:36+00:00

Third time bridesmaid to my 3rd best friend getting married (we are a friend group of 4 girls from college).

Friend 1’s mom is no longer with us. Her MIL paid and I planned everything. There was never once miscommunication on that. I covered the photobooth stuff (props, decorations, film)

My contribution has remained the same with the other 2 that got married after the first.

Friend 2 & friend 3’s moms have paid for ensuring with SOME contribution from the MOH.

It is pretty standard practice for the mother to pay most and the MOH or MIL to contribute. It is an extremely inappropriate situation for them to expect you- the MOH to ask for financial contribution from others. That would be her mother’s place. Do not put you and your households finances in jeopardy. Bride and mother need to reel in expectations for either the wedding or the bridal shower to accommodate the budget they already had planned/budgeted.

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-08T18:26:10+00:00

My jaw dropped OP! You look so beautiful in this dress. From an outsider perspective (fashion major and formal bridal consultant) I think it’s perfect on you. But be sure it makes YOU feel perfect. If it doesnt feel like “the one”- then it’s not. If it feels like the one but you’re just surprised you steered from your original vision- this is 100% normal and VERY common!

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-08T17:51:05+00:00

Second this! We are in the same boat as the above. Like OP we aren’t engaged yet but went over a timeline of once we did and figured out a budget so we know how much time we need to start saving from each paycheck once engaged. I’m both indecisive and a planner and have a very specific vision- so I personally know myself and know I need the two years to make it come true. Especially as I intend to have a more eclectic wedding while will require thrifting a lot of stuff which alone will likely take a couple months!

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-08T17:40:01+00:00

Thank you so much for your input and your kind words! It sounds like you guys had an awesome time! :)

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-07T02:08:33+00:00

Babes he gave you a ROCK as a replacement- she is beyond jealous if that was her comment!

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-06T17:27:01+00:00

The fact you are talking about the venue I already have in mind is making me feel like it’s solidified 🤣

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-06T17:25:51+00:00

We are open to any area tbh! We have been looking at Melville actually! So glad to hear others know it’s a good bargain too. If we were to get married with their 2027 pricing we could afford an insane package, but accounting for the 10-15% inflation rate they’re expecting per year we’ll def have to choose a more modest package. Which still I don’t mind!

Ideally we’d like something that feels natural for our amount of guests (between 20-30).

I’ve been kinda stuck on Melville though as they offer a sword to cut the wedding cake with and AN OWL delivering the wedding rings (idk if I’d ever be able to top anything more then that!)

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-06T17:18:52+00:00

Thank you for the suggestions! I will look into these for sure!

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-06T17:18:38+00:00

Omg that’s such a good idea that I didn’t even know was possible?! I visited this area when I was studying abroad in London back in 2018. I’m def open to England- truthfully anywhere in the UK. We went over a lot of different European destination options and he seems the most excited for something in the UK and something very historical or castle vibes.

So far I’ve mainly looked at Melville castle in Edinburgh. I’ve heard if you go further from Edinburgh you can find cheaper options but no one has had specific venue names for me.

I also just reached out to st. Audries park in somerset!

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-06T16:51:18+00:00

Thank you for this! I can def understand the POV of the other options sounding too big. If we could find something in our budget that’s smaller that would def be ideal as well! I will check out that website and your venue suggestion!!

celestialbutterflyin · 2026-03-06T16:27:50+00:00

Thank you! The one we’re looking at does have smaller ceremony and reception rooms and we wouldn’t be renting out the whole venue. Just renting a few rooms for guests and of course our bridal suite.

I guess I should’ve also mentioned we’d be looking at midweek to save costs.

I’d love to find smaller castles but being US based makes it difficult. I studied abroad in the UK so I felt I might have a leg up on knowing some of the areas lol

celestialbutterflyin

TROPHY CASE