Making and sticking to a wedding budget can be tough. You’re not just marrying the love of your life—now you have to marry your wildest wedding fantasies to a realistic budget that won’t put you over the edge. From the food and the flowers to hotel rooms and honeymoon plans, the price tag can be overwhelming. But before you stand on a swivel chair and declare bankruptcy a la Michael Scott in The Office—take a step back, breathe and know it’s totally possible to prioritize your budget and plan the perfect wedding for you. Oh, and in the meantime, don’t forget to laugh: Here’s what it’s really like to pay for a wedding in 22 relatable The Office GIFs.
The moment you get engaged and live in ignorant bliss of the money you’re about to spend:
When your awkward cousin says, “Whoa, this is gonna cost you,” instead of, “Congratulations,” at your engagement party:
Listening to your coworker talk about how their partner’s parents paid for their whole wedding:
And your friends suggest you stop shopping so much so you can start saving:
Meeting with an accountant to discuss setting up a separate wedding savings account:
When your partner says, “Let’s call our parents tomorrow to talk about who’s paying for what”:
Seeing how much venues in your area are going to cost you:
Going out with your friends and pretending you’re not thinking about that floral deposit you just put down:
When you hear wedding dresses are half off at your local bridal salon:
After your parents offer to chip in for the band and catering:
When your newlywed friends warn you to look out for hidden costs and fees:
Pep talking each other before negotiating with your venue manager:
Finding out your dream photographer is triple your photo budget:
And your partner says, “Don’t worry, we’ll find someone else who’s just as amazing”:
When your mother-in-law says she has 20 more book club friends to add to the guest list:
Realizing you got roped into paying for a wedding cake with hand-painted sugar flower appliqué:
Struggling to cut your guest list so you can actually afford to feed everyone:
When there’s no chance of enjoying a luxurious honeymoon because you went all out on the reception:
Then there’s that oddly calm moment of denial…:
…Before you see the final tally of expenses:
Realizing it’s all worth it to celebrate with your favorite people:
So worth it:
