Breaking down Our $65,000 Wedding Budget | Aja Dang Brian Puspos

It's time to breakdown our $65,000 wedding. This budget also includes our hotel stay, dog boarding, flights, etc. If you remember, our original budget was $30,000 for a Hawaii wedding and that was.... delusional tbh. Then it was raised to $45,000 and then my emotional stress got the best of us and we decided to just raise it once again so I would stop crying over the budget.
Are there ways to stay within a more responsible budget? OF COURSE. But we did not lol. Hope this wedding budget transparency helps you on your wedding planning journey!
*forgot to mention in the video but shout out to our live musician Sienna Style Music. Sooo many people came up to us to say how amazing she was! Her info is below as well.
• VIDEO MENTIONS •
Notion Wedding Planner Template: bit.ly/MSTRPLNwedding
Sunset Ranch: www.sunsetranchhawaii.com/
Wedding Planner: Angelica from Anela Events: anelaevents.com/
Wedding Dress & Veil: Sarah Seven: www.sarahseven.com/
Hair & Makeup: Cheryl Brown: www.colormykisses.com/
Honolulu Photobooth: Proparazzi Photo Booth: www.proparazzihi.com/
Photographer: Rhema Jaime: rhemajaime.myportfolio.com/
Cake/Dessert Bar: www.acakelife.com/
Happy Hour Live Artist: Sienna Style Music: bit.ly/3Elpi6k
Shave Ice Truck: Kaimana Shave Ice: bit.ly/3G3bRsF
Wedding Videographers: our dear friends Soben Phy & Duncan Cheng
Wedding Cake Topper: bit.ly/3EkQx0s
• WEDDING BUDGET •
Sunset Ranch: $40,011.18 (ouch)
Anela Events: $4,725
HMU: $700
Photography: $2,500
Videographers: $3,305.95
Alcohol: $1,200
Hotel: $3,146.04
Flight: $2,456
Ceremony Audio: $575.92
Dog Boarding: $1,017.60
Vendor Tips: $3,000
Etsy: $40
• EXTRA WEDDING GOODIES •
Pinterest Wedding Board: pin.it/5Q3ZJKa
• OUR WELCOME PICNIC VENDORS•
Ku'uipo Picnics Hawaii: bit.ly/3EgfgmP
Char's Bar: / chars.bar
•STAY CONNECTED•
MSTRPLN: www.mstrpln.co
Website: www.ajadang.com
Instagram: ajadang
Twitter: ajadang

[@PinkCandySkies13]

Thank you for always being so transparent with your real numbers. Money is still a sensitive subject for some but I love how you (and other channels like TFD) are talking about this “taboo” topic in detail. It’s amazing and I so appreciate it!

[@modelno2004]

I spent just about $10k for my wedding because I had to pivot quickly due to Covid, and I hated the entire experience. The only good thing from that day was marrying my now husband. I don’t even want to look at my wedding photos to remind me how how much it was NOT what I wanted. So, I’m glad you went all out with no regrets. You’ll never forget such a beautiful day.

[@AjaDang]

I'm so sorry to hear that. Maybe on a major wedding anniversary y'all can plan the party of your dreams to make up for a wedding you didn't love.

[@modelno2004]

@@AjaDang I’ve already started a sinking fund 😁

[@AjaDang]

@@modelno2004 LOVE to hear that!

[@mynameisreb]

you're wedding looked amazing and i think your total budget is totally reasonable for Hawaii! The fact you were able to pay in cash for it is awesome. Also - you look gorgeous in this video! I too miss your monthly budget videos - could you do a holiday budget video? I finally did a sinking fund this year and can't way to order christmas brunch for us (totally credit you for the idea!)

[@alexiagavita350]

I think this is a really important video because there is no point hurting yourself mentally to stay within budget if you have the means for a bit of flexibility.

[@katrinagascho6165]

You planned SO carefully and took into account so many details for quality, time management, and your/guests experience. This budget may seem extravagant to some, but you have already proved financial wellness and wiseness. You choose a brilliant concept and made lifetime memories without debt or financial burdens, and thats key. As someone who had a $1,500 wedding , ( that allowed us to start our life together with 0 debt!) I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU, you look stunning and this is , as always, so well edited, explained and clear.

[@KristynRaeV]

I SO appreciate your transparency in sharing this with us. It is lovely to see that perhaps a larger than average budget still had to be just that… a budget! You can splurge and buy quality things without having to sacrifice spending responsibly and debt free. P.S. one of my fav things about my wedding spending is that I can wear both my ceremony and reception dresses again. I love that you wore clothes you already had to your reception and looked SO good while doing it!

[@elmsdays]

I hear you on inviting the right kind of people to the wedding. When we looked back at our wedding, our guests were awesome, they were fun, wanting to have a good time, they danced all night til the end. I'm so glad you had a great wedding esp all the anxiety and stress you had planning it in the early stages. Now that it's done, enjoy the newlywed life!! :) Cheers to you and Brian!

[@procrastimania]

Yay congratulations 🎉 I had a similar experience with my wedding in 2021 where it was small with 80ish guests and was literally the most fun day ever! We spent about 50k in cash but it was so worth it. Turned me into a lover of weddings. Now you get to enjoy being the fun guest and not having to deal with planning stress! ❤

[@krnphan]

Love love love your transparency and so happy to hear you enjoyed all of it!! I remember you crying about not staying within your original budget but you managed an amazing and extensive destination wedding like a BOSS!!!!

[@holamissmusica]

Love your responses, Aja! Glad you were able to spend for the day you wanted with no debt! 👍🏾

[@seaweedjen]

im loving your hair aja! missed your budget videos glad to hear it was worth it xx

[@heyyitssj]

Love the transparency! It was a hard pill for me to swallow when I first got engaged but it’s been helpful to know how much it really costs to have a wedding as beautiful as the ones on pinterest

[@carleytuska2969]

GIRL. I so appreciate the level of transparency. You are being authentic to yourselves, and it's refreshing to see! This will probably sound silly, but I was nervous that once I paid off most of my student loans, I wouldn't be relatable anymore. I was nervous that overcoming that big goal would put me into such a high position of privilege that people wouldn't feel like they can relate to me. Just like you, I'm still kind and true to myself, and that's what my friends love about me. That's what matters. Thanks for the information!!

[@Madison-tf6qf]

Always praise your transparency. I remember when you first started bring up the planning how outrageous the costs of things were.

[@cutepinksocks]

love this break down it's helpful for anyone trying to plan a wedding esp in hawaii, and appreciate the transparency! that's why we love u :)

[@nicolegarvin4723]

Thank you so much for your transparency! I love these types of videos from you!

[@fridagarcia5057]

Wow that’s crazy! I rememebr when you seemed to upset about having to raise it to like 40k a couple months ago but it seems like it was well spent! You’ve made the wedding process so transparent, I am not ready to get married yet but I’ve still enjoyed these videos so much.

[@olaivarrr]

I have always known Brian's name, but when I knew he choreographed for BTS, I had to Google to see who he was, and then I found you... You are easily one of my girl crushes, and I always knew I wanted to be someone like you. Congratulations again, Aja & Brian! Blessing you with a lifetime of happiness. Love you! 💟

[@solocare123]

I like how you are always always transparent..makes your video really engaging ans REAL

[@ctineex3]

Transparency is 10/10! The wedding was soooooo beautiful!!!

[@finurra3905]

omg yess, thank you for this!! You brought up a few things that I wouldn't of even considered. Love love your channel and your wedding vid was sooo pretty!

[@rebeccacuthbertson1271]

I am so happy for you guys and that you had an absolutely incredible time. Mazel tov again!

[@bohnestiel]

You're always so classy Aja, and your wedding looked beautiful ❤️

[@rwwar]

It looked amazing, thank you for sharing everything!

[@beautifulmeandyou2]

you look SO good. love the red top and the hair girl!!

[@erinsymone1645]

What I love about your channel is that you break things down with REAL NUMBERS. That is hard to do - I know I was reeling at that 65k number but someone has got to have the guts to be transparent regardless of what people might say! Thanks for sharing because I find budget breakdown videos so fascinating.

[@Ding3023]

This was so helpful, thank you! Especially since I’m planning my wedding in Hawaii as well!

[@Rocioslane]

It was definitely worth it, especially after everything you went though with your debt-free journey and even decade long relationship! ♥️

[@LindaLeeNguyen]

Love how transparent you are. But can we talk about your hair and how amazing you look!! 😍

[@karencow8188]

This was very imformative! Thank you Aja!

[@jenice7592]

Red is so good on you and I love your hair! So happy for you and yo boo

[@Jeniveve]

Was wondering about that dress! Soooooo beautiful! Congrats girl!!!

[@jennna7]

Mahalo for sharing Aja!!!! I'll definitely bookmark your recommendations for vendors 🤙

[@shellym79]

My nephew got married last month and at first I remember thinking ( to myself of course cuz it's not my business) the amount of money is ridiculous. Why? I don't get it. But then during the wedding I was in aw. It was so beautiful and peaceful and fun. I loved every aspect of it. So I get it now. I want mine exactly the same now lol. Congratulations Aja!

[@AshAlexander212]

I love the idea of renting your dress and veil !

[@xprettynpinkx911]

Damn girl! Looking good ☺️ marriage is doing you good. Hope y’all are more in love than ever ❤

[@LittleMissDeeDee]

Wow you look gorgeous in red! 🥰

[@AjaDang]

Thank you! Trying to find more red and green pieces

[@cutepinksocks]

$800 veil... oooooof. I bought my veil on amazon $20 loved it so much it was perfect. my husband's vest was also $20 and it matched his suit perfectly. amazon came through! but hey no regrets you looked amazing!!

[@Kelly-ry8es]

Budget doesn't mean spending as little as possible. It means spending money the way YOU want to spend it-- intentionally. It might have ended up as more than you originally planned, but it's ok to be flexible. Not like you have ever planned a Hawaii wedding before.

[@meaganholguin]

Off topic you look so pretty and that blouse is everything 💃🏻

[@a8m5n8]

We just came from your 56k budget video ahahah. Best wedding ever!!

[@christinechang8119]

You look amazing! Red is so nice on you ❤

[@Cthao345]

Whoa--> GORGEOUS!!! Thank you for sharing. I am trying my best to budget too for my big day!

[@AjaDang]

Good luck! Hope you do better than we did! lol

[@viviena5013]

Finally a BUDGET videoooo!!!!!

[@robertstanley9633]

Love the hair!!

[@NinaHa-mu1xk]

Thank you for this informative video! You were a stunning bride and your wedding looked amazing!! We're also booking at SR all thanks to you and planning a June 2024 wedding!!

[@Sewnover]

Stun-ning! Also, my wedding is next Saturday and I know how quickly the costs can add up

[@AjaDang]

Have a fabulous wedding!

[@gracechang96]

I bought the veil too 😂 AND I REGRET IT SO MUCH!! but you looked beautiful Aja!

[@wh0sj0yce]

I’m planning my wedding right now and this is my budget yay

[@itsssmaarryy]

Thank you for being so transparent! This information is so useful, since I’m getting married in Hawaii next year as well! 😊 Is there a music playlist you can share that you used for your wedding reception??

[@AjaDang]

open.spotify.com/playlist/3xYeKvK91ncFzzFDOfRgME?si=32611c0210db4b2d

[@cuckoobanana1110]

Im planning my wedding right now and all your tips have been very helpful. Not a waste if you and your partner deem something important no? Happy wedding.

[@veronica3720]

Aja this was the most beautiful wedding video I’ve ever seen! Im so happy for you ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@iamflyingsnow]

You are glowing!!! Love the breakdown!!!

[@misswiss278]

quite honestly ..i have been to weddings with not so great locations and not so great food and not so great videographers and they did cost around 35k..so i think for you guys to spend that much but have a very high class wedding that looks absolutely fabulous seems weirdly reasonable to me....btw to me you looked absolutely gorgeus as a a bride...you looked efffortles and natural!!!

[@hellomynameisjen]

I rented my wedding dress for $700 and it included the veil 🥰

[@cutepinksocks]

can i just take a moment to say WOW u look amazing in that color and top and hair and everything. post wedding glow :)))

[@shaunarowe6747]

I never thought about renting my dress out! I think I will do that! But not my veil my aunt made it for me!

[@breve711]

first and favourite grandchild lolol congrats!

[@lifestyle4486]

Sooo helpful, thank you!!!!

[@mrfilipesantos]

The wedding looked amazing. You need to open a Wedding Planing Business!

[@rydellgarcia]

Aja DANG! you gorgeous! No wonder why Brian is madly in love with you ❤️

[@Demy26]

Amazing Wedding

[@neshachristian-hendrickson5598]

I love this! Great video! Link the veil 🎉

[@Natalie_11188]

Looking fierce today! This should be an interesting video.

[@AjaDang]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@Natalie_11188]

@@AjaDang I did, but I need to go back, I don’t recall you mentioning the cost of your wedding attire(Brian’s too) and I didn’t see it in the description box. It was at the end. (But what about shoes, jewelry, your purse etc) But your dress looked as gorgeous as you- and the photos live on for ever.

[@ba8yluvs]

Thank you for sharing your Wedding Budget and you look gorgeous, as always! Where did you get your top from?

[@sophiaquinonez2358]

"And she smiled"😃 she never smiles" 🤣🤣

[@KikiIfill]

OH MY GOD YOU LOOK GOOD

[@BisayaBlondie]

“Ughhh… Aja Puspos” best part hahahahaha

[@nqobilemgazi]

I truly miss your monthly budget videos 😁

[@AjaDang]

since I’m taking over Brian finances, maybe I’ll bring them back

[@nqobilemgazi]

@@AjaDang yeyyy thank you!!! Your wedding was AMAZING ❤

[@viviena5013]

Pleaaaase bring back the budget videos!!! Please!!

[@seaweedjen]

I seconnd this!!

[@beautifulmeandyou2]

@@AjaDang yes more budget vids!

[@loanau3225]

Nice dress!

[@zahrahp535]

Your hair looks great! What is the color of your highlights?

[@cescabea3]

Thank you for this video! I got married a month ago and am still figuring out if the money was worth it lol😅

[@caitlin789]

Thank you so much for this helpful breakdown! Would love to know how to rent your wedding dress if that is something you’ve started doing yet?

[@paigecamirand4133]

Thanks Aja! Curious about what you spent on decor/flowers?

[@campocalypse]

I'm getting married in Oahu in a few weeks and just reached out to a few of your vendors!

[@AjaDang]

yay!!! Hope they're able to make your day even more special!

[@abigailbarima]

Congrats ! I’m trying to plan my honeymoon in Hawaii any recommendations for things to do there ?

[@klalethia]

Please share where you got this beautiful top from! You look amazing in it!

[@faqu529]

Red is your color!

[@vivianduong2796]

I love your shirt. where did you get it?

[@Icey8682]

Love this! The only thing that is missing is mentioning how many guests you had. How many guests for this budget?

[@AjaDang]

80 guests

[@emily57644]

I have a feeling budget really depends on both location and size of wedding. I feel like I got a similar experience (not one week more like 2 days because much less travel) for around 30-35k in Pennsylvania but like is said so much location location location

[@jasminephann4047]

Hey Aja. Love your videos. Random question do you still do your alone Sunday runs to the farmer market now that you are a Mrs?

[@AjaDang]

when I go to the farmers market it's normally by myself bc it's a part of my Sunday morning "errand routine:" and Brian really just slows me down. ... he's not a good errand person when there are multiple stops involved.

[@yzz4406]

Loved your hair and makeup more in this video. Makes you look more youthful. Another question hope not too sensitive: where you pregnant during your wedding?

[@Shaiicedtea]

Love your top! Where is it from?

[@rachell4912]

You got a good deal on your photographer and videographer! I got married 10 years and paid more.

[@freida1512]

hi I am still planning my wedding and just doing the finishing touches, i am stuck on the wordings for the newlywed funds… any advice?

[@BusinessFinancialNetwork]

👌🏽

[@marspetrell9753]

But most importantly, where is your beautiful top from??? You look amazing

[@connie3499]

Hi can you tell me how far the hotel you chose ( and name lol sorry didnt catch it) was?

[@__kayw]

Love you and Brian! How many people did you have at your wedding?

[@beautifulwave1346]

I was wondering the same thing!

[@ykook7000]

80

[@DJMoBlvd]

Good video and transparency. But what was the price for the dj?

[@AjaDang]

the DJ was included in the package so if I remember correctly it might've been around $1100ish

[@DJMoBlvd]

@@AjaDang Nice, thank you again!

[@stellaluna5179]

If you don't mind me asking where did you board your dogs? i am looking for one but I just don't trust any of them. I am also in L.A.

[@AjaDang]

Oh Hello Dog. They are pricey but they are the only facility we trust! They’re always posting about the dogs on social and with Levi, he doesn’t always eat, and they really pay attention to him and his eating while he’s there and will sometimes make him a special meal. 10/10 recommend

[@stellaluna5179]

​@@AjaDang Thank you, just registered! And congrats on your wedding! Looks like it was amazing and fun! Maybe one day I will rent out your vail.. if i ever get married lol

[@mbonilla808]

Was the $40k included tax and service fee? I’m newly engaged and I fell in love with Sunset Ranch while I was looking for venues. Saw the price for the package and my jaw dropped. Also, what was your guest count?

[@thekristineway]

do you have a video on how you guys discussed guest list, max capacity, and who gets a plus one and who doesn't? like how did you guys decide on those...and also how did you guys tell people who (probably distant family) and they aren't invited if they asked you 😅

[@AjaDang]

no we didn't do a video on it but bc we had a small wedding saying "it's a small wedding" was something most people understood. But also, Brian and I don't have a lot of friends, we keep to ourselves most of the time so I think most people understood that they weren't close enough to us to be invited.

[@jcaldero90]

$65,000?! Insane 😵

[@AjaDang]

It is.

[@PalaniInn]

How did you pay for the rings?

[@user-fv9tq9yg1p]

Where did you have your rehersal dinner?

[@alexisreve1]

You ended up making money from the wedding with your dancing and choreography deals. That $65k was an investment personally and professionally. Not many people can say that :)

[@MiracleMadkins]

I know this must’ve been a risky video for you especially considering how your whole “brand” was made around budgeting. But honestly it is a bit surprising you guys spent 65000 for it. I’m very sure you could’ve spent way less but you obviously chose certain routes for a less stressful experience. All in all your wedding looked beautiful and you did it debt free so that’s a HUGE plus compared to others that pay that much.

[@AjaDang]

i think my “brand” to be more about transparency which is why I thought it would be important to show the breakdown of what and why we spent. But yes, I anticipate being dragged in the comment section

[@MiracleMadkins]

@@AjaDang yes of course! I appreciate your transparency ❤️

[@FunandBudget]

Budget does not equal broke...it simply means planning for the money you earn, save and spend.

[@MiracleMadkins]

@@FunandBudget I know this. I never associated broke with budgeting….

[@FunandBudget]

@@MiracleMadkins It just seemed that way because your statement was her "whole brand was built around budgeting" as if a $65K wedding was outside the realm of "budgeting"

[@ConnieOBrien]

How many guests did you have at the wedding?