We Raised the Budget To.... 🤷🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️ | Wedding Diaries | Aja Dang

Hey! I'm Aja Dang and it has happened. The budget has increased... and if we're honest, I haven't had a breakdown since 🤷🏻‍♀️
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•VENDORS I'VE BOOKED FOR MY WEDDING•
Wedding Planner: Angelica from Anela Events: anelaevents.com/
Wedding Dress: Sarah Seven: www.sarahseven...
Hair & Makeup: Cheryl Brown: www.colormykis...
Honolulu Photobooth: Proparazzi Photo Booth: www.proparazzi...
Photographer: Rhema Jaime: rhemajaime.myp...
Venue: Sunset Ranch Hawaii: www.sunsetranc...
Bar: www.mobilebarh...
Cake/Dessert Bar: www.acakelife....
Catering: www.chefelmers...
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[@AjaDang]

Hey everyone! I just want to clarify something I said at the end of the video. If we get any money from our wedding guests, it will go towards our house downpayment (versus a vacation, loans, emergency, etc) bc that's what our needs are. I did not mean that we counting on our guests to give us so much money that we'll finally be able to buy a house. We are simultaneously saving for a house and a wedding - we are not just a wedding over a house.

[@mynameisreb]

I too thought a la carte would be cheaper than doing a package when I was planning my wedding, but doing the package makes everything SO much easier (you also should be able to cut out stuff you don't want to bring the cost down too). I also have to say a $45k budget for a wedding in Hawaii with what looks like an AMAZING menu sounds pretty good to me!

[@AjaDang]

I think I'll do a budget video breakdown but the package really is the way to go. You're stuck with their recommended vendors but fortunately, they were all vendors we were testing anyway. For example: Chef Elmer quoted me $6000 but with the package via my venue, it's only $4000

[@cutepinksocks]

I would recommend skipping save the dates and go straight to invitations that could be used as keepsakes. You can always text or email Save the dates to people… just saves money and for me makes sense esp if the wedding is coming up soon. Oh and please tell us more about solo bachelorette party?! I might be interested in doing one of those!

[@AN-oj8xi]

I emailed my save the dates and saved a ton of money!

[@AjaDang]

100% was planning to do that but Minted wants to collab with me on Save The Dates so 😇

[@Deanna0456]

Granny loving the cake was the best part of this video ❤️… I just love when elders are around to continue to experience these beautiful moments. just lovely 🥰 Edit: so I read through the comments just know that there are people out here who love your new content and I think it’s beautiful to see you actually spending money 🤣. It’s your wedding and we are all so proud of you for making it to this point where you can actually have a 45k wedding. You’re the best Aja keep going ☺️

[@AjaDang]

❤️❤️ also if Popo didn’t like the cake, we’d have a problem. She’s a sweets kinda gal

[@samanthamace1236]

Loved how you opened up to what your parents are contributing and how you used it/accepted it. It seems like you are the type of person where it is hard to accept money from others so I am happy you found way to embrace it and use it for your trip! Have fun!

[@AjaDang]

Yes! It definitely took me a while to accept the money my parents wanted to give me for this wedding. I just didn't want them to spend all this money on something that won't really last (like a house) but in the end, I was grateful. Plus, they didn't hold that money over my head as a way to control the wedding, so that made it easier to accept it as well.

[@methusharavi5136]

I love how quick, and informative this video was, I love seeing your journey.

[@AjaDang]

💕

[@AA-ep1ri]

$30k for a Hawaii wedding at your venue wasn’t realistic at all. HI is expen$$$ive!!! Glad you are blessed from working hard and gifts from your ‘ohana to help you raise your budget a little so you’re not stressed. I live on Oahu and paid ~$30k for our 80 guest wedding 7 years ago. We just got married at courthouse. (Rented out entire place and decorated it nicely - threw silk & real rose petals as we walked out, which looked so magical as they 🌹 floated down over the twinkle lit balconies and staircases). We splurged on the reception party and food/drinks instead. Ideally I wanted to only spend $20k, but soon realized that was unrealistic for Hawaii. I don’t regret anything at all and guests still talk about how fun it was. 👰🏻‍♀️ You sometimes have to “live a little” and enjoy life. Don’t be afraid to spend on some things. When you die, you can’t take materialistic things with you and you only live once. Yes,be responsible and live within your means (don’t go into crazy debt over 1 wedding day), but you also don’t need to be a penny pincher and stress over finances without enjoying life. It’s all about finding that perfect balance. ☺️

[@lizanik8541]

Me, not having anyone to be married to, nodding along to the Orange Creamsicle discussion as if this will be relevant to me 😂

[@AjaDang]

😂😂😂

[@ANAONANA]

Very very single but I’m enjoying this process !!!! Keep ‘em coming please and thanks 😆

[@jerisariva1826]

I think it was a good call to up the budget! You seem more relaxed about things haha. Also 30k for a Hawaii wedding had me stressed for you LOL

[@AjaDang]

Thankfully my dad helped us or else I’d probably be more stressed saving more money!

[@christinasiew3707]

Glad you are going with the wedding package! Hopefully many things are included. Usually since it’s vendors the venue are used to working with, typically the wedding day runs smoother and there’s less micromanagement needed. Pretty much just have to focus on getting ready for your big day. The wedding food menu looks great! If you are still looking at ways to save some money, it might be where alcohol is concerned. If your wedding venue has flexibility of options in that area, really count how many guests drink and how many will get multiple drinks. Only 1/3 of my guests drink out of 95, so I opted for a prepaid cash bar, and communicated with my coordinator that if the tab was running low in the middle of the wedding, I would add an extra $400 in, and it was perfect. Ppl were able to freely order beer, or cocktails, or shots. Wine was also provided on the tables. It made it so ppl were not in line for an open bar line most of your wedding, and no one got too hammered. I spent $1,300 vs $3,300 alcohol. Good luck Aja, wish you all the best! Appreciate the realness you bring to the process!

[@AjaDang]

Our venue recommended buying alcohol at costco and we can return any unopened bottles!

[@Gnoix95]

Your menu sounds amazing!!

[@leilani2258]

$45k is still pretty inexpensive when you factor in the whole quality of vendors you have. Weddings are just undeniably expensive, but it will such an amazing day ❤❤❤❤

[@AjaDang]

they definitely are quality vendors for sure.

[@kamahina943]

If you’re still deciding on a videographer, we used Makai Creative (locally owned) and was blown away. We even got the same day edit where he can put together a small video to be played at your reception and parts from your wedding day are included for a little behind the scenes look for your guests (showed bits of us getting ready, our gift exchange and even part of the ceremony) It was sweet and the guests loved it). Wedding costs are absolutely stressful and when we got married 6 years ago i said 20k was our budget. We ended up at 35k and that was back then. When you come to terms with raising the budget, it really is a huge weight off ur shoulders. Congrats to you both and hope the rest of the planning goes smoothly!

[@AjaDang]

their rates have probably changed in 6 years but do you remember their rates?

[@kamahina943]

@@AjaDang i think it was close to 3k but it was worth it since there was 2 (i think at one point even 3) people that were with us from early morning while we got ready all the way through to the wedding reception. The video was sooo good too! We loved it :)

[@AjaDang]

@@kamahina943 I just checked and they now start at $4500

[@EshiJay]

It is very refreshing to see all the details of planning a wedding (budget wise, and especially the stuff you don't enjoy!). I'm just doing the courthouse thing in a month because I think I'd be in the same place as you, having anger melt downs over my budget!!😂 Best of luck though, I know it will be beautiful 💙

[@AjaDang]

I would've preferred that TBH but Brian was not about that life.

[@cutepinksocks]

Off topic but what app do you use to edit videos and get music?

[@AjaDang]

Adobe Premiere and epidemicsound.com

[@jessicam3934]

AKASAKA!!! AHHH my favorite!

[@AjaDang]

🤤🤤

[@bellerawr2782]

What hotel are you planning to go with? I've been chatting with SO many hotels on Oahu and they're all requiring a number of hotels and some kind of deposit T_T

[@AjaDang]

Alohilani didn't require any deposit or a set number of rooms

[@Yuru616]

The food looks yummy. Can I be invited?

[@GeorginaBowie]

Yay to you being less stressed about your wedding. Sometimes you just have to up your budget. We've had to with ours and once I accepted that I just felt so much better. Hope the rest of the planning goes well. 💙

[@msmintygreen]

Hawaii looks amazing!! I’m really feeling the winter blues in Toronto these days. 😂 I felt the same way when buying a house with my fiancé last weekend. Staying under a certain price made me so angry and depressed. Finally we bumped it up and within 2 weeks we bought a house. Couldn’t be happier!

[@AjaDang]

CONGRATS!!! You're goals. Did you find yourself in a bidding war or did the increased budget allow you to avoid that?

[@modelno2004]

Congrats! We re-adjusted our budget and set a max cap. Ended up using an escalation clause to win our bid. If you can plan for it, sometimes it's worth it.

[@msmintygreen]

@@AjaDang avoided a bidding war with new higher budget. Bidding wars were so painful and draining on us. It’s such BS.

[@joyanneandres]

Ughhh, parents are truly blessings. I'm so happy to hear that you're in a better place with the budget raise. Thank you for keeping us updated and sharing your planning experience! Your wedding cake will definitely be unforgettable for y'all (and your guests!)

[@AjaDang]

Yesss. So grateful for my parents. Tried to keep them away from spending any money on this wedding but they came in clutch

[@jacquelinecolette5018]

After hearing about your solo bachelorette party, I decided I was gonna do something similar since it’s a brilliant idea buuuut then after telling my fiancé, he decided it sounded great too & wants to come with. 😂

[@AjaDang]

He can have his own solo Bach party lol 😂

[@jackietugs8700]

I’m not even close to getting married but I love watching your wedding videos Aja. I appreciate the complete transparency. Can’t wait to see it! Also your Popo reminds me of my grandma and I just 🥺 love that you are able to visit and stay with her whenever you do go to Hawaii

[@AjaDang]

❤️❤️ also grateful that we still have a grandparent to enjoy our day. She’s turning 95 in April

[@erinkwon1896]

Aja! I absolutely love all the content you put out - it's really an honor that we can can a peek into your life. I'm wondering if you can talk about the cultural aspect behind money? As a Korean American who didn't come from money either, I never felt comfortable receiving money from my parents after all that they did for me and my siblings. Now that I'm a bit older and my parents are also easing into retirement, that relationship with money is different...but I still feel weird! Would love to get your insight on being Asian and how that influenced your dynamics with money over time. love love love your content

[@AjaDang]

interesting question! let me think about it

[@AN-oj8xi]

I have the same feelings to especially with my family having immigrated here and done enough haha!!

[@adventurousbec]

Yay no no breakdowns! That food menu will be absolute delish :D

[@AjaDang]

yes! The tears are done!

[@dasherlittle5821]

Do a small wedding buy a big 💍 a big 🏡 it's unrealistic to expect all of your guests to give as much as you want, this sounds so complicated..

[@viviena5013]

I have this feeling that you are not really enjoying making these videos - not only the wedding planning. Your old videos had a different vibe, I miss them 🥺💔

[@AjaDang]

I'm just trying something new 💕

[@sandraortiz3286]

I got that vibe too, I mean I understand stress and having a lot on your mind is distracting but the end of this video seemed a little rude I don’t know maybe it just caught me by surprise🤷🏽‍♀️….still think your cool and all that but sometimes it’s a little too overboard just a little constructive criticism 😬

[@AjaDang]

@@sandraortiz3286 what part seemed rude.

[@medicalkat2112]

@@AjaDang stay with it - i like them :) the vibe i'm getting is much more honest, kinda raw and vulnerable. wish you & Brian the best

[@chelseacohen3465]

@@medicalkat2112 I agree! I had to play it back to see what might have seemed rude, and it made me chuckle. That’s literally how my friends and I end phone conversations so did not phase me at all. 😂

[@marygrace7876]

Our original wedding budget and our increased wedding budget numbers are exactly the same as yours! I also live in LA but we are getting married in Malibu this summer and we just bought our first home at the same time as this whole wedding planning craziness. Increasing our budget was the best thing we did for our sanity so I feel you! I started following you during my debt free journey and you were one of the most relatable people I found online to stay inspired from. Thank you for all of your insight and tips! Good luck on saving for your downpayment!

[@AjaDang]

congrats on your home!

[@ritay114]

We are looking to get married in Sunset Ranch next year and your videos have been so helpful! 🥺 We are so grateful to be able to watch someone go through a similar process and be transparent about every step. Sad that you didn’t choose the catering tasting! Do you have any opinions on them? Hope that the rest of the planning goes smoothly 💕

[@AjaDang]

We chose the one we ate in this video. If you're going with Sunset Ranch, 100% get one of their packages. It's worth it. We did things backward and are wasting about $5000 on things we decided on before moving forward with the package.

[@biebie1]

Your Popo made my heart melt 🥰

[@ouachay]

Girlfriend, elopeeeeeee! 😁 Jk. Thanks for taking us along your planning journey.

[@AjaDang]

already spent way too much money I won't be getting back if we elope at this point. we're all in,

[@jasminerossette]

Congrats on getting the catering and cake done!!! That is so exciting!!!

[@AjaDang]

Thanks! Now just the little things

[@relaxingmusicwithroren5681]

Thanks🙏! Let inspiration and energy continue to create nice videos!💫

[@authenticatingbeauty5987]

Really appreciate your honesty. “Wedding money bullshit” is where I’m at right about now. Hope the day’s memories far outweigh the stress. That’s what I’m banking on. Lol

[@bringitdanielle]

Okay Ima need to brace myself for these food moments int he vlog cuz I did NOT expect for my mouth to water during the shumai shot at 7:03!!! LOL

[@alannakalixo]

loving these videos! i got married last year, but i miss wedding planning so much!

[@AjaDang]

girl, you miss it?! OMG, you can take over for me then.

[@alannakalixo]

@@AjaDang hahaha people always think i'm crazy, but i'd gladly take over for you!

[@resikat]

Lol i actually enjoyed planning my wedding about 4 yrs ago too 😆

[@devasri_]

I resubscribed after a long time. Hi again 🥰 loving your vloggy content!!!

[@AjaDang]

omg 🙇🏻‍♀️ curious, why did you unsubscribe in the first place?

[@devasri_]

@@AjaDang to be honest it was because I got annoyed with any shorts showing up on my subscriptions feed. KZbin displays them in an unaesthetic way and I get annoyed with the layout.But now your wedding diaries (personal vloggy content) I’m really here for! I love how it’s you unfiltered talking about your plans, goals frustrations. I always enjoyed that kind of content from you (budget journeys too, etc). Shorts on KZbin are not my favorite in general but now I’m back because I gotta see the wedding developments :)

[@AjaDang]

@@devasri_ haha I totally understand! I wish there was a way to change the thumbnails on YT shorts. so annoying.

[@cutepinksocks]

Glad increasing the budget helped lowered your stress 😅 I’m still sticking to mine it’s getting very close lol

[@adventureswithGao]

Was that hike at the beginning of your video your backyard because the hike looks beautiful.

[@avocadobog]

Omg all the food look soooooo goooood!

[@PohaiNuuhiwa]

Girl, can’t be giving up Akasaka to the masses! 😂

[@AjaDang]

My bad lol 😆

[@ExtendedStudent4Real]

25k-60k in big cities are the typical cost 🥴🤷🏽‍♀️Wedding costs are nooo joke! 👰‍♂️ I’m trying to do 70 people and it’s crazy 🥴. 25k is like a budget budget wedding with 60k being more on the upper middle end. ❤️🙏🏽❤️ Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@AjaDang]

ya we're at 75 right now.

[@heyshay5177]

Ahhhh i was just on pu’u pia hiiiike. One of my favorites for sure. Such a peaceful workout! I love your wedding diaries 💓💓💓 learning so much thru all of your budget videos. I appreciate the realness as a lil Hawaii gorl too💓💓💓

[@AjaDang]

💕

[@acefaaace]

Don’t know how people do it know post covid for weddings since everything is so expensive. I had two weddings, a normal and chinese wedding. And boy did I not want to do the chinese wedding. But inlaws fam etc etc threw a fit. Whatever, at least I got my money back for that wedding through red envelopes. Good luck on your wedding journey, and wish you and Brian happiness forever.

[@AjaDang]

did your inlaws pay for your chinese wedding? Or did you have to budget for both your weddings?

[@lanxidong1851]

Where is the hike that you did? Going to visit Oahu soon and would love any tips!

[@AjaDang]

It’s called Pu’u Pia trail in Manoa. Remember to be respectful of the land when you visit ❤️

[@glitzandgeek]

But … where was all the dim sum from? It looked so tasty 😋

[@AjaDang]

Good Day