NEED TO KNOW

• Alyssa Lehman says she canceled her planned wedding after being quoted about $26,000 for food and beverage for 70 guests, which she says pushed the total venue-related cost close to $50,000
• The Indiana bride shared her experience in a viral TikTok seen by millions, saying the unexpected price made her and her fiancé rethink their plans
• The couple ultimately decided to call off the traditional wedding and elope in San Francisco, saying financial stability mattered more than one day

For Alyssa Lehman, a 27-year-old sales representative in the health and fitness industry from Valparaiso, Ind., planning her wedding to her fiancé, Brayden, quickly went from exciting to stressful.

In a TikTok video that has since gone viral, reaching more than 4 million viewers, Lehman explained that the couple had reserved their date at Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens after touring several venues in the Milwaukee, Wis., area.

According to Lehman, the location initially seemed like one of the more affordable options they had found. She says the venue required a $3,000 food-and-beverage minimum, and because catering was not included in the base rental fee, the couple expected they would have flexibility to stay within budget.

However, Lehman says they were later presented with an updated estimate showing a food and beverage total of about $26,000 for roughly 70 guests — and were told half of that amount would be due.

“We understand weddings these days are expensive, but seeing a $26,000 cost just for food and beverage for 70 people was shocking to us,” Lehman says. “It felt overwhelming, especially when we hadn’t planned for the total to be anywhere near that.”

“My fiancé, Brayden, and I had a million thoughts going through our heads. It was extremely stressful,” Lehman tells PEOPLE exclusively. “We’re just a young couple wanting to have a wedding with our closest family and friends while also saving for our first home and managing day-to-day life.”

She added in her TikTok that once taxes, gratuity and additional fees were included, the total connected to the venue and catering alone would have been close to $50,000 — not including other wedding expenses such as attire, photography and additional vendors.

PEOPLE reached out to Villa Terrace Museum & Gardens for comment, but did not immediately hear back.

Faced with the higher-than-expected costs, Lehman says she and Brayden sought advice from friends, family members and legal professionals as they tried to understand their options.

“We relied on a few friends and family members to help us navigate the process and determine the most reasonable outcome,” she explains. “Quite a few attorneys even reached out to help us review the contract, which I’m very grateful for.”

As the situation unfolded, Lehman decided to share her experience on TikTok, where she had already been posting occasional life updates. She expected the video might reach other brides planning weddings, but says she was surprised by how widely it was shared online.

“I thought maybe a small part of ‘Bridetok’ would see it, especially people looking at venues in the Milwaukee area,” she says. “I didn’t expect strangers from all over the world to respond, but I’m glad they did because it started a bigger conversation about wedding costs.”

A ‘Garden Raya’ blooms outside Beach Road flat

Straits Times

Mom shares budget-friendly hack for free glassware

The Cool Down

This Cotswolds hotel is perfect for families wanting a touch of indulgence

The Independent

As a chief innovation officer, writing fiction helps me with my job. I’m now a better strategist.

Business Insider

Lehman says hearing from other couples made her realize how common it is for wedding budgets to grow beyond what people feel comfortable spending.

“Nobody should feel like they have to go into debt for one single day,” she says.

Ultimately, the experience led the couple to rethink their plans entirely.

“Because of everything that happened, we decided to cancel the traditional wedding,” Lehman says. “Instead, we’re eloping in San Francisco this July, and honestly, it feels like the best decision we could have made.”

She adds that support from strangers online helped reassure them they were making the right choice.

“If anyone takes anything from my video, I hope it’s that you should plan the day for you and your partner,” she says. “It’s just one day of your life, and you shouldn’t feel ashamed to walk away from something if it’s going to put you in a bad financial position. Your happiness and stability matter more than anything.”

Read the original article on People