Spring is in the air! It’s technically been Spring for a few weeks now but the weather here in NY is just starting to get the memo! That’s why looking at this sweet, classic wedding just makes me so happy! The sunny yellow and powder blue color scheme just makes me think of daffodils and blue skies. I really enjoyed the details from this wedding and think you will, too! I love the chalkboard art they created and that the bridesmaids wore cardigans with their dresses- it just has a sweet, vintage vibe to me! Hope you enjoy this wedding as much as I do! xoxo- Jessica

 

Jesse & Amber

October 27, 2012

Gallatin, TN

Rose Mont Mansion | Epic Event Centre

 

What was your budget? If you are able, give us a rough breakdown of how you spent your budget.

 

Our original budget was $5,000 but we ended up spending close to $8,500

 

Wedding Venue: $1,000

Mansion (to get ready/first look) $500

Catering: $2,224

Dress: $850

Suit: $160

Toms: $470

Flowrs: $900

Cake: $360

Decor/gifts/invites: $1880

Total: $8344

 

 

How many guests did you have?

Approx. 125

 

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?

We definitely wanted the wedding to be ‘us’…from the venue and food to the invites and shoes! The bridal party wore Toms and we based the blue used in our wedding on the logo! I also created a graphic that we used throughout the wedding to help tie everything together (a mason jar with a+j inside).

 

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

Jesse and I made the invitations and a lot of our own decor – some decor was handed down to us from Grandparents. We also had a lot of help from family and friends (moving, decorating, coordinating, etc). They were all so terrific throughout the year of planning and on the wedding day!

 

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

My best advice would be to get the ‘big things’ taken care of first (venue, food, dress, etc) so you have time to focus on all of the ‘little things’. Those are the most important and help make your wedding YOU.

_________________ Thanks for reading Blue and Yellow Plantation Wedding from: The Budget Savvy Bride

Looking for more budget savvy weddings? Visit our Real Weddings gallery! Need to find some DIY projects to save you money and create beautiful details? Check out our DIY project gallery! Connect with The Budget Savvy Bride on the web: Pinterest :: Twitter :: Facebook ::

Loving this colorful wedding from The Burks! I have a special place in my heart for all geekdom, so I couldn’t help but love the shot of the groomsmen exposing their super hero tshirts underneath their tuxedos- so fun! And I always love when brides use books as decor! Hope you enjoy this wedding of the week! xoxo-Jessica

Josh + Jessica

June 15, 2012

Greenville, NC at Reimage Church and City Hotel & Bistro

What was your budget? If you are able, give us a rough breakdown of how you spent your budget.

Cake -$260

Reception Venue & Catering for 140 ppl – $3500

Ceremony venue with sound techs – $400

Dress with Alterations – $800

Veil – $5 (we made our own)

Shoes – $5 (TJ Maxx sale)

Favors – $75 (we donated to a charity)

Flowers for Bride and bridesmaids – $110 (we made our own)

Invitations – $148 (we bought ours from Michaels and Hallmark will print a box of invites for $10)

Officiant – $50

DJ – $40 (we used music we already had and paid a friend to DJ)

Bridesmaid Gifts – $200

Photographer – $1800

Event Rentals (pipe and drape) – $200

Groomsmen gifts – $240

Live Band for Ceremony – $300

 Total: about $8500

How many guests did you have?

We ended up with approximately 130 guests when it was all said and done but had planned for 150

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?

We used old books and candles of all sizes for our centerpieces. My husband and I are avid readers and so most of the books came from our a collection. A few we picked up at second hand stores and thrift shops. We borrowed the candles and holders from a friend who’s daughter had recently been married.

The other thing that was very important to us was the music. That’s why we chose a band for the ceremony and had all our own music picked out for the reception.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

My mom and I are very crafty and we did A LOT of things our selves. My mom and sister set up all the centerpieces, we made the bouquets, the invites, all the favor cards at the tables, etc.

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

Make your budget first! And be realistic, the last thing you want is to get your heart set on something and realize you can’t afford the dress of your dreams AND a photographer. In your budget, prioritize what’s important to you. For us it was having good photographers and as a result that took up a good chunk of our budget.

Lastly, saving money is easier than you think – having our wedding on a Friday night instead of anytime on a Saturday saved us over $1000 on the reception venue and $1000 on our photography. Recruit friends and family to help you DIY favors and decorations.

What was your biggest splurge?

Our photography! We had to convince my parents on this item actually. With photography, you get what you pay for. We wanted really great pictures and knew those wouldn’t come cheap. Turns out, we managed to get a really great deal with The Burks and got $1800 photography by amazing, professional people that look like we should have paid at least twice that.

What was your favorite detail?

My favorite detail was all the details! The eclectic modern theme was everywhere (my mom has a really good eye for that) we had old glass bottle soda caps to mark what each guest was eating (my husband is widely known for his Sundrop addiction) and used old books for our centerpieces because we both love to read. Our additions to the reception space gave it a clean modern look. The whole thing felt very us.

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

The most memorable moment might have been Josh and I’s first look. With our time schedule we had to do all the photography before the ceremony and I wouldn’t have done it any other way! I was so nervous and excited and freaking out that day and as soon as I saw Josh I felt very calm and happy. We were able to get some amazing couple shots while the sun was still out and I’m so glad we got to be right with each other when we first saw each other instead of fighting back all that emotion in front of everyone at the ceremony.

VENDORS:

Meet The Burks Photography – meettheburks.com

City Hotel & Bistro – cityhotelandbistro.com

_________________ Thanks for reading Purple + Grey Wedding with Books as Decor from: The Budget Savvy Bride

Looking for more budget savvy weddings? Visit our Real Weddings gallery! Need to find some DIY projects to save you money and create beautiful details? Check out our DIY project gallery! Connect with The Budget Savvy Bride on the web: Pinterest :: Twitter :: Facebook ::

Happy New Year, y’all! I just want to say HELLO and welcome to all our new readers and fans! Make sure to like us on Facebook for more updates and budget savvy ideas! I thought it fitting that I share this wedding today since I am currently in Florida on vacation. Y’all this wedding has BLOWN me away! So many lovely shabby chic details all for a great total budget of $8k. Where they saved: having their talented friends provide certain services like one who baked their cupcakes, one to play music during the ceremony and another who designed their invitations and paper goods! One thing you will notice in this breakdown is that they spent the largest chunk of their budget on photography!! This is something I definitely recommend splurging on if you find someone whose work you love because just take a look at the results– Maria Angela did a fantastic job capturing this day and now Karie and Jeff have gorgeous photos they will treasure for a lifetime! Hope you enjoy this edition of the BSWOW!! xoxo-Jessica

Karie + Jeff

September 29, 2012

Clearwater Beach Recreation Center in Clearwater Beach, Florida

What was your budget? If you are able, give us a rough breakdown of how you spent your budget.

We didn’t have a Set Budget, just a motto that this was ONE DAY and to get as much out of this day for as little as possible without feeling like we left anything out. Total cost was approx $8,000.00

BREAKDOWN:

Venue- 1500.00

Photography- 2800.00

Catering and Wine/Beer- 1600.00

Flowers- 925.00

DJ- 800.00

Hair, Makeup- 175.00

Cake topper, garters, bridesmaids purses, etc- 200.00

Dress- $99.00

How many guests did you have?

50

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?

I tried to make our day completely OURS!  Our Pastor knows us very well and wanted to know our entire story.  I provided him with all the details and he made our ceremony perfectly “US” with the precise amount of humor, romance and our Christian faith.  Jeff and I chose to do both Christian vows and our own vows as well.  I am so happy we chose to do that because the words we exchanged were very heartfelt and made our ceremony truly ours.  I have the most amazing friends and family that really came together for us for our wedding day. A childhood friend of mine, Katie Alexander, made our Save the Dates as well as our Invitations and RSVP’s.  I was able to completely design what I wanted for our look with her and she made them come to life!  My very dear friend, Tiffany Barnaky made the most delicious homemade cupcakes (red velvet, chocolate peanut butter, vanilla butter cream and strawberry) as well as our gorgeous 2 tier shabby chic cake.  My Aunt Janiene made pearl necklaces and provided matching bracelets and earrings for my Maid of Honor and Bridesmaids.  She also gave us beautiful sterling silver “MR and MRS” cake forks for when we had our cake cutting.  Another very dear friend Jennifer Bain provided videography for our whole day, from getting ready until the very last dance. Jeff’s groomsman, Roger Jacobsen played Canon in D for me to walk down the aisle to.

After losing my father last year in a tragic car accident, I wanted to ensure that I included him in my special day without making it somber.  To accomplish that, I purchased mini photo frames and put photos of him in them and sewed them onto my shoes so he could still walk me down the aisle.  I also had one of his favorite blue shirt sleeves cut into a heart and sewn into the train of my dress.  As my “something borrowed” my mother lent me the engagement rings that my father had given to her when she was 14 years old and I wore those on my right hand.  For the “father-daughter dance” I chose to dance with my grandfather and my brother in 2 parts to the song, Daughter by Loudon Wainwright.  My grandfather walked me down the aisle.  I have since lost my grandfather as well, and am so blessed to have had him give me away to my husband.

Other creative and personal touches were sprinkled throughout the evening.  My amazing planner Tammy Waterman from Special Moments assisted with so many of these things. We had a signature cocktail, The Burdick Brew- which was a Sangria and that was a hit! We had an amazing photo booth without having to rent the fancy kind by having a back drop with signage, lots of props and a Fuji Film Polaroid camera.  This was definitely a hit as well!  I had the guests take photos to put in our guest book and one to have for themselves so it also served as their favor.  I absolutely LOVE that we did this, looking at our guest book with pictures from that night still makes me smile.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

The biggest thing I did to save money was actually not even on purpose.  Months before Jeff even proposed, My best friend was in town trying on wedding dresses.  I had my eye on a dress for a long time (you know how that is, wishing and hoping for that day to come!)  Well, that dress I had my eye on had been discontinued, and gone forever….. so I thought…  as she was pulling out dresses, there it was. My Dress!  It has a very distinctive, large bow on the back of the dress and the tails of the bow go the length of the train.  As soon as she pulled it out, I lost my breath and she did too.  She said, “Karie, it’s your dress!”  I felt so terrible because it was her appointment, her time, her wedding and she, being the most amazing person in the world, said “YOU HAVE TO TRY IT ON”  So, I did.  And it was the last dress, my size, and $99.00!  Needless to say, I bought it right then and there and stowed it at my mother in laws house until he proposed!!!!

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

My best advice is do what you want to do!  Don’t let everyone get in your head and tell you what your Wedding should be!  Everyone will have an opinion and that’s okay, they’re entitled, for THEIR day.  It is one day where everything should go the way you envision it for you and your other half.  Don’t forget what the day is truly about, you and the love of your life. DO Listen to everyone when they say how quickly it goes by, because it does. Carve out some time to spend with your new hubby to really savor the moment.  We did this by having a sweetheart table so that we could just have a moment being Married before we had to socialize.

What was your biggest splurge?

The biggest splurge was our photography and it was well worth it. I absolutely LOVE our photographer and LOVE our photos. I would do it all over again, because in the end, the photos is what helps bring back all the amazing memories of that day!

What was your favorite detail?

I loved all of the details of our wedding, but if I had to narrow it down to just one, I’d say our arch that was covered with flowers at the beginning of the aisle was my favorite. Special Thanks to Tammy and Iza for pulling this together for me!!

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

When Jeff read his vows to me.  To stand in front of him and be so humbled by his heartfelt words about me in front of our family and friends is the best moment of my life! I am so lucky to be his bride!

VENDORS

Venue: Clearwater Beach Library and Recreation Center |  Photographer: Maria Angela Photography   |   Wedding Planner: Tammy Waterman, Special Moments   |   Caterer: Delectables Fine Catering  |  Flowers: Iza’s Flowers   |  DJ: Nature Coast Entertainment Services   |  Cake Topper: Cherry on Toppers, Etsy   |  Garters: Petal N Pearl Boutique, Etsy

_________________ Thanks for reading Shabby Chic Florida Wedding by Maria Angela Photography from: The Budget Savvy Bride

Looking for more budget savvy weddings? Visit our Real Weddings gallery! Need to find some DIY projects to save you money and create beautiful details? Check out our DIY project gallery! Connect with The Budget Savvy Bride on the web: Pinterest :: Twitter :: Facebook ::

Happy Wednesday! Time for another installment of the Wedding of the Week. This wedding is a lovely fall occasion from Maryland with lots of autumn infused details! Pumpkins, corn husks and leaves galore! I’m sure they saved a bundle on their wedding decor by using these sorts of reusable produce items, and the effect is lovely! Hope you enjoy this lovely wedding photographed by The Messenger Image!

 Kim & Dale

October 13, 2012
Chester, Maryland
at The Private Residence of Ms. Betty Hull

What was your budget? If you are able, give us a rough breakdown of how you spent your budget.

We didn’t start off with a specific budget, we just wanted it to be as affordable as possible. The total cost of our wedding ended up being in the range of $8,000. We spent most of our budget on the photographer. We wanted to make sure all our hard work and planning was captured through the lens. Our other big expenses were food/drinks, decor and the small details, in order to make our ceremony and reception feel as personalized and intimate as possible.

Dress/Tux – $1,000
Rings – $900
Photographer – $1,500
Bridal Party Gifts – $300
Food/Dinnerware/Drinks – $1,000
Save the Date/Invitations – $200
Personalized Accessories – $700
Decorations – $800
Rentals (Table/Chairs/Heaters) – $300
Cake – $320
Miscellaneous – $980

How many guests did you have?

40

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding? A lot of the fall decor was created through the thought and excellent decorating eyes of my Matron of Honor and myself, using tulle, pumpkins, mums, wreaths, ceramics and corn stalks. We included a book, for guests to complete, giving us martial advice, an In Loving Memory Collage/Candle, a custom unity candle, toasting glasses, cake serving set and of course our favors. A lot of the details of the wedding were centered around lighting, since it was an evening wedding, outdoors. We strung lantern style lights throughout the tent, icicle lights with tulle around the cake table, lanterns were attached to each outside post of the tent, the center pieces even had water proof lights. We also had a fire pit, for both light/warmth.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money? Left the catering to the host (owner of the home). We purchased all the food and she prepared it, as our wedding present. Our menu consisted of Shrimp Creole, Brisket of Beef, Crab Casserole, Scalloped Potatoes, Green Beans with Ham, Layered Tossed Salad and Pasta Salad. We also had a beautiful cake, custom designed for us, affordably.

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side? Go with you gut, on every aspect of planning, whether or not it’s the most “cost effective” or not, I did what I felt lead to do and where I felt we’d reap the greatest rewards and items I thought would stand out to us and amongst our guests as the most memorable. Relax, as hectic as everything may seem, during the time leading up to the big day, things will fall into place, especially with the right help on hand, whom are equally as excited and dedicated to making your special day all you envision and hope for it to be.

What was your biggest splurge? Definately the photographer…his skills, abilities, confidence dedication and final product are unbeatable. He definately takes a lot of pride in his work and follows through on each and every promise, while capturing the most intimate, precious moments of your special day.

What was your favorite detail? I would have to say the fall decor, as a whole. It’s my favorite time of year and the essence of both the season and the event were captured fully, as intended.

What is the most memorable moment of your day? Walking down the isle, toward my future husband, feeling the most at ease, assured and happy that I’ve been in a long time. We started our journey just two short years ago and promised to make it a lifelong one, from that day forward. I loved that we wrote our own vows and exchanged them with one another, with each and every feeling we held in our hearts.

VENDORS:

Photography: The Messenger Image  |  Cake: Patti Kakes in Pasadena, Maryland  |  Rentals: Ebb Tide Tent & Party Rentals 

_________________ Thanks for reading Maryland Wedding by The Messenger Image: Kim + Dale from: The Budget Savvy Bride

Looking for more budget savvy weddings? Visit our Real Weddings gallery! Need to find some DIY projects to save you money and create beautiful details? Check out our DIY project gallery! Connect with The Budget Savvy Bride on the web: Pinterest :: Twitter :: Facebook ::

This lovely Missouri wedding came to us from a longtime reader, Trischa! I LOVE when readers send their weddings in for features, it’s so fun to see how they made their wedding dreams come true on a small budget! It makes me all warm and fuzzy when readers like Trischa want to share their ideas and experiences with our little community here. As with most budget weddings, she did alot of DIY to save money and create a more personal elements throughout the day. I hope her adorable rustic affair serves to inspire and delight you! xoxo-Jess

 Trischa & Chris  

September 22, 2012

 Camp Hickory Hill Summer Camp, Columbia Missouri

What was your budget? If you are able, give us a rough breakdown of how you spent your budget.

We originally wanted to stay around $5,000- $6,000, but quickly realized feeding and housing everyone for the weekend, we needed to set a realistic goal of $8000, and we came in at $8300!

Venue (entire camp for the weekend, including guest cabins) – $1750

Alcohol – $400

Catering - $1330

Food for other weekend meals – $500

Decorations – $330

Dress & Accessories – $1300

Favors – $170

Flowers – $225 (bulk ordered and assembled ourselves)

Musician for Friday Night – $400

Paper goods – Save-the-dates, invites, signs – $205

Photographer (Frequent flier fees and tip) – $900

Rentals – $135

Hubbys’ Suit: – $320

Bridal hair and makeup – $120

How many guests did you have?

45 people for an entire weekend, 80 people for the reception.

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?

Due to our budget and a blank slate for a ceremony/reception site, we had to do almost everything DIY. I collected vintage pieces for the wedding for a full year before and we made all of our decorations ourselves. My mother-in-law is a great artist and she used her creative talents to make tons of tissue flowers for our ceremony, and beautiful ivory and gold tissue covered paper lanterns for our dessert table and our reception. To save money on signs, we used pallets covered in chalk paint and my amazing husband designed our save-the-dates and our wedding invite.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

One of the biggest things we did was choose the least expensive catering company in town and we were able to buy all of our own liquor which saved us a ton of money. The catering company was beyond awesome and I got so many compliments on the food! Our wedding must have been a lot of work because they delivered their baby the day after our wedding!!!

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

Spend the money on a good photographer! We were lucky enough to work out a deal with some friends who are incredibly talented and have their own business in Peru, INTI Media. Looking back at the emotion that was captured by our photographers is something I will be able to do forever. I still cry when I look at some of our photos and I know I will for years to come.

What was your biggest splurge?

I spent $1300 on my dress and accessories.

What was your favorite detail?

The DIY planter boxes we made and stained! I picked up 24 vintage milk glasses bottles from a yard sale (Thanks, Dad!) and they fit perfectly! Once we added the white and green hydrangeas they were perfect centerpieces.

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

One that stands out is sitting around a camp fire the night before our wedding with a local musician who played. It was chilly, there was a small fire, he was playing his guitar and a small group of our friends were hanging out. It was the perfect pre-wedding night.

VENDORS

Caterer A Catered Affair  |  Photography INTI Media  |  Venue Camp Hickory Hill

_________________ Thanks for reading Missouri Wedding by INTI Media: Trischa + Chris from: The Budget Savvy Bride

Looking for more budget savvy weddings? Visit our Real Weddings gallery! Need to find some DIY projects to save you money and create beautiful details? Check out our DIY project gallery! Connect with The Budget Savvy Bride on the web: Pinterest :: Twitter :: Facebook ::

This wedding just makes me feel so happy! I LOVE the color scheme, the playful blues and greens were carried over into all the different aspects of the day- they really pulled everything together so nicely! I love the lime centerpieces and the colorful lanterns everywhere! I think this wedding is so adorable and I am shocked that they were able to do it for only $8200 for 130 people! It helps that they didn’t have to pay to rent their venue– if we could all only be that lucky! Thanks to Janna & Jacob for allowing us to feature their wedding and to Brittney Melton for submitting it via TwoBrightLights! xoxo-Jessica

Janna + Jacob

June 18, 2011
KC Ranch   |  Lytle, Texas

What was your budget? If you are able, give us a rough breakdown of how you spent your budget.

Our budget was $ 8,200.
$1700 on the tent, tables, chairs
$2600 on food (tiagos) and beverage (Costco)
$1600 on photographer
$1000 on decorations
$500 on DJ
$600 on the cake
$175 Bartender
$150 Margarita Machine
$400 miscellaneous

How many guests did you have?

130

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?

We wanted a fun laid back event and we also wanted it to be individual. Having it at the ranch made it very personal and we had a lot of family and friends to help us put it all together. We couldn’t have done it without them and I think all the love put into making it our special day made it even more special. I love the colors that we choose, turquoise and lime green, we used limes in vases for centerpieces! It was perfect for a June wedding and very affordable.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

We saved the most money by having the wedding at his Grandparents ranch.

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

Find someone to help you. I knew what I wanted but I didn’t know how to put it all together. Lucky for me I have a sister who is an Interior Designer and Event Planner and is really good at pulling things together, so she really helped me out a lot. It was quite a task since she lives in Texas and I live in Nevada, but we emailed each other a lot and sent lots of pictures.

What was your biggest splurge?

The food and drink!

What was your favorite detail?

I really like the paper lanterns that hung in the tent.

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

I think the most memorable moment was being married under the oak tree. For us we couldn’t imagine a better place or a better moment.

VENDORS

Drinks: The Cocktail Concierge   |   Music/Entertainment: Music Connection    |     Drinks: Mr. Margarita    |   Rentals: Alamo City Party Rentals     |   Photography: Brittney Melton Photography and Design

_________________ Thanks for reading Janna + Jacob: Texas Wedding by Brittney Melton Photography from: The Budget Savvy Bride

Looking for more budget savvy weddings? Visit our Real Weddings gallery! Need to find some DIY projects to save you money and create beautiful details? Check out our DIY project gallery! Connect with The Budget Savvy Bride on the web: Pinterest :: Twitter :: Facebook ::

Michael & Katie

June 4th, 2011
Kingsport, Tennessee

What was your budget?

We spent around $8,000 total. $6,000 was our original budget but my mother-in-law generously offered to pay for our catering.

Catering – $3,600
Dress/Veil/shoes – $850/$146/$70
Rentals – $640
Decorations – Less than $100. I bought all decorations at Big Lots & Dollar Tree. The lanterns & vases we already owned & we used Magnolia leaves from MIL’s yard.
Rings – His $150/ Mine were his grandmother’s
Location – Free
Church/Minister/Organist – $250
Photography – $1,500
Flowers – Less than $200 (We ordered from whole sale and did everything on our own.)
DJ – $350
Bar – $400 (My brother works at a package store.)
Invitations/Save the Dates – $300/$100

How many guests did you have?

invited 225ish/ 150 atttended

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?

I am originally from Mississippi so it was important for me to include that in my day. We used magnolia leaves on the tables and around the cake. I included three magnolias on my cake and one in my bouquet. Also in my bouquet were cream colored roses as they the flower of my sorority, Delta Gamma. My colors were navy and yellow but my husband really wanted to wear an orange bowtie and he wanted me to match him somehow. Since he didn’t ask for much I agreed and wrapped my flowers in orange.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

There were several ways we saved money. Since we had the reception at my mother-in-law’s home we didn’t have to pay for a location. Doing our own flowers saved us a ton. Last place I saved money is on my dress. I knew better than to think I had to spend thousands to get a dress I loved.

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

Decide on numbers before anything else. It helps when budgeting and controls some choas. What was your biggest splurge? I’d have to say gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. I used online coupon codes and Mr. Rebates so I could get them something really good. The girls got totes from Lands End with their names. The boys got tailgating chairs with a built in cooler from Bass Pro. What was your favorite detail? Other than the ones mentioned above I would have to say my jewelry. They were his maternal grandmother Katherine’s rings. I also wore my grandmother Dickie’s sapphire ring and a pair of hydrangea blossom earrings that my brother and his wife gave me.

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

Having my four year old niece come back from St. Jude to be in my wedding. Kellan, who is obsessed with princesses, put on her Disney princess wedding dress over her flower girl dress immediately following the ceremony. And trying not to cry while looking at my dad.

VENDORS:

Invitations: Qwik Pack and Ship
Save the dates – WeddingPaperDivas.com
Cartering – Evenlyn McConnell (local little old lady)
Bar – B&B package
Flowers – Tennessee Florist Supply, Inc.
Dress – Jasmine Bridal (purchased at Masengill’s in Johnson City, TN)
Rentals – Action Rentals
DJ – The Electric DJ
Photography – AmandaChurchill.com

_________________ Thanks for reading Michael + Katie by Amanda Churchill Photography from: The Budget Savvy Bride

Looking for more budget savvy weddings? Visit our Real Weddings gallery! Need to find some DIY projects to save you money and create beautiful details? Check out our DIY project gallery! Connect with The Budget Savvy Bride on the web: Pinterest :: Twitter :: Facebook ::

I know, I know… long time no WOW. Bad Jessica. Things have been CRAZY for me the last few weeks guys, so please forgive the lack of budget-savvy wedding goodness. I’ve got a lovely one to share with you today, from iDrop Photo. I thought we could use a little fall inspo since we’re all at the point in the summer where we are desperately wishing for cooler temps. Hope this lovely autumn-infused affair cools you off. I love the leaves in the bouquets and of course the pumpkins as decor. (Who’s ready for the return of the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks? I mean, right???) Enjoy- and please forgive me for the absence of our favorite weekly feature. xo Jessica

Tyler & Daley

October 23, 2010
Madera, California

What was your budget? If you are able, give us a rough breakdown of how you spent your budget.

We had $8000 to use for the wedding. The Venue covered most of the main items we needed tables, chairs, tent, and of course wine. They charged us $4 a head. To keep the cost of food down we decided to only do hor’dourves ( if that is how its spelt) and desserts.  One of our friends offered to do the food for around $1000 and made our wedding cake a wedding gift. For the decorations I spent roughly around $500. I scoured all of Fresno’s best thrift stores for items that I could use as table toppers. We also found a pumpkin patch in the area that gave us a great deal for buying in bulk. For around 50 pumpkins and gourds we only ended up spending $100. Our florist only did the boutonnieres and bouquets. We went the day before to trader joes and bought a couple of bouquets for center pieces making the cost of flowers stay small. Tyler stepdad built an arch for us to get married under which cost us nothing at all. And my mom and I collected leaves from the trees a few weeks before the wedding and place on the aisle. our DJ was a friend as well who only charged us $100. Have your wedding early if you want to keep the cost down because if you do it before dinner but after lunch time you won’t have to spend a lot of money on food.

How many guests did you have?

A little under 150

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?

Creating my own centerpieces from items I found at thrift stores.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

Lots of couponing and thrifting!

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

Have a girls night and invite your friends over to help you put decorations and other wedding items together. It bonds your bridesmaids and makes getting everything done that much easier. Also use whatever resources you have if you know someone who can make something or do something for your wedding for a cheaper cost go for it!

What was your biggest splurge?

Our cake topper! Loved it!

What was your favorite detail?

The bouquets- I was so happy with them!

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

The father daughter dance- it was amazing!
Our story is really simple. We met through a church event, but didn’t really get to know one another until we both happened to join our friends for a hang out not knowing the other person would be there. we bonded over movies (Tim Burtons The Nightmare Before Christmas in particular) and realized we had a lot of the same taste. Then we started to stalk one another on facebook and continue group hangouts for a few weeks then finally made it official at a Colby Callait concert on another group date. Shortly after we started talking about marriage in the next couple of years and ended up getting married the following fall.

{all photos from iDrop Photo}

_________________ Thanks for reading DIY fall wedding on an $8,000 Budget from: The Budget Savvy Bride

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I LOVE this wedding, y’all. Everything looks so natural and clean without looking boring or plain. I love the wood + white color scheme and the handmade wooden centerpiece boxes made by the groom. How special is that? Obviously I am in love with the turquoise jewelry worn by the bride and her maids… y’all know how much I love me some turquoise. This couple really focused on the important things and in the end it was still incredibly beautiful and classy. These bright and gorgeous photos by Melissa McFadden are sure to delight you this morning! Thank you so much to Rob and Meg for sharing your special day with us! 

Rob and Meg DeBolt

August 21st, 2010

Where did you get married?

Mill Creek Gardens, Walla Walla, WA

What was your budget? Give a rough breakdown of what you spent if possible.

We tried to stay between $5000 and $7500, came out closer to $7500. This doesn’t include our rings or our airfare to get there (we live in Texas and got married in the Northwest).

* Mill Creek Gardens- $2600

* Photography- $1900

* Catering- Bon Appetit- $1800

* Ceremony music- $150 (violin and guitar from Walla Walla Symphony)

* DJ- $300 + tip

* Flowers (Safeway)- $500

* Dress (JCrew)- $300

* Suit (Calvin Klein)- $125

* Sandals (Rainbow)- $50/pair x 3

* Invitations- I did them on my own. Used pressed flowers as an accent and made matching thank you cards- $75 not including postage

* Cake- $250 Johns Wheatland Bakery, Walla Walla WA

* Centerpieces- $250

* Save the Dates- $130

* Gifts for bridal party- $200

* Officiant donation- $100

* Wedding license- $50

* Wine- Maryhill Winery- $400

How many guests did you have?

We had about 105 people

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?

I really wanted the wedding to be personal and as non-commercial as possible. Our colors were white and wood and the setting at Mill Creek Gardens was perfect. My fiance and dad made the wood centerpieces and I selected all of the glassware from Pier 1 Imports or Michaels. On the day of, two of my aunts put the center pieces together. I did all of our stationery. Also, I wore vintage heels and jewelery that my husband had given to me after our first date (earrings). The bracelet I wore was made by my great aunt, I love turquoise.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

We focused the wedding on our enjoyment, not others. Too many people worry about throwing a great party and forget about what they want to remember. Not only did we have a great party, but we saved money by opting out of little details such as wedding favors, hard alcohol, and a champagne toast (we did Muscat Canelli). In the end, you remember very little about the small stuff, so I am glad we stuck to the basics and focused on enjoying the day.

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

Do a lot of research! You can always get a better deal. More importantly, make sure that you do things the way that you and your fiance want. Don’t let others influence you too much. Welcome their advice, but don’t change your plans based on what others want. This is your day.

What was your biggest splurge?

Photography, but it was worth it! Melissa McFadden is amazing and I have recommended her to all of my newly engaged friends and she will be doing all of our family pictures in the future.

What was your favorite detail?

My husband gave me a beautiful pair of turquoise earrings for my birthday when we first met. They are very whimsical and were the perfect accent.

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

Exchanging vows, knowing that our day had finally come.

VENDORS

Venue- Mill Creek Gardens

Photography- Melissa McFadden Photography

Catering- Bon Appetit

Ceremony Music- violin and guitar from Walla Walla Symphony

Flowers Safeway

Dress – JCrew

Cake- Johns Wheatland Bakery

Wine- Maryhill Winery

_________________ Thanks for reading Rob + Meg by Melissa McFadden Photography from: The Budget Savvy Bride

Looking for more budget savvy weddings? Visit our Real Weddings gallery! Need to find some DIY projects to save you money and create beautiful details? Check out our DIY project gallery! Connect with The Budget Savvy Bride on the web: Pinterest :: Twitter :: Facebook ::

Sorry for the intermittent blog silences over the last few weeks, folks. Things have been a little crazy at the Casa de Budget Savvy. I will fill you in more over in the Life section soon. I am happy to be back today with a lovely December South Carolina wedding that I’ve had in my queue for bit and need to feature before we get in to full-blown summer mode! I am in love with the little chalkboard signs (I personally still love this trend) especially the rustic, wintery feel of them along with the added detail of the fleur-de-lis puts a sweet spin on it. I love their mardis gras theme and how subtle and classy it is- they really pulled it off! Thanks so much to longtime reader Kimmy and her new hubby Dan for sharing their special day with us!  -Jessica

Kimmy & Dan

Dec. 11, 2010
Walker Hall @ South Carolina School for the Deaf & Blind, Spartanburg, SC

What was your budget? If you are able, give us a rough breakdown of how you spent your budget.

We had a budget of $8,000 that my parents graciously gave us. That made us want to be even more wise with our money. We did go over that some, but was able to stick to that budget pretty closely! A general breakdown:

$2700 on photography

$2100 on venue

$2000 for catering, florals, decorations, and rentals

$400 ($520) for wedding dress, $220 for alterations

$200 on coffee favors for our guest

$250 on invitations, programs, and children’s books

How many guests did you have?

We had around 125 guests for our rather large day.

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?

We loved being able to add personal touches throughout our wedding weekend. We handmade all of our invitations, programs, children’s activities books, and coffee favors for our guests. I also wore some very special items that I brought back from living in Northern Africa such as my earrings and my wedding shoes. Wearing those items reminded me of my sweet friends who I wanted to be at our wedding but who couldn’t be because of the distance. Our reception was a little bit different. We decided on having a coffee and dessert bar and putting out board games for our guests to play. The desserts that we chose were important to us like the king cake which reminded me of my time in New Orleans. We wanted a relaxed and fun atmosphere that would allow us to spend time with our friends and family and also would give them a chance to mingle and have fun together. My bridesmaid, who currently lives in New Orleans, also brought quite a few things from there to make it a special day. Who doesn’t love beads, boas, and masks??? It was a lot of fun to use those in our first dance and as we left the wedding. My Bridal luncheon was also different than the traditional “Bridal Luncheon”. I was able to treat all of my gals and some special ladies with a morning of painting pottery, which was LOTS of FUN!

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

We set priorities and goals from the beginning and revisited those often as we planned our wedding. We decided the proprieties would be on photography and on the venue. We also decided on the look that we wanted and set out to find ways to make that happen for “less”. We asked our families to pitch in and help with many of the personal touches that we added to the wedding, which reduced a lot of the cost. The biggest thing we did to save money was to put together all of our printed items and many of our decorations. We had our invitations printed at a local print shop and then we assembled them. We knew from the beginning that invitations and stationary could get expensive and it’s only used for that day and then thrown away. We set out from the beginning to create and bring together our invitations and programs for as a cheap as possible, yet still classy. That saved us LOTS of money! We made our decorations by buying small chalkboard and staining and putting a fleur de lis applique on them to match our wedding invitations and stationary. We also shopped locally – using local vendors and friends to help us put together our big day. We borrowed the burlap and lanterns (which are identical to lanterns that you can get in my North African home!) from my friend who got married this summer.

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

We only had about four months to plan our wedding – which was plenty of time. There will always be details to work on, no matter how long you have to plan your wedding. Enlist the help of family and friends. Make it personal! Add things that are a symbol of you and your hubby! Remind yourself constantly that at the end of your wedding day, “you’re gonna be MARRIED!” and that is all that matters. While your wedding day is a really important day, it’s just that – a DAY. The marriage is more important than the wedding and we set out to focus on our marriage, not just the wedding.

What was your biggest splurge?

We splurged in two areas: our photographer and our venue. Those two things were crucial for what we wanted – a special place that could be “us” and a photographer that was talented and creative and that could capture our day long after the food has been consumed, the coffee drank, and the dress put away!

What was your favorite detail?

Our coffee bar and coffee favors were our favorite part! We both LOVE coffee and wanted to include that in our rather large day. We spent many nights sippin’ coffee together on dates and couldn’t imagine not having coffee and our love for coffee as a part of the day. We had our friend Amy, a former Starbucks Barista, there to help! She made us special coffee drinks for our first drink. We had several flavors of creamer and locally roasted coffee. Our favors were handmade burlap bags with coffee – which we loved to give to all of our family and friends!!

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

Seeing Dan and spending some one on one time with him before the wedding ceremony was hands-down my favorite moment. Our “first look” time was super intimate and calmed my nerves and reminded me to just breath and focus on us during the day. We were able to talk and have a conversation without anyone interrupting us or pulling us to the “next” thing. It also gave us some time to pray together before our ceremony. It gave our photographer some amazing photos and it saved lots of time after the ceremony for pictures, which made all of our guests happy!!

VENDORS

Photographer: Chris Isham Photography

Venue: Walker Hall

Hair: Randi (friend) at Magnolia’s A Salon

Catering, Flowers, Decorating, Directing: Brenda Rogers (friend)

Coffee Favor & Coffee Bar: Little River Roasting

Dresses and Tuxes: David’s Bridal & Men’s Wearhouse

Invitations: Una Print Shop (local print shop)

Our Website has more pictures and more of our story.

_________________ Thanks for reading Kimmy + Dan from: The Budget Savvy Bride

Looking for more budget savvy weddings? Visit our Real Weddings gallery! Need to find some DIY projects to save you money and create beautiful details? Check out our DIY project gallery! Connect with The Budget Savvy Bride on the web: Pinterest :: Twitter :: Facebook ::