Today I'm bringing a brewhouse wedding with some colorful details! Brittany and Kyle put on a fun and elegant wedding, incorporating all sorts of colors into their floral arrangements and their candy bar. I especially love the guest book bench… what a fun idea? Happy Wednesday! xoxo, Jessica
Brittany + Kyle
May 7, 2016
Rockford, IL | Prairie Street Brewhouse
What was your budget?
Our budget was $20,000.
Venue: $7500
Food & alcohol: $4500
Decor: $2000
Attire (Bride, groom, bridesmaids and groomsmen): $2000
DJ, Photographer and Wedding Planner: $3000
How many guests did you have?
We had 120 guests.
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
My mom and I made all of the bouquets and the centerpieces. We had a candy bar that we created using bulk candy. We coordinate the bridemaids’ different shoe colors with the ribbons to match their shoes.
Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your weddings?
My mom and I put all of the flowers together. We spent an entire weekend cutting and arranging. I also printed and assigned place cards at home. The venue was gorgeous so there was no need to go above and beyond on decor.
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
I made my own flowers and had a friend make all of the cupcakes. We did buy all of the cupcake paper wrappers and fondant flowers online for a good deal.
Also, when inviting 150 people to a wedding, we found it awesome to have a venue that provided everything. We also opted to just have beer and wine.
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
Hire a wedding planner! I always hear that a wedding planner should pay for herself/himself in saving you money, and I found this very true. I was working 40+ hours a week and a full-time college student. I didn’t have time to call around, set-up appointments and get quotes. She did everything for me, which was amazing.
What was your biggest splurge?
Our biggest splurge was the food. It was done in house, and we could choose to have it served as a sit-down meal or buffet style. We had initially wanted a buffet dinner. But, through saving money on the flowers and other items, it felt better to have a sit down dinner, which in the end it didn’t tax our budget too much because it included salads, rolls, and hors d'oeuvres.
What was your favorite detail?
I loved everything about my wedding, but my favorite details would have to be all the flowers and the bridesmaids’ shoes.
What is the most memorable moment of your day?
Walking into the reception hall after the ceremony and everyone clapping, The entire room was perfectly lit and the song “It’s a Beautiful Day” by U2 was playing.
VENDORS
Photography: Erica Pospeshil • Venue: Prairie Street Brewhouse • Flowers: Michaels • Wedding Planner: Jordan Williams at Ever After Planning • Stationery: Shutterfly • Candy Buffet: Candy Warehouse • Cake: Family friend • DJ and Lighting: Luxe Productions • Transportation: Uber • Wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses and shoes: David’s Bridal • Jewelry: Kay Jewelers • Groom and groomsmen attire: Men’s Wearhouse