Magical DIY Winter Wedding
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Today's wedding is nothing short of a Winter Wonderland Fairtytale Wedding! This Magical DIY Winter Wedding will knock your socks off — the talented and creative bride made pretty much every detail herself and brought her vision to life with the help of her friends and family. The result is a lovely transformation into the world of Frozen! I just know you'll love the lovely wintry details of this gorgeous wedding. xoxo, Jessica
Justine + Josh
January 1st, 2014
Schofield, Wisconsin
What was your wedding budget?
Our budget goal was to spend between $5,000-$10,000. Our total ended up being about $9,000!
- I used one location for the ceremony and reception which is a municipality building, The Rothschild Pavillion. That was around $700 to rent because it was a weekday (New Years Day).
- The photography was my splurge because I am a photographer and I truly value good photographs. I can't say enough about the quaity and professionalism of James Stokes Photography. I would recommend brides to splurge on their photography to get the best memories from their day.
- Our videographer was just starting out with his buisness and he gave us a very reasonable price. It helps to use up and comers if you're confident in their work / style.
- The food was also very reasonable as far as wedding food. We did soup, salad, and breadsticks and a potato bar for “cocktail hour.” Rockmans also provided the table cloths. The potato bar was less than $5 a person and the entree was around $10 per person. So $15pp total = $3500ish
- The caterer also provided coffee and lemonade. I set up a cocoa bar with mix in ingredients. My husband and I do not drink, so we had no alcohol. Not much spent on drinks- it definitely saved us alot!
- I loved my dress and was happy to pay around $1000 when it was all said and done. I decorated shoes from a thrift store to create a custom look. The shoes were $3 and I spent $10 for supplies.
- I made the bouquet from old brooches. One is from my grandmother who passed away only a few weeks before my wedding. My mom is an artist and antique dealer and I got the supplies generously donated from her. I also made the bridesmaid's bouquets out of pinecones. I only had to buy a few big ones to complete it.
- Our cake baker was just getting started with her business and we got our cake and cupcakes for a very reasonable price.
- The makeup artist is my cousin and she just worked for tips!
How many guests did you have?
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
I am a creative perfectionist so if I could make something I did. I made my bouquet and shoes. I made the wedding favors which were slices of branches custom stamped and glazed. My dad helped me make the stands to hold up the decorative trees I cut and painted. My dad also make the cake stand and “fairy house” card box.
My bridesmaids and I made stamped coffee cozies for the hot cocoa bar and we dipped plastic spoons in chocolate and sprinkled candy bits on them. The programs were made to look like the literary works of Hans Christian Andersen, the Danish author and poet, who served as inspiration for our fairy tale themed wedding. I made the programs myself by scanning a vintage fairy tale book we used in our engagement photos and creating a storybook program message on the inside.
I made the boutonnieres and corsages for the bridal party and family out of mini pinecones, and the bridesmaid bouquets out of large pinecones. My husband and I cut branches and frosted decor for the tables as well. The only elements I bought for decoration were the table vases, snowflakes, vintage fairytale books, and some of the birch candle holders which I purchased at flea markets, rummage sales, and auctions. I also planned a DIY ceremony painting to tie in our marriage and faith! So in short, everything was creative or personal!
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
The biggest thing I did to save money was make the bouquets and not use flowers.
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
Delegate what you can and don't be afraid to ask for help! Everything went very smoothly and the details came together like my vision thanks to all of the help from my husband, family and bridal party!
What was your biggest splurge?
My wedding splurge was the photographer and it was well worth it!
What was your favorite detail?
The potato bar!
What is the most memorable moment of your day?
My favorite moments were marrying my best friend, of course!
VENDORS
Venue: Rothschild Pavillion • Photography: James Stokes Photography • Video: Fancy Horse Films • Catering: Rockman's Catering • Gown: Brandi's Bridal Galleria • Bridesmaids Dresses + Tuxdeos: Thelma's Bridal • Cake: Spoonful of Batter • Makeup: Cosmetic Coppadge
