What was your budget?
Our target budget was between $13,000-$15,000.
Venues (both together): $5,100
Photography: $2,250
Food: $2,600
Rings: $180
Save the Dates and Invites: $500
Flowers: $480
Gifts (Bridesmaids, Groomsmen, Out of Town Guests): $650
Dress and Alterations: $650
Officiant, Musicians, DJs: $450
Chairs and Tables: $450
Decorations: $120
Total spent: $13,430
How many guests did you have?
We invited 320 guests; we had about 210 reply “yes” and show up!
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
We love our downtown city, so we wanted to make it as much of an “Athens” feel as possible. We held the ceremony at a church in-town. Then the guests walked the short 2 blocks to the local brewery where we had local food, a donut cake from a local eatery, and local BBQ. A local artist hand-drew our invitations and programs, Bridesmaid gifts were from another local artist, and our flowers were from a local farm.
Our out of town guests who stayed at the hotel received packages of locally roasted coffee with our names on the front.
Thorn and I both love to travel, so our centerpieces had maps on them
We left in Thorn’s grandfather’s 1955 Ford Fairlane
Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your weddings?
We bought all the flowers and a friend arranged them BEAUTIFULLY for us.
Also, the arch-like terrace we stood in front of was made by my dad and brother.
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
We had a lot of friends and family that stepped in to help us: arrange our flowers, help build the arch, stuff programs, run errands, bake our cake, set up our reception area, etc. It really was a community affair where so many people stepped in to help or lend us needed items.
All of our decor for the reception area was bought at a thrift store or junk store
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
Definitely use an online app (like The Knot or Wedding Wire) to organize and prioritize. It was such a helpful tool to figure out what needed to be done by when.
As far as spending, I regret nothing. I don’t wish I would’ve spent more or less. Everything really did turn out ideally.
What was your biggest splurge?
We splurged on our venues. We really wanted to be married downtown Athens, Georgia so we splurged in making that happen. Also, photography was a splurge. Place and pictures were important to us.
What was your favorite detail?
I grew up always loving Christmas time and the luminaries that lined the different neighborhoods. Our fun exit had luminaries lining the sidewalk and sparklers.
I also loved having all of our wedding party be introduced at our reception while “Space Jam” played in the back –every 90’s kid dream.
What is the most memorable moment of your day?
Our exit was pretty memorable. Who doesn’t love a good sparkler and luminaries party running towards and awesome looking car?
Also, I got choked up during our vows. I love our vows.
VENDORS
Photography: Kathryn Kimmel • Ceremony Venue: Redeemer Presbyterian • Reception Venue: Creature Comforts Brewery • Flowers: Moonflower Design • Stationery: Allison Cape • Catering: Blind Pig Tavern • Bakery: Ike and Jane • Rentals: Tables and Chairs from Barrons Rentals • DJ: Personal Friend • Ceremony Musicians: Aaron Slaten and Kelli Dyk • Hair Stylist: Personal Friend • Makeup Artist: Personal Friend • Wedding Gown Designer: Casablanca Bridal – Style 1769 • Bridal Salon or Shop: Formally Yours • Engagement and Wedding Bands: Archer Jewelry • Veil: Borrowed from friend • Groom’s Attire: Jacket + Pants • Ties: Vesuvio Napoli Cream Bowtie
