Did you do any DIY Projects or create any handmade items for your wedding?
Yes, I created many of our items! I created our save the dates, invitations, stationary and signage. I also made our table runners and our cupcakes!
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
We had a memory table with photos of our loved ones who had passed. I also had a bridal bouquet photo charm that had photos of my grandfathers in them to carry with me down the aisle.
What is the most memorable moment of your day?
The most memorable moment for us was reading our vows to one another. We did not have a first look, but instead had a private moment for the two of us. We stood around a tree and read our vows to each other, exchanged gifts, and our photographer captured the special moment for us.
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
I have my own business, Wandering Lou, so I was able to cut costs by making items myself. We also shopped around for vendors. We prioritized what was most important to us for that day, and then created a budget and adjusted as needed. We cut from other areas to cover costs of what meant the most to us for our day.
We also got a lot of items second-hand from Facebook wedding groups and for sale sites. One expense I didn’t consider was the cost of a veil. Instead of buying one for several hundred dollars, I found one for $20 online and it was perfect!
What was your biggest splurge?
Our biggest splurge was photography. We knew we wanted great photos that we could look back on years later and remember our special day. It was one of the best decisions we made and we would not do it differently!
What was your favorite detail?
We rented an audio guestbook with Fetefone. That was hands down the best experience and money spent! We got the recordings back while we were on our honeymoon, so it was wonderful to reminisce.
We can also listen to them any time we want. We have sweet messages from our loved ones and their voices that we can listen to when they are no longer here with us.
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
There are so many things! Plan ahead and don’t wait until the last minute. Don’t sweat the small stuff! Lean on others and ask for help when you need it.
Don’t spend beyond your means just to impress others. Make sure you have a planner or someone who can help take on responsibilities of the day so you don’t have to worry or make decisions day of.
The only thing that truly matters that day is getting to marry your partner while being surrounded by people you love.
