What was your budget?
Our budget was $6,500:
- Venue: $1500
- Rentals: $1000
- Photography (travel): $400
- Food: $1500
- Accommodations: $600
- Flowers: $200
- Entertainment: $200
- Miscellaneous: $1000
How many guests did you have?
We had 110 guests in attendance.
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
Sunflowers are an important symbol for our relationship, Brianna’s engagement ring is shaped like a sunflower! We included sunflower seeds as favors.
Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your weddings?
All the bouquets and table settings were DIY. We also created a memory table.
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
Planning ourselves and getting started early. Finding a venue that allowed us to choose our own caterer was also very helpful. Michael is a buyer for a gourmet market which allowed him to purchase the wine and beer at wholesale prices.
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
A day-of wedding planner is essential. Make sure your DJ knows what you’re looking for!
What was your biggest splurge?
We really tried to resist splurging at every turn. We ended up buying more flowers than we intended.
What was your favorite detail?
A friend of ours found a chicken pin for Michael to wear in his lapel. I grew up raising chickens and when I saw it on his chest that day it made me tear up.
VENDORS
Photography: Rachel Abi Photography • Venue: Gibson House • Flowers: Strelitzia Flower Company • Catering: Sandra Dee’s BBQ • Bakery: Ikeda’s • Rentals: A Grand Affair • DJ: KDVS • Bridal Shop: Light in the Box, • Groom’s Suit/Tux: Suit Supply Los Angeles
