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Chic Alabama Wedding

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Chic Alabama Wedding

Andrea + Matthew

Birmingham, Alabama
- 10/29/2017
Total wedding budget $5,000
bride getting ready photos
bride getting ready photos
gray suit
ring shots
first look
first look
first look
outdoor wedding ceremony
outdoor ceremony
couple shots
wedding venue
wedding attire
reception venue
wedding brunch
cake table
cake table
dancing
bouquet toss
wedding recessional

What was your budget?

  • Venue: $1000
  • Catering: $800
  • Flowers: $250
  • Gowns: $600
  • Photography: $900
  • Groom’s Suit: $250
  • DJ: $300
  • Cakes: $300
  • Hair: $400
  • Makeup: $380
  • Invitations: $100

Total: $4980 ($10 Under Budget!)

How many guests did you have?

We had about 50 guests.

What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?

A very personal detail was that I wore Matthew’s grandmother’s broach in my hair as my “something blue”.  That meant a lot to have that detail in the wedding.

Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your weddings?

The wedding was a group effort for sure.  All the arrangements and decorations were DIY projects.  Most of the greenery came from my in-laws yard and the table cloths were handmade by my husband’s great aunt and grandmother.  I handmade the sign that went above the bridal party table.  I handmade two garters; one for throwing and the other for a keepsake.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

We were blessed to have a friend cater for the wedding.  She gave us a great deal and made wonderful food for a fraction of the cost if we had hired another caterer in the area.  We also used a Groupon to save on the invitations. 

What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?

The best advice I can give is what my friend Nia gave me when I started the planning process.  Decide what aspects of the wedding you don’t want to compromise on.  For example, having beautiful pictures was really important to us so we dedicated more of our budget to photography.   All other areas we tried to save as much money as possible by doing DIY projects.

What was your biggest splurge?

Photography was an area that we both decided was an area that we wanted to invest in.  It was important to us to have beautiful photos we could cherish forever.  And our photographer was awesome! 

What was your favorite detail?

My favorite detail was definitely the fur coats and stoles.  When we found out that the high would be 56 degrees the day of, my mother in law started calling friends and family to collect all these gorgeous, glamorous furs.  We collected enough for guests to wear during the ceremony.  It was a wonderful touch that made the day so special.

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

The first look was wonderful.  Matthew and I having that private moment was so special to me.

VENDORS 

Photography: Diana Martin of Spark Photography • Venue: Avondale Villa; Birmingham Parks and Recreation • Flowers: Davis Wholesale and Trader Joe’s • Wedding Planner +Day-of Coordinator: Rakia Hassell • Stationery: MixBook • Favors: Etsy • Catering: Family Friend • Bakery: Nothing Bundt Cake • Groom’s Cake: A. Joy Cakes • Hair Stylist: Monica Jordan Salon • Makeup Artist: Precious Sanders Makeup • Bridesmaids Dresses: Bridal Bliss • Bridal Salon: Bridal Bliss • Veil: Bridal Bliss • Shoes: Macy’s • Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Nordstrom Rack • Men’s Shoes: DSW