*Editor’s note: Budget figures shown were converted from Canadian currency to USD for the purposes of the budget breakdown.
Did you do any DIY Projects or create any handmade items for your wedding?
I did every aspect of the decor myself. Seeing it all come together almost made me emotional knowing how much work I put into it all. Here are some of my favorite projects! (Also shout out to my Dad, Rob, many of these projects would not have been possible without his help!)
– All acrylic signage and stands
– Hand-dyed table runners (I used avocado seeds to dye them pink!)
– Flower wall
– Pampas grass vases
– Floral pieces
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
Oh, I had SO much fun planning my wedding. Personal touches were some of my favorite aspects. Here are a few fun things we did!
– Fun neon sign! We had a pink neon sign that said “it’s all good baby, baby” (LOTS of people will want to take a pic of a fun sign vs. your new last name!
– I surprised Adam with a wedding band that had wood from our venue in the ring! I worked with @stagheaddesigns for this and it’s stunning!
-I’m a pink girl. I used pink disco balls as a major “theme” to the day and it was awesome. (Check out our GIANT pink disco ball)
What is the most memoriable moment of your day?
This is such an interesting question because if you asked me before the wedding, I was so excited about the reception, I probably would have said that. I didn’t think much of the ceremony, but oh my gosh. The ceremony is something I will remember forever.
We last minute moved it from outside to the little chapel on the property cause of the rain (hot tip: The rain will absolutely not ruin your day as long as you have a backup plan). We moved in some candles, scented it with my aromatech (check out my TikTok video on scenting your wedding!) and it was beautiful. I remember the doors opening when my dad and I went to walk down the aisle and just hearing everyone gasp, I wasn’t expecting that but what a great way to hype a girl up haha.
Our vows were absolutely perfect. I’ve done a lot of writing in my life but those 2 minutes will always be what I am most proud of. I still choke up when I think about it. I highly recommend writing your own vows.
When my uncle said “you may kiss your bride” the crowd erupted and stood up and that memory is engrained in me. I said to Adam “I feel like I’m in a movie!” cause that’s the only way to describe it. The DJ cued Tina Turner’s “Simply The Best” as we kissed and walked back up the aisle. We did a confetti exit which made for the most epic pictures. (Seriously, check them out and shameless plug to my confetti company – The Confetti Farm)
It was perfect.
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
Oh, girl. Everything. There is a difference between having a “cheap” wedding and a “savvy” wedding. I’m extra, I love lavish things but I wanted it all at a price tag I was okay with. I loved getting extra creative to make things happen. Here are a few of our biggest money savers
– Venue: We got married where we had a connection. I didn’t even look at venues. My husband manages a beautiful property and we could get a discount. I’m not saying get married at your husband’s work (lol) but get creative with what connections you do have.
– Dress: I choose a second-hand dress and had zero regrets. Someone wore this dress once, had the best day of her life… And then I got too.
– DIY: I absolutely loved getting crafty. I know that’s not for everyone but when I saw something I liked it wasn’t “Where can I get that” it was “How can I make that” There are so many resources out there – You can have anything you want, at the price you want if you are willing to get a little creative.
– Honestly, starting my TikTok. (@fiancefinancial) This was such a cool element to it all and wasn’t at all a part of the plan. I had a few brands reach out and want to collab. I was sent some super fun stuff and met some really awesome people through it all.
-My ring! I chose a moissanite ring and I could talk forever about why, but that’s for another blog post.
What was your biggest splurge?
There were some things, I just couldn’t work around paying less for without sacrificing what I wanted.
The food. We paid $80 per head which is pretty standard where I live, but I’ll be transparent here. It was my biggest expense and biggest disappointment. It was cocktail-style but it just didn’t go as planned. It was delicious but I felt like we didn’t have enough servers and I was worried people weren’t getting enough food. (Everyone told me that wasn’t the case, but when you’re hosting a giant party like that and spending so much money, you’re going to worry)
We got our videographer at a great price (and trust me, you can too) but I know that’s a splurge for a lot of people because they feel it’s not totally necessary. I’m here to tell you it is. Do it, you will not regret it.
What was your favorite details?
I love how “ours” we made it. Every single thing came from my heart and hands.
I felt pulled so many times to do what was “trendy” and “traditional” our wedding had so many different vibes before I decided to just say screw it and do what I loved.
I was so worried about the blush/pink vibe. I love pink but I know not everyone does but in the end, I am SO happy I did it. It was so chic and beautiful and me. The pink disco ball will forever be an icon, and the fact my dad hung it from a chicken rotisserie in a historical barn was the running joke of the night.
The beer pong/flip cup table was a huge hit, we had a “coffee and confetti station” Upon walking into the ceremony people could grab a coffee and spike it with some local Irish whiskey. I made the cutest boho acrylic signs with one that had one of my favorite Jonny Cash quotes on it.
“When asked for his definition of paradise, Jonny Cash replied, “This morning with her having coffee” (Heart melting 😍)
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
Make it yours. Don’t listen to what you feel you need to do, or what’s trendy (unless you love the trend #teampampasgrass)
Remember that this is going to be an incredible day, but not worth going in debt over. Get creative to get what you want at the price you’re okay with.
Enjoy every second of it. From the proposal to waking up one morning as a wife. You only get to do this once, and it can be so much fun if you stop taking it all so seriously, This is your moment baby, relish in it!
Share any additional details you’d like us to know about your event:
Final Money Saving Tips!
- Find newer photographers/videographers. Chances are they are going to work REALLY hard to show up for you. Search hashtags in your area, contact the local college, ask within your network!
- If there is anything you really love and are wondering if it’s worth the splurge. Can you resell it? I’ve been able to make a decent amount of money back reselling things after the wedding
- Order from the source! I got all my pampas grass from AliExpress. I had to wait like 5 months for it to come in but it saved me a ton of money.
- With all that said, Support your friends where you can and don’t ask for a discount. This is such a simple way to support local and the people you love.
