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DIY Winter Wedding in Florida

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Mallery and Nick really dove into DIY with their gorgeous winter wedding in Florida. Without a wedding planner or florist, they did everything from flowers to decor! We love how romantic their day was surrounded by palm trees and the Florida sunset!

Mallery + Nick

Fort Myers, Florida
- 02/27/2021
Total wedding budget $30,000

Budget Breakdown

Below is an estimated wedding budget breakdown provided by the couple.

  • Catering
    30%
    $8970
  • Alcohol/Bar
    5%
    $1500
  • Flowers
    3%
    $900
  • Rentals
    2%
    $650
  • Music/Entertainment
    3%
    $1046
  • Photography
    10%
    $3000
  • Partner 1 Attire
    1%
    $200
  • Partner 2 Attire
    8%
    $2300
  • Stationery
    1%
    $230
  • Venue
    12%
    $3588
  • Videography
    3%
    $1000
  • Miscellaneous
    3%
    $800
  • Total wedding budget
    $30000

Did you do any DIY Projects or create any handmade items for your wedding?

Almost every aspect of our wedding was DIY. I did not have a wedding planner or florist! We spent months planning and buying decor and even making a few things that were in the wedding like the corn hole boards and our greenery champagne wall! The only items that were rented for the wedding were the dance floor, alter table, and suits!

The greenery champagne wall was such a huge hit at the wedding that we ended up making money because the venue ended up buying it from us!

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

We did not have a wedding planner. My husband and I planned the wedding which I think is so special. I knew after choosing the venue that we would be able to design and decorate our dream wedding. Spending time together planning your own wedding really adds the suspense which made leading up to the day even better. It really felt like “our” day because planning it was so personal. We had so much support leading up to the day of, and our family and friends were able to step in and help set up on the big day. It helps to have an amazing support system and maid of honor!

What is the most memoriable moment of your day?

Walking back down the aisle as husband and wife. I don’t think there is any one word to describe that feeling! Having loved ones there to cheer you on is so special.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

There were so many things we did to save money! Having a smaller wedding helps A LOT. The DIY floral package from The Bouqs I think is where we saw most of our cost come down. I would not have been able to do the florals without my maid of honor, mother, sister, and two special friends who jumped in the day of. It was a bit stressful at first, but the Bouqs gives you a stem recipe that’s easy to follow once you get the hang of it.


We would not have been able to have our beautiful wedding without both of our parents. We are both so thankful for their support and they enabled us to save money for our special day. We truly would not have been able to do this without them. Two other very special people in our lives were also able to help- my husband’s aunt made us a beautiful cake as our wedding gift and his family pastor was able to marry us. Another great way we saved money was an all-inclusive venue that saved on transportation costs. The ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception were all at the same venue. We girls even had our own get-ready room on the property as well.

What was your biggest splurge?

II had 2 dresses, one for the ceremony and one for the reception. My mother, maid of honor, and I fell in love with 2 dresses when we went shopping. I couldn’t decide between the two! The first dress made my mom cry and was more traditional and timeless while the second option was more “fashion”. I went back and bought the more traditional dress and as time went on I felt like something was missing. I ended up calling the shop with the second dress and I was able to buy the sample dress at a huge discount! They were both absolutely perfect. They were both so different but I felt they showed both sides of my personality. 

What was your favorite details?

The venue!!! I loved that we were able to celebrate our special day with our loved ones from up north here in our new “home” in Florida. Being surrounded by our friends and family in the beautiful Florida winter weather, palm trees and sunset was so special. The sun was setting over the river during our first dance, it couldn’t have been more perfect.

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

I know it’s hard not to, but DON’T stress the small stuff. Everyone is there to celebrate you both as a couple and they will help do anything to make sure the day goes without any hiccups. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. The day will end up being so beautiful and perfect you won’t remember the small stuff.