What was your budget?
We spent about $4,900 in total.
- DJ: $800
- Photography:$1600
- Dress: $200
- Minister: $100
- Invitations, save the date, and stamps: $480
- Beer and wine: $250
- Florist: $535
- Bakery: $80
- Food: $455
- Bridesmaid gifts: $80
- Silverware and decorations: $320
How many guests did you have?
We had somewhere between 60-65 guests.
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
I had an heirloom handkerchief that she wore under her dress that had been passed down from her maternal great grandmother from 1903. I also wore my husband’s blue socks as my “something blue” on my wedding day. We used family antiques for many of the decorations. We used an old wash tub as a container to hold ice and beer which sat on top of an old wooden spool. My groomsmen and bridesmaids stood in a boy, girl order during the ceremony. Our friends are so tight knit that we didn’t want them to choose a side. Many of the boys are like my brothers. The wedding party all stayed at a local Inn. The Inn only has 9 rooms and we rented 7 out of the 9 rooms. This made it so much fun! We all got to hang out together the whole entire weekend.
Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your weddings?
We had a tiered cupcake holder made by the groom. My sister in law and I handmade each boutonniere for our 5 grooms. A bridesmaid painted a monogram on a wooden pallet for a shower that I reused at the wedding. My father and a family friend helped construct an arbor out of saplings and mountain laurel. Mother of the bride made wreaths using burlap and fall silk flowers along with wrapping mason jars in twine and burlap. She also cut the table runners out of burlap and tied lots of bows. The bride made a bow tie for the ring bearer, a “Mr and Mrs Jackson” banner, and signs for the “In Memory” table and ” Our Love Story” table.
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
Mother, aunt, and cousin of the bride fixed most of the food for the reception. Mother of the bride and a neighbor made most of the decorations for the reception. We used potted mums and decorative gourds as decorations instead of flowers from a florist. We also used sheets for tablecloths. I did not purchase any monogrammed cups or napkins (and no one noticed). The groomsmen all wore a pair of blue jeans, any long sleeve white shirt, and boots. The bridesmaids wore a maxi skirt (which they ordered), any white shirt they wanted, and boots. This helped with the costs tremendously for our friends which they truly appreciated.
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
Include family and friends in the actual helping of the reception. Many people are will help if you just ask. Also remember to enjoy every minute of your wedding day because it will be over before you realize it.
What was your biggest splurge?
The thing that I splurged the most on was my photographer followed by my DJ. I spent around 1/4 of my budget on my photographer but pictures are the one thing I left from that very special day. I do not regret splurging one bit!
What was your favorite detail?
I loved that I was able to use antiques our parents had stored away in their attics. Some of the things included: old fishing tackle box, bullet boxes, coke crates, large wooden boxes, coal bucket, milk churn, and a cricket box. It made it extra special that these items were family heirlooms.
What is the most memorable moment of your day?
My memorable moment was how the sky opened a hole just big enough to be over our heads as we said I do. It had rained all day the day of the wedding. It came time for the ceremony and I decided to go with the plan and have the ceremony outside rain or shine. Right before we walked down the isle the rain stopped and the sky opened up in the most beautiful way! The pictures show just how magical it was!
VENDORS
Photography: Leslie West • Flowers: Buds and Blossoms • Catering: Ingles • Bakery: Valley Cafe • DJ: TMT Productions • Hair Stylist: Wendy Henson at Mane Street Salon • Accommodations: Tiger Creek Falls Inn • Bridesmaids Dresses: Skirts via Mish Mash Deals • Bridal Shop: David’s Bridal • Jewelry: Family heirlooms • Bride’s Shoes: Shoe Station • Groom’s Sport’s Coat: Belk’s
