Did you do any DIY Projects or create any handmade items for your wedding?
We cut and dyed all of the cheesecloth table runners. The Mother of the Bride hand sewed over 130 velvet pumpkins. Bride’s good friend designed and drew several of the signs at the wedding. Bride created place settings, decorated ceremony sign/created the floral arrangements on that and created all floral arrangements for the cocktail hour tables.
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
We had our favorite Austin “brown grass” band play the cocktail hour and incorporated a polo game during cocktail hour that went on in the background (the bride used to play in college). We featured our dogs on the signature cocktail menu as well as on our guest canvas which was hand drawn of us and our dogs by my good friend.
We also did a “shot ski” at the beginning of the reception to commemorate Colorado which is where the bride is from, included lots of Selena, salsa, and Latin music during the reception as a shout-out to San Antonio which is where groom is from, and also had an extensive craft beer menu because we love our beer!
What is the most memoriable moment of your day?
We did a final private dance when it was just us in the venue and it was perfection.
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
I would say really researching your vendors and compare costs. We lucked out getting our venue as they were just starting out, their rate has since gone up several thousand dollars. Hand making certain items, such as the pumpkins and table runners also saved a lot, and we didn’t have favors. I also bought a lot of our items second hand from thrift shops or bride groups on facebook such as our chargers, vases, easels, etc.
What was your biggest splurge?
Probably our photographer (she was AMAZING) and our shuttle for our guests, since we chose to get married in a more rural location we felt it was important to provide that service.
What was your favorite details?
I really loved the pumpkins my mom made, she spent a lot of time on those and they looked amazing. Also loved our entire cocktail hour as it had all of the things that I loved!
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
Spreadsheets are your best friend. Start with a budget, compare vendors and don’t be afraid to shop around a bit. Secondhand is a great way to go for lots of decor items and those can often be turned around and re-sold again once you’re done with them (plus, more environmentally friendly/sustainable that way!)
I was a COVID bride, so planned for over 2.5 years due to having to postpone for an additional year.
Share any additional details you’d like us to know about your event:
It was incredibly tough being a COVID bride, so much stress and uncertainty. We got married in a very small ceremony with just family in Nov 2020, so trying to get excited and continue planning for this event was difficult at times. I can say now that it was completely worth all of the stress and effort to celebrate with ALL of our loved ones. It was truly a perfect day.
