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Quaint Backyard Wedding for $2500

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We have such a gorgeous wedding for you today! Their main goal was to have a small, intimate ceremony and reception while saving as much money as possible. That is why they chose to have the wedding at the bride's parents’ house. Enjoy this Quaint Backyard Wedding for $2500!
Quaint Backyard Wedding for $2500

Amanda + Forrest

Daphne, Alabama
- 05/16/2019
Total wedding budget $2,500

Budget Breakdown

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

  • Stationery
    2%
    $50
  • Venue
    %
    $0
  • Partner 1 Attire
    12%
    $290
  • Partner 2 Attire
    %
    $0
  • Accessories
    1%
    $20
  • Flowers
    12%
    $300
  • Cake/Dessert
    4%
    $100
  • Decor
    6%
    $150
  • Catering
    %
    $0
  • Photography
    40%
    $1000
  • Rentals
    12%
    $300
  • Miscellaneous
    12%
    $290
  • Total wedding budget
    $2500

How did you meet?

Forrest and I met on Tinder! He messaged me first and asked me on a date. The first date was totally awkward for me, but I went on a second date (because he seemed super nice) and the second date went a lot better!

What is your proposal story?

We had been dating for about 2 years and decided that we wanted to get married! We talked about it for a couple of weeks, then went and picked our rings together. It was not a “surprise” proposal when he officially proposed at Bayfront Park in Daphne, Alabama.

Tell us about your wedding vision.

Our main goal was to have a small, intimate ceremony and reception while saving as much money as possible. This is why we chose to have the wedding at my parents’ house in Daphne. We didn’t have a wedding color, but the flower arrangements had mostly pinks and purples.

Tell us about your attire choices.

I found my dress on the Azazie website. They have sample dresses that you can try on and send back for $15 per dress, and I ended up buying my dress there for $250 plus tax and shipping. I recommend Azazie for brides on a budget!

We bought Forrest’s suit and vest from Men’s Wearhouse. We planned on renting a suit but we decided to just go ahead and buy one since they were running a sale.

What was most important to you two? Was there anything you chose to splurge on or skip?

The most important thing to us is that we wanted the day to be as stress-free and laidback as possible— and it was! The most money we spent on our wedding was on our photographer, Kristen Marcus Photography. One thing I didn’t mind splurging on was our photos! We skipped having a bridal party and serving alcohol at the reception. My mom paid for our catering, which also helped keep the day thrifty.

What were your favorite parts of the day?

On the morning of our wedding, Forrest and I went to Chick-fil-A for breakfast and then went to go pick up the rental car that we rented for our honeymoon. A Chick-fil-A breakfast is the perfect way to start your wedding day in our opinion!

My favorite part of our wedding day would have to be the actual ceremony and exchanging of our vows. It was the most special moment of my life. Forrest says his favorite part of the day was our first kiss as husband and wife at the end of the ceremony and “the food was good too.”

Tell us about your wedding flowers.

I bought all of the flowers (minus a few real arrangements and my bouquet, which were a gift from Forrest’s stepmom) from Hobby Lobby, on sale of course. I made the small arrangements for the tables and put them in glass vases from Dollar Tree. I bought all boutonnieres and corsages at Hobby Lobby too. All in all, we spent about $300 on flowers.

Tell us about your wedding cake.

One of my best friends since first grade, Jessica, made both cakes. I am not lying when I say that they were the best cakes I’ve ever tasted in my life! She decorated the bride’s cake with silk flowers that I bought in the Hobby Lobby bundle. I paid Jessica $100 to make both of the cakes. She did an amazing job!

What did you do for favors?

We skipped favors, and no one seemed to miss them or mind one bit!

Please describe any DIY, handmade, or personal details.

Most of our wedding was DIY. Forrest and I made the arbor that we stood under, and I made the floral arrangement that was on it. We borrowed the banquet tables from our church and I made the flower and candle arrangements. My mom found the antique lanterns at various thrift stores and on the Facebook marketplace. We also built the doorway entry for our outdoor ceremony, and the driftwood cross.

My friend Beckie played the violin for our ceremony. One thing I love about our wedding is that so many of our friends and family helped out so much.

Do you have any advice for couples planning their weddings now?

Our advice for couples planning their wedding is to do what makes you happy! Having a small, relaxed wedding made us happy. Also, there will be lots of people trying to tell you how to do things, but kindly remind them that it is YOUR day.