What was your budget? Please give us a breakdown of how you spent your budgetâ rough estimates are fine!
- $2000 – Band
- $600 – String quartet
- $600 – Officiant
- $500 – Flowers
- $1200 – Bridesmaid dresses
- $6000 – Venue and food
- $1200 – Flights
- $3500 – Dress
- $250 – Favors
- $400 – Kilt rentals
- $200 – Piper
- $500 – Castle accommodation
- $700 – Bridal accessories/shoes
Total: $18,000
How many guests did you have?
We had 53 adults and 10 children.
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
My 11-year-old daughter sang hallelujah with my husband playing the guitar. Everyone in the chapel had tears! I made custom bracelets for the bridesmaids.
Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your weddings?
I made all the table centers and made the seating chart and invitations. I also made all the bridesmaids babyâs breath hand-tied bouquets and crown for the flower girl as well as the flower decor in chapel and table centers.
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
Having a friend of a friend take the photographs, another friend bake the cake, and my best friend do the makeup. Total savings of $3000!
Whatâs the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that youâre on the other side?
Create a realistic budget with your better half and parents (if they are involved). After the budget is set, make a list of his and her top priorities for where to spend your $$. Once your budget is set, start looking for venues and vendors.
What was your biggest splurge?
Music – we hired a string quartet to play âWhere is my mindâ by the Pixies for the processional, and a 90âs rock cover band for the evening reception. Although in Scotland you can have an awesome band for 4 hours for $2000.
What was your favorite detail?
I asked my husband this question and his answer, âOur first danceâ, our band did a cover of our favorite song âMany a Horrorâ by Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro
Mine was when my husband and daughter got up and played/sang Hallelujah together as a surprise for my mother during the ceremony.
What is the most memorable moment of your day?
The look on my daughterâs faces when my husband had an owl fly into the chapel with a small pouch containing special rings for the girls. Again everyone cried!
VENDORS
Photography: Paul Gilhooly (friend) No cost ⢠Venue: Dalhousie Castle, Scotland ⢠Flowers: Bonnyrigg Flowers ⢠Event Design / Styling: Myself and friends ⢠Stationery: I made my own invitations and table plan ⢠Catering: Castle executive chef ⢠Bakery: Veronica Smith (friend) no cost ⢠Band: Man from Delmonte ⢠Ceremony Musicians: The Quartet, Edinburgh ⢠Hair Stylist: Hair For You ⢠Makeup Artist: Tiphanie Duncan MUA (best friend) No cost ⢠Officiant: Lenny Love ⢠Bridesmaids Dresses: Sorella Vita ⢠Wedding Gown Designer: Pnina Tornai ⢠Bridal Salon or Shop: Kleinfelds ⢠Jewelry: Thomas Knoell ⢠Veil / Headpiece: Thomas Knoell ⢠Shoes: Badgley Mischa ⢠Groomâs Suit/Tux: Kilt rental – Slanj – Edinburgh ⢠Groomsmen Suits/ Tux: Slanj – Edinburgh
