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I just love this sweet yellow and grey wedding! I love how this couple got savvy to save up the funds they needed to pay for their wedding. They really made sacrifices in order to put enough money away to create their dream wedding! I encourage all of you to find ways to save money all year long so that you don't have to sacrifice on your special day — especially on the things that are most important to you! Be committed and diligent and you will find a way to make it happen. I hope you enjoy these lovely photos and the bride's advice! xoxo Jessica

Nikki + Michael

March 8, 2014

Gilbert, Arizona  |  The Barn at Power Ranch

What was your wedding budget?

Our budget was $10,000. We soon after had to increase our budget to $15,000.  We ended up being right under budget.

Catering : $5500

Dress + Alterations : $2000

Venue: $1475

Rings : $1300

Photography: $1000

DJ: $600

Engagement photography: $600

Alcohol: $ 500

Center pieces: $400 (Made ourselves)

Rentals: $300

Stationary: $300

Flowers: $275 (Made them ourselves w/ family)

Suit + Shoes: $200

Hair for myself & bridesmaids: $200

Transportation: $200

Last minute extras: $200

Officiate: $100

Makeup: $80

Nails: $65

How many guests did you have?

Right around 100.

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

My husband and I both wanted our wedding to be a huge celebration and party.  We have attended more formal weddings, and the best ones we have enjoyed were based on the celebration aspect of their weddings.  Our music was fun, the people were all fun, the ceremony and reception were all fun.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

We ended up canceling our cable, and went only to online movie services.  We also stopped going out to dinner every week.  We nearly became hermits for a year in order to save money.  Many people did not understand that we had to save, but after the wedding, I think many people understood why we limited our activities throughout the year.

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

My best advice would be to do what you and your fiancé want to do.  Do not worry about others and what they want for your wedding.  Many people like to give advice some is great, and others are not that great.  Do not feel bad for not doing what everyone else wants you to do.  It is your wedding.

What was your biggest splurge?

The biggest splurge was definitely the cost of catering. I wanted to have the best catering service, cake and food.  My dress was also a large splurge, I never thought that I would spend that much money on a dress.  I am thankful to have had outside help from our family.

What was your favorite detail?

My favorite details were the colors, I love yellow and gray and the incorporation of lemons in to our centerpieces.  Another detail that I loved is that the bouquets were all made with dangling charms.  I picked our charms for each of my bridesmaid that made each of their bouquets unique.

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

One of the most memorable moments of our wedding day was when my husband saw me for the first time.  Walking down the aisle I felt like we shared a moment that was so sharp that it could cut through anything.  It was an amazing feeling.

VENDORS:

Catering: Roberts Catering  //  Dress: David’s Bridal  //  Photography: Brian Minson Wedding Photography  //  Rentals: Andrews Party Rentals  //  Grooms attire: Nicks Menswear