What was your budget?
Our budget was to stay under $10,000. We tried to do everything simply, shopped sales, shopped at Bride To Be, and used things that we already had around the house.
- Photography: $2,795
- Dress: $400
- Catering: $2,800
- Cake: $350
- Venue: $300
- Flowers: $500
- Decor: $400
- Groom’s attire: $30
- Music: $999
- Rentals: $775
How many guests did you have?
We had about 200 guests.
What creative or personal aspects did you include in your wedding?
We included those who couldn’t be there by creating a window that said “If heaven wasn’t so far away, we know you’d be here today” and that featured pictures of our loved ones who have passed on.
Some of the centerpieces had old glass jars my grandfather found as he worked as a construction worker, some were old medicine bottle and some milk bottles.
Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your weddings?
Almost everything was done ourselves. Our centerpieces had bullets shot by my husband and I. All of the decorations outside the “barn” were made by my mother from pallets.
What was the biggest thing you did to save money?
The biggest thing we did to save money was to do all the decorations ourselves. We also rented from people that our families know very well and used resources from our friends and family as well.
What’s the best advice you have for planning your wedding now that you’re on the other side?
Don’t stress the small stuff and find a photographer that pays attention to the details! Your day is going to go by so fast and you won’t have time to admire those small things, like the center pieces or head table or anything else that you decorated.
What was your biggest splurge?
Our photographer! Pictures are the only thing you will have to help you remember everything!
What was your favorite detail?
My favorite detail was the window of our loved ones. I also love that my centerpieces came from my grandfather who is one of my best friends. We also got married where my husband grew up and he was involved in 4H and FFA at the Wright County Fair growing up.
What is the most memorable moment of your day?
Walking down the aisle to my friends singing “Mama’s Song” and me forgetting my vows, more than once!
VENDORS
Photography: Courtney June Photography • Venue: Wright County Fairgrounds • Flowers: Dan and Jerry’s Greenhouse • Catering: Reds Catering • Rentals: General Rental Center • DJ: Flamingo Event Services • Shoes: Country Outfitter • Vests and Ties: Bill’s Toggery