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Elegant Spring Wedding in Illinois

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Elegant Spring Wedding in Illinois

Sarah + Ryan

Darien, Illinois
- 04/30/2016
Total wedding budget $10,000
wedding dress
bride getting ready
wedding details
wedding processional
wedding processional
indoor wedding ceremony
indoor wedding ceremony
indoor wedding ceremony
first kiss
wedding recessional
marriage certificate
indoor wedding photos
bridal makeup
bridal makeup
bridal makeup
blue bridesmaid dresses
blue bridesmaid dresses
sweetheart wedding table
wedding guest book

simple wedding cake simple wedding cake first dance

What was your budget? 

  • Venue ceremony fee: $250
  • Catering: $6000
  • Wedding Dress: $207
  • Wedding Invitation: $131
  • Save the Dates: $31
  • Hair and Make-up: $170
  • Rental Car: $230
  • Hotel accommodations for a week: $580
  • Bridesmaids/Groomsmen Gifts: $439
  • Photographer: $574
  • DJ: $540
  • Airfare for wedding: $11 (We used Southwest airlines points, only had to pay the taxes)
  • Violinist: $120
  • Officiant: $180
  • Centerpieces: $46
  • Bridal Bouquet, bridesmaid bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages: $326

How many guests did you have?

We had about 100 people total.

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

We inserted fun elements that showed our personality into parts of the wedding.

For example, we created a silly wedding program to showcase our humor. 

We also purchased a hand-made, personalized guest signature board and asked the guests to sign with metallic markers.

Did you do any DIY projects or create any handmade items for your weddings?

We created the wedding program, the candy bar sign, the wedding signature sign that invited the guests to sing our board, and the centerpieces.

Unexpectedly, we had to DIY the bouquets and wrap them in white ribbon; I misread the Sam’s Club description and thought they came pre-wrapped.

What was the biggest thing you did to save money?

We researched the cost of EVERYTHING. We did not purchase anything unless we researched the prices and made sure we were getting the best bang for our buck.

We also kept the theme very clean, simple, and elegant.  Since the theme wasn’t super complicated, it was easy to purchase items from whichever retailer was the cheapest. We kept the theme to colors – white, black and light blue.

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

Decide what’s important to you prior to planning. If you concentrate on EVERY little detail, you will spend too much of your time and money and drive yourself crazy.

What was your biggest splurge?

The cost of travel/hotels. We planned a wedding long-distance to be closer to several elderly relatives so this was unavoidable.

What was your favorite detail?

My dress! The moment I saw it, I knew it was meant to be. Many of the guests commented on how the dress was perfect for me.

What is the most memorable moment of your day?

Walking into the reception with my new husband. I really, truly felt the love from our family and friends.

VENDORS

Photography: Richard Newman Photography • Venue + Catering: Carriage Greens • Flowers: Sam’s Club • Bakery: Oak Mill Bakery • DJ: Touch of Love  • Hair Stylist + Makeup Artist: Celeste Salon (Lombard IL) • Bridesmaids Dresses: David’s Bridal • Wedding Gown: David’s Bridal • Veil: Wish • Shoes: Payless • Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse