When it comes to planning a wedding, we’re all for sticking behind the idea of “Spend as little as possible”. That’s exactly why we applaud today’s super thrifty and resourceful bride. With no budget set in mind, except for wanting to stay true to the above motto, Katie + John threw a 70 guest wedding, adorable DIY projects and all, for $10,000. This completely handmade wedding captured by Jodi Miller Photography is sure to get your creative juices flowing.
All paper goods were made by Katie herself. The invitations, programs, menus, signage – you name it! By the end of this you’re going to be asking yourself, “What didn’t Katie make?”. On top of that, Katie played it smart with her entire outfit. Get this – Her dress from David’s Bridal was $450 + altercations, $600. Her bright shoes (seen below) were bought at Off Broadway Shoe Wearhouse, earrings at Target, and her veil on eBay, making her total for accessories $50. Add it all together and what do you get? An entire look for just under $700! High-fives are in order.
That adorable burlap flower in her hair, that she sewed together herself using left over burlap from her table runners, saved her $50 that she would have spent on a real flower that would have wilted away after day was over. We’ve got a creative gal on our hands!
I really wanted the programs to be fun and unique, not something people would just toss after the ceremony. Knowing how much our families enjoy puzzles, I created a crossword puzzle and word search that featured clues about my fiance and I. All the paper I used came from Paper and More and had everything else assembled at Kinkos. After working so hard on them, it was so rewarding to actually see everyone working on the puzzles during the reception!
“In My Life” by The Beatles played as their processional song and as you can see tears were flowing once Katie met her man to say their “I Do’s”.
Listen to it here:
Ok, we’re thinking every wedding needs to have a parade (if your reception location is within walking distance, of course). Katie + John armed their guests with kazzos and handmade ribbon wands, and together paraded a celebratory march to the reception. The kazzos were ordered from Oriental Trading and all the ribbon to make the wands was from the Dollar Tree.
I was really excited about our card catalog escort cards. I have always loved libraries and books so I knew I wanted to incorporate something library themed into our wedding. I ended up typing the escort cards out on my vintage Royal typewriter a week before the wedding. The call number “090407” stood for the anniversary of our first kiss.
One of the biggest cost savers was DIYing our flowers. I was kind of apprehensive about doing them ourselves, but it turned out to be pretty easy! We only spent around $450 dollars on the flowers used in 12 centerpieces, two altar arrangements, about 15 small mason jars worth of random arrangements, three bridesmaid bouquets, and a bridal bouquet. I’m also really happy (and proud) to say that the $450 dollar floral budget included my favorite flower…peonies! By buying local I got peonies for $19.99 for TEN stems. I cut even more out of our flower budget by sewing boutonnieres and corsages (see adorable image below).
Our guests had no idea where our cupcakes were from and still don’t believe me when I tell them that we got them at Sam’s Club. We spent $36 dollars on 90 cupcakes. Sam’s club has the BEST cupcakes…we get them for birthdays every year. They’re so moist and delicious.
If their wedding doesn’t get you excited and reassures you that a budget shouldn’t restrict your creativity, we don’t know what will. We’re simply in love with all the heart Katie put into every detail. Thanks for sharing so much helpful information to your fellow Cakelets, Katie! Congrats to you and John!
*We don’t think this has ever happened before, but today is also Katie’s birthday, so a very Happy Birthday to her!
Photography: Jodi Miller Photography / Dress: David’s Bridal / Veil: Venus Veils on eBay / Shoes: Sam & Libby from Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse / Flower in hair: Sewn by bride / Groom: Jos A. Bank / Bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal / Flower girl dress: Macy’s / Coordination: Ashley of Coast Couture /Stylist: Lynn of Sunshowers and Rainshine / Ceremony Venue: Nelson House / Reception Venue: Freight Shed / Hair: Animare Aveda Salon / Makeup: Candi Valentine / Officiant: Dawn Kenny / Caterer: Green Leafe Catering / Cupcakes: Sam’s Club / Linens/Rentals: ABZ Rentals
