One of our fave things about handmade weddings isn’t the DIY list (though let us tell you, these two are DIY wizards), but seeing how many memorable experiences come from all the work couples put into their big day. Things like crafting décor with your ‘maids or getting inspired for your theme by visiting your fave spot as a couple–hearing these deets, we just know it all came together beautifully. And we loooove to see a photog like Loren Gifford prove it with the photos!
PS: For those of you planning, Natalie is sharing her budget planning tips at the bottom…
So this top? $17 at Forever21. And it’s stunning! She paired it with a BHLDN skirt.
So much was handcrafted, you guys. The DIY list: Shibori photo booth, her veil, the ties, bug spray + labels, face mist + labels (bridesmaid gift), copper-dipped candles + flatware, wood signs, leather signs, 250 Shibori dyed napkins, garter, quote banners, guest book, farm tables (!!!), potato chip trough, table runners, bar, copper coffee pour overs, invitations + programs, watercolor signage, woodland animal facemasks for the kids.
Stossi Lenz of Violet Elk Co. dreamt up that pretty bouquet.
Natalie’s mom’s farm, a renovated Amish house, is one of their fave places, and the whole color scheme actually came together when they noticed the barn on the property had a ton of saddle leather in it. They decided to go off of the leather, add in her love of Shibori, and round it all out with copper. Natalie says, I fell in love with how the blend of farmhouse charm with the natural elements of leather and indigo and the copper accents looked and felt! It was so us.
Some of our best memories of the wedding came from the process. Dying napkins on my mom’s farm while drinking coffee and watching their puppies run around with indigo stained paws, nights at my best friend’s house watching movies and assembling invitations, late nights at the hotel my family stayed at the week of the wedding, early morning coffee runs before spending hours decorating at the venue, singing JT at the top of our lungs on the long country drives to and from the farm… And then the day, the day! Mimosas and laughter and tears, the butterflies in the pit of my stomach when my hands covered my fiancés eyes, the rainbow over our wedding arch after a giant storm hit just a few minutes before I was supposed to walk down the aisle, a completely unexpected flash dance to Can’t Stop The Feeling, running out of the barn barefoot to our favorite song with a firework farewell…
5 tips for planning a DIY wedding on a budget
1. Don’t limit yourself to wedding vendors. I learned that thinking outside the box was much more affordable. For example, Instead of looking up wedding caterers, contact your favorite local place and see if they would be willing to do it. Or instead of looking at bridal gowns, look at white (or whatever you fancy) dresses from your favorite stores.
2. Let people help! I was so set on doing everything myself, but I didn’t have some (most) of the skills. Friends and family take so much joy in helping, and they bring so many different talents to the table. If you have an artsy friend, ask them to help create your invites- people love to help!
3. If you can’t buy it, make it. That doesn’t work for everything but if you’re up to putting in some work, you can save lots of money. I really wanted to have rose gold flatware but to rent them was so expensive! So instead, I bought flatware wholesale for a quarter of the rental price and spray painted the bottom half rose gold. I got the look I wanted at the price I needed.
4. Sacrifice. You can’t have it all. But decide what’s most important to you and sacrifice other things to make it work. For me, our photos were really important, so I cut back in other areas (like invites and save the dates) to be able to spend more on our photos.
5. Be content. If I had more money to spend I would’ve done this, or that, or hired so and so. But just like anything else in life- there will always be a nicer house, better job, bigger wardrobe. There will always be a nicer venue, better dress, fuller bar. Work with what you have, and be thankful.
GREAT advice! Congratulations, Natalie + Matt!
Photographer: Loren Gifford / Videographer: Cody Duncum of Harris Visuals / Venue: Elkins Grove in Bowling Green, KY / Florals: Stossi Lenz of Violet Elk Co. / Makeup: Katy Moody / Cake: Ally Be Bakin / Catering: Boyce General Store / Farm Tables: Magnolia Construction / Chair & Tableware Rental: Grand Central Party Rental / Live Music: Jordan Allen and the Bellwethers / Bride’s Top: Forever21 / Skirt: BHLDN / Earrings: Love Tatum / Groom’s Suit: J. Crew / Shoes: Nisolo
