Kaelyn, Bridal Stylist & Veronica, Craft Beer Buyer
sum-up of the wedding vibe: Think your raunchy high school dance, but if you could legally drink.
Planned Budget: $35,000
Actual Budget: $30,000
Number of Guests: 125
Location: David’s Country Inn, Hackettstown, New Jersey
photographer: Tori Kelner Photography
Where we allocated the most funds:
We made sure our venue came with everything. David’s came with catering, an open bar (no tiers), centerpieces, the wedding cake from Palermo’s, a day-of coordinator and favors. Photography and Videography.
Also in Advice
Where we allocated the least funds:
We were super lucky! Kaelyn’s red Marchesa gown was purchased on cyber Monday at 40% off. Thanks, Lord and Taylors!! And her white gown came from the bridal salon she works at, Bridal Atelier Montclair. It was purchased off the rack. Full price Kaelyn’s attire should have been $9,150, but it came out to be $1,800 Veronica purchased her Reiss suit from Nordstroms! And didn’t require alterations. Our hair and makeup was a gift from our friend Aphrodite Kelly of Aphrodite Kelly Make-Up. We did invitations and save the dates through Zola and spent a total of $200 on them. We purchased when they were having a sale, and for the invitations we only did invitations, RSVP and details were all online which saved us a TON of money on paper and stamps.
What was totally worth it:
All of it was! But making sure we spent money on a venue that came with a ton of add-ons was hugely important. We definitely spent more on the venue then we originally intended, but after factoring the cost of the florals, cake, favors, open bar and catering, it was totally worth it.
What was totally not worth it:
The only thing I can think of was the guest book! No one really signed it because we were too busy dancing. But honestly, we made sure we wanted the same things and compromised on things we disagreed on so we really didn’t have anything.
A few things that helped us along the way:
Open and honest communication between the two of us. Sure we bickered and wanted a few different things but we made sure we were willing to compromise. I was gifted the “A Practical Wedding: Creative Ideas for Planning a Beautiful, Affordable, and Meaningful Celebration” by Meg Keene and that was truly a lifesaver!
My best practical advice for my planning self:
Go with your gut! And keep it simple. Your guests really don’t notice a lot of things you think they will. If you’re having fun so will everyone else.
Favorite thing about the wedding:
The dance party, I woke up so sore from dancing!
Anything else:
Veronica and I got ready together, and I wouldn’t change that for the world. I was marrying my best friend and I wanted us to be together for the whole day. We made phenomenal memories and took hilarious photos.
