Brandy, hair designer & Conley, manager
Sum-up of the wedding vibe: A free, do-as-you-please-as-long-as-you’re-having-fun kind of day.
Planned budget: $6,000
Actual budget: $7,500
Number of guests: 120
Where we allocated the most funds:
We wanted to have really good food and cocktails, so catering ate up most of our budget. Also, we hired a planner, which wasn’t in the initial budget, but it was really worth the extra $1,100 or so; we didn’t have to really do much of anything and were able to enjoy the day (as were our family and friends, since we didn’t have to put them to work) with no worries.
Where we allocated the least funds:
We used all recycled and/or compostable serveware, so that was inexpensive. We also bartered some of our entertainment and hired some wonderful friends so we ended up with the wedding of our dreams for less than what it would have normally cost.
What was totally worth it:
The planner and the entertainment! We had our good friend hostess in drag, and we had a pole performance that we tried to keep under wraps. We wanted people to have an experience that they’d never had before and keep it very “us.” There was also a photo booth with goofy props that everyone got really silly in.
We wanted our money to go to the things that would be the most memorable, so we didn’t want to spend a lot on décor, setup, or even flowers for the reception. We had our ceremony at a local park (which was very inexpensive), and chose a smaller space for the reception, which kept the cost down significantly. We also brought in our own catering and alcohol.
What was totally not worth it:
It was all worth it! We kept it very true to ourselves.
A few things that helped us along the way:
The planner we hired late in the game—I can’t say it enough. Also, booking things as early as possible took some stress away.
My best practical advice for my planning self:
Don’t spend money on things people won’t remember later. Focus on what makes you as a couple the happiest, and put your money there.
Favorite thing about the wedding:
Our first look. It was intimate and very special, and took away some of the nervous feelings about walking in front of everyone and seeing your future spouse for the first time all day!
Anything else we should know:
Just have fun!! Don’t worry about anything. It isn’t worth missing any moment.
