I know in one of my earlier posts, I went to the florists and the flowers quoted was within my budget. Slightly under to be exact. But then I started thinking about maybe making my own bouquets out of silk flowers instead to help cut costs even more.
I went through my priorities of elements/decor/etc. and floral was at the bottom of my list. I wanted a bridal bouquet, 2 bridesmaid bouquets, 2 mother of wrist corsages, 1 grandmother of corsage, 2 ring bearer boutineers and 1 officiate boutineer. My fiance had already planned on making "special" boutineers for his groomsmen and for the flower girl escort (flower girl's 6 year old brother) and the flower girl basket we already planned on making.
I know my bridesmaids (sisters), the officiant (my brother-in-law), the ring bearers (my nephews) and myself wouldn't care about fake flowers. The only few that I would feel bad about making were for the moms and grandmother. I feel like they should get something a bit more fancy. I guess I could always make the bouquets and just pay the little bit for fancy wrist corsages for the moms and grandmother.
Though this does mean that I'll have more projects to do. But it also means I have more creativity and freedom with making them. Looks like I will be pricing some flowers/supplies and I have some thinking to do!
Any thoughts or suggestions from anyone who has made their own wedding bouquets??
Showing posts with label wedding on a budget. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wedding on a budget. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Wedding D.J...within budget...Check!
Somehow, I don't know how, we got the D.J. within our budget! So again thanks to our Friday wedding discount and some referrals, we came out to $745.00. And I had planned on just using a CD player, and a friend, for the ceremony music but the time frame for this DJ is 5 hours so he'll play our ceremony music. Score!
Updated Wedding Budget Breakdown:
Budget...$10,000
Updated Wedding Budget Breakdown:
Budget...$10,000
Reception...58%...$5800
Bride's Apparel...10%...$1000
Groom's Attire...1.25%...$125
Photography...8.8%...$880 (Accomplished...that's what we're paying)
DJ...7.45%...$745 (Accomplished...that's what we're paying)
Floral...3.25%...$325
Cake...3.5%...$350
Rings...2%...$200
Ceremony...1%...$100 (Accomplished...that's what we're paying)
Invitations...2%...$200
Misc...2.75%...$275
Next step: finalize floral price and find cake!
Monday, June 9, 2014
Halloween Bride's Wedding Accessories!
The fun part has arrived...I've started buying for my wedding attire! I will not be posting my dress up here until after the wedding, but I will say I got it at an amazing wedding dress shop in New Jersey: Wedding Dress Fantasy. I did not go over to that state to order, I'm in Ohio, so I ordered it online, without trying it on.Which a bunch of people think I'm crazy for doing. But I used to work at a bridal shop at one point, so I knew how to measure myself and what shapes look good on my frame. Plus I emailed the designer a couple of times, watched her YouTube videos, stalked her page on Facebook, read all her reviews on her website and Etsy shop, and feel 100% confident in my decision to order this dress. Simple fact is, the dress I've always dreamed about was not going to exist in any bridal shop in my area. THIS dress is my dress and it will be perfect. But I will go ahead and say that it's a classic shaped white and black dress and mom approved!
Shoes: I got these "Funtasma by Pleaser Women's Dame- 115"granny style lace-up boots at Amazon. I found a pair in my size (I'm normally a 6.5 but this style doesn't have half sizes and the reviews said to size up so I went for a 7) that had the 'Used- Like New' condition so I got them at more than 50% off! Great deal in my book! They have a lower heel, which is what I was looking for and lace side panels. Perfect for my Halloween style wedding!
Necklace: I got this beautiful black lace necklace from Etsy at "Joola Design Studio". I love it! It's delicate and has great amount of detail work out into it with an adjustable chain so I can decide the placement of the necklace. This will look stunning with the dress!
I did buy a second necklace from another Etsy shop, "CBC Boutique" because it was just a fun necklace! Going still with the delicate lace theme, it's a gorgeous lace bat on a black tie ribbon. Again, I get to decide how low the bat falls because of the tie ribbon. This bat comes in black, red or a fun glow in the dark option. I don't plan on wearing this to the ceremony, but it might get switched out at some point at the reception or I'll wear it to the rehearsal dinner. Either way, it was just too fun of a necklace to pass up.
Thigh Highs: I've been eying these for awhile now at "Sock Dreams". But they started to go low in their stock of this specific style and when I saw the notification of only 2 left I jumped on them! They are now out of stock, but they might come back! Thin black pinstripe with a bow on top. Classic and perfect for the wedding attire! Plus everything has free shipping!
For the Groom: I bought this pin from a third Etsy shop, "Holly Pop Love". I will not be including this in my attire but it will be going in the groom's somewhere! Possibly in his boutineer, which he plans on making for himself and his 2 best-men/brothers. This is his favorite vintage Halloween picture so I knew I had to pick one up for him. Plus this item had free shipping, too! This item does not seem to have been restocked up in her Etsy shop, but there are plenty of other goodies to look at.
Gift from an awesome friend: a skeleton cameo...my something blue! I'm thinking I will be incorporating this into my hairpiece, when I either make or buy one. Going off the packaging this looks to be bought from an online shop "Back to Classic Designs"
So the shoes, 2 necklaces, thigh highs and pin cost me about $70 which does include the shipping costs. But I got to admit, I love that I'm buying a bunch of my stuff through Etsy or other smaller businesses, minus Amazon. I feel like I'm supporting my fellow handmade crafters and their talents...so this is working out perfectly!
My accessories are almost complete! I still need something for my hair, a second pair of black flat shoes for the reception, which I will be getting at a local resale shop and probably adding some Halloween ribbons or something to them and possibly bracelet/cuffs. My attire is just about done. Now I just have to wait patiently for my dress to arrive so I can try everything on together...Sigh.
Shoes: I got these "Funtasma by Pleaser Women's Dame- 115"granny style lace-up boots at Amazon. I found a pair in my size (I'm normally a 6.5 but this style doesn't have half sizes and the reviews said to size up so I went for a 7) that had the 'Used- Like New' condition so I got them at more than 50% off! Great deal in my book! They have a lower heel, which is what I was looking for and lace side panels. Perfect for my Halloween style wedding!
(I have not received them yet, due to Fed Ex constantly shifting the estimated arrive by date and going unneeded all over the country. Going off of my tracking, a few days ago they were in my state but today they're in a different one. So this is the stock picture off of Amazon. I'll post some pictures when I get them.)
Click HERE to see the shoes
Necklace: I got this beautiful black lace necklace from Etsy at "Joola Design Studio". I love it! It's delicate and has great amount of detail work out into it with an adjustable chain so I can decide the placement of the necklace. This will look stunning with the dress!
(I promise this picture does NOT do this necklace justice! I'll take some better pictures on a not-so-gloomy day)
Click HERE to see the necklace
Click HERE to see her full Etsy shop
I did buy a second necklace from another Etsy shop, "CBC Boutique" because it was just a fun necklace! Going still with the delicate lace theme, it's a gorgeous lace bat on a black tie ribbon. Again, I get to decide how low the bat falls because of the tie ribbon. This bat comes in black, red or a fun glow in the dark option. I don't plan on wearing this to the ceremony, but it might get switched out at some point at the reception or I'll wear it to the rehearsal dinner. Either way, it was just too fun of a necklace to pass up.
(Again, sorry for the not-so-great picture. Delicate black lace and overcast days don't mix well I guess)
Click HERE to see the necklace
Click HERE to see her full Etsy shop
Thigh Highs: I've been eying these for awhile now at "Sock Dreams". But they started to go low in their stock of this specific style and when I saw the notification of only 2 left I jumped on them! They are now out of stock, but they might come back! Thin black pinstripe with a bow on top. Classic and perfect for the wedding attire! Plus everything has free shipping!
(In case I need to say it...these are not my legs, this is the packaging...)
Click HERE to see the thigh highs
Click HERE to see the full online shop
For the Groom: I bought this pin from a third Etsy shop, "Holly Pop Love". I will not be including this in my attire but it will be going in the groom's somewhere! Possibly in his boutineer, which he plans on making for himself and his 2 best-men/brothers. This is his favorite vintage Halloween picture so I knew I had to pick one up for him. Plus this item had free shipping, too! This item does not seem to have been restocked up in her Etsy shop, but there are plenty of other goodies to look at.
Click HERE to see her full Etsy shop
Gift from an awesome friend: a skeleton cameo...my something blue! I'm thinking I will be incorporating this into my hairpiece, when I either make or buy one. Going off the packaging this looks to be bought from an online shop "Back to Classic Designs"
Click HERE to see the full online shop
So the shoes, 2 necklaces, thigh highs and pin cost me about $70 which does include the shipping costs. But I got to admit, I love that I'm buying a bunch of my stuff through Etsy or other smaller businesses, minus Amazon. I feel like I'm supporting my fellow handmade crafters and their talents...so this is working out perfectly!
My accessories are almost complete! I still need something for my hair, a second pair of black flat shoes for the reception, which I will be getting at a local resale shop and probably adding some Halloween ribbons or something to them and possibly bracelet/cuffs. My attire is just about done. Now I just have to wait patiently for my dress to arrive so I can try everything on together...Sigh.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Wedding Florist... within budget...Check!
So our budget for wedding flowers was $325. And I'm happy to report that after meeting with the florist for our wedding over the weekend, we are still sticking within our budget! Slightly under to be exact. I won't know the exact cost until later this week because she going on a search to see if she can find a white and black carnation hybrid that I'd really love to have for my bouqet. And if so, whether that will be in the budget as well. Right now, with carnations and a few white daisies with the black/chocolate brown centers, I'm good. So either way, if those are a no-go I'm on budget!
I'll have the break-down of what I got for wedding flowers and what they cost later this week.
I'll have the break-down of what I got for wedding flowers and what they cost later this week.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Wedding on a Budget Breakdown...can we stay within our budget?
So my fiance and I are paying for the wedding ourselves, therefore we need to be a bit thrifty. But just because it's thrifty and a lot is going to be DIY doesn't mean that it's going to be any less classy and perfect!
We've saved up a little, not much, but we figured with the average cost of a wedding being around $30,000 we can do it with a third of that with a budget of $10,000. We plan on having 75-125 guests (we're really struggling with the guest list right now so those numbers keep changing) and the ceremony and reception will be at the same location.
Here's my breakdown of what I hope to be spending on vendors and such:
Granted these numbers are a work in progress since anything that goes under budget will be put towards something else to bring that percentage up higher. I'm not aiming to be under, as awesome as that would be, I just figure that it's going to be tough enough planning a wedding at that budget in the first place.
First smart move we did was decide on a Friday wedding. Though I will admit it was supposed to be a Saturday but we waited too long to get a place on a Saturday and all that was left were Fridays. But score, we got the venue for half off and the vendors we've been dealing with seem to also give Friday discounts!
We have an appointment with the florist on Saturday, and I'm determined to stay on budget with that. If I have to I'll get bouquets of just carnations. And we're not getting any floral centerpieces or decorations so that should save us some dough.
But I'm already figuring in that the "Misc" category will be going over budget since that deals with all the decor we're making. But I've spent $9.66 on a whole ton of pumpkin seeds. And my mom has converted her upstairs spare bedroom into a mini greenhouse...and those little baby seedlings are actually growing! If they make it to end, we'll have lots of homegrown pumpkins to put around.
I have no idea what a tux/suit costs so I put the groom's attire pretty low, but that can very easily be wrong.
I'll keep you updated on my Halloween Wedding Planning Adventures! Cross your fingers and wish me luck! Only 150 days to go!
We've saved up a little, not much, but we figured with the average cost of a wedding being around $30,000 we can do it with a third of that with a budget of $10,000. We plan on having 75-125 guests (we're really struggling with the guest list right now so those numbers keep changing) and the ceremony and reception will be at the same location.
Here's my breakdown of what I hope to be spending on vendors and such:
Budget...$10,000
Reception...58%...$5800
Bride's Apparel...10%...$1000
Groom's Attire...1.25%...$125
Photography...8.8%...$880 (Accomplished...that's what we're paying)
Music/DJ...8%...$800
Floral...3.25%...$325
Cake...3.5%...$350
Rings...2%...$200
Ceremony...1%...$100 (Accomplished...that's what we're paying)
Invitations...2%...$200
Misc...2.2%...$220
First smart move we did was decide on a Friday wedding. Though I will admit it was supposed to be a Saturday but we waited too long to get a place on a Saturday and all that was left were Fridays. But score, we got the venue for half off and the vendors we've been dealing with seem to also give Friday discounts!
We have an appointment with the florist on Saturday, and I'm determined to stay on budget with that. If I have to I'll get bouquets of just carnations. And we're not getting any floral centerpieces or decorations so that should save us some dough.
But I'm already figuring in that the "Misc" category will be going over budget since that deals with all the decor we're making. But I've spent $9.66 on a whole ton of pumpkin seeds. And my mom has converted her upstairs spare bedroom into a mini greenhouse...and those little baby seedlings are actually growing! If they make it to end, we'll have lots of homegrown pumpkins to put around.
I have no idea what a tux/suit costs so I put the groom's attire pretty low, but that can very easily be wrong.
I'll keep you updated on my Halloween Wedding Planning Adventures! Cross your fingers and wish me luck! Only 150 days to go!
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Wedding DIY List!
So it's somehow almost the end of May! So much has happened since I last wrote. We officially moved in and got the house, for the most part, situated. Though it did just flood in the basement last week due to an insane rain storm...but oh well, we didn't lose too much stuff. Made and sold lots of new Fat Cat Pincushions during the holiday season on my Etsy shop. Almost got me and my pincushions into a Superbowl commercial...unbelievable but true. Came so close to getting that spot but just missed it. But...I did get one of my pincushions in an Australian crafting magazine. Pretty cool! And have started the mad wedding planning hoopla. Which is mainly where I'm at now. October wedding so under 5 months to go...
We have a small budget for this wedding so the majority of the decor and such will be made by us. Such as:
Though the first project I'm taking on is the guestbook. My mom found her old one from when she got married in the 60's. Which she forgot about so it was never used. I'm going to take that book, cover it in fabric and scrapbooking paper and make a fancy Halloween Wedding Guestbook.
As soon as I find some fabric, I'm starting. Pictures soon to follow...hopefully successful ones!
We have a small budget for this wedding so the majority of the decor and such will be made by us. Such as:
*Centerpieces
*Archway
*Lots of decorated pumpkin décor
*Memory table banner and display with pictures
*Guestbook
*Card box
*Invitations
*Garlands/hanging paper décor
*Bride and Groom Fat Cats
*Spider web "Words of Wisdom" for the couple
*Misc decor and anything else I can come up withThough the first project I'm taking on is the guestbook. My mom found her old one from when she got married in the 60's. Which she forgot about so it was never used. I'm going to take that book, cover it in fabric and scrapbooking paper and make a fancy Halloween Wedding Guestbook.
As soon as I find some fabric, I'm starting. Pictures soon to follow...hopefully successful ones!
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