I got married this past Saturday (also posted a non-pro bam) and I wanted to post a budget recap because I love reading them and they are super helpful! I kept track of almost every single expense so my total includes basically everything down to my lipstick.
Overall budget: 12k
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Amount spent: $14, 419.00 (including contributions from parents)
Guests Attended: 76 invited, 63 RSVP'd and attended
Ceremony: $685
The ceremony was at the Kerrytown Concerthouse in downtown Ann Arbor, which was literally a house remodeled to hold small concerts. It was the perfect, intimate spot; however, the PA system was not working so we had sound issues during the ceremony. It was a bummer. It was not in my budget at the time but I wished I would have found a way to hire musicians instead. The breakdown of the costs were: $375 rental fee, $60 arch rental, $160 for fake flowers for the arch, $90 for a welcome sign, unplugged ceremony sign, and two easels.
Reception Alcohol/Catering: $4600
We had the reception in the banquet room of an Italian restaurant. We had a three entree, two side, and a salad buffet for $24.99/pp. We also had a cocktail hour with appetizers. Everyone enjoyed the food and the service was amazing. We also had a full open bar. There was not a rental fee for the space, which was the main reason we chose this for the reception, as we were definitely trying to cut costs where we could. The above price is what we paid at the end of the night, including 20% gratuity plus an extra $200. My father also gave me his credit card at the end of the night to split the bill with us, which I was not expecting.
Reception Decor: $677
I actually bought a lot of extra decor that I did not end up using, but I recorded every expense I made. This included candles, seating chart, cake stand, extra vases, table numbers, and lamps I rented for the centerpieces. I definitely could have scaled this back and saved a bit in this department. I would say about $200 of stuff I bought I didn't even use.
Linens, Chairs, Chargers: $1639
This was an expense paid by my mother, and one I would have not paid for if she didn't offer to. This price included delivery, set-up, and take-down. While it was definitely beautiful and very much added to the room, I probably could have found a more budget friendly option.
Cake(s): $150
We had a two tiered wedding cake from a local bakery, which cost $100. One layer was yellow cake with strawberry filling, the other was chocolate with peanut butter filling. I also shipped a King Cake from New Orleans to serve with the wedding cake, which cost me an additional $50. Everyone raved about how good the cake was! I barely got to eat any, as I was busy mingling.
Flowers: $750+$95 for pre-bought compote vases
We paid $750 for a bridal bouquet, two bridesmaid bouquets, one flower girl bouquet, 6 boutineers, three corsages, and 7 centerpieces made with vases I provided. I told the florist I had a certain budget and didn't care what flowers they used as long as they stuck to my budget, and they made it happen! They even put peonies in my bouquet! I couldn't have been more pleased with the way the flowers turned out.
Photographer: $700
I hired a relatively green photographer for six hours, understanding that I was taking a chance and might not be happy with the result. However she was incredibly professional, calm, and organized. I won't know until we get the pictures, but I loved the work I saw so I am sure I will be happy with the result.
Day of Coordinator/DJ: $1500
I hired a company that did multiple services and when I called told them I was on a budget. They offered me a Coordinator/DJ for basically a 1/3 discount. It ended up being that the owner of the company didn't have a wedding that day so she also coordinated in addition to the DJ. This ended up being a complete and utter the let down. The coordinator failed to communicate MANY things to the DJ, she basically was of zero help whatsoever when things went wrong, and she was rude to my guests. The DJ was a terrible emcee, no one could understand him, and the flow of the evening was not exactly what I wanted. The music was great only because I handpicked the majority of the songs. I could go into so much more detail about how disappointed I was, but it boils down to this being a perfect example of "you get what you pay for." I took a chance, and it didn't work out.
Hair and Make-up: $480
I paid for my hair and make- trials, hair for my sister, and hair and make-up for me and my step-daughter. Everything was great and I have zero complaints. This price also includes a $50 travel fee for the make-up artist.
Attire: $1885
This included my dress ($350) and alterations ($470). My husband's tux that we bought off amazon, his tux shirt, shoes and accessories plus alterations ($450) and his wedding ring ($115), as well as my jewelry ($250) and shoes ($100), and my husband's two kid's outfits ($150). My mother paid for my dress but we paid for everything else.
Stationary: $260
Save the dates, invitations, and thank you cards.
Gifts: $400
I basically bought every single person that helped with the wedding a present of some sort, and wrote them a nice note. This price does not include albums I plan on buying all of the parents.
License and Officiant Fee: $98
Misc. Expenses: $500
This includes breakfast morning of, nick nacks like my umbrella, dress steamer, etc. I haven't added this up but I will eventually and update with the exact number.
Total: $14, 419
All in all it was a great wedding, even though some things DEFINITELY went wrong. I would be happy to answer any questions, as I feel like there are so many things I would do differently to save money. All in all though I feel like I got everything I wanted, and still had a relatively budget friendly wedding.
