Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Planning our Wedding on a Budget

Welcome to my first wedding planning post! If you're new here, I'd suggest you check out my Youtube channel, that is where most of my content is! But, my name is Grace and I a third year law student in New York. I got engaged on Christmas 2018 and my fiancé, Jesse, and I are planning our wedding for December 2020. This post is an introduction to everything I've planned so far, just to get you up to speed.

We are definitely trying to spend the least amount of money possible, which has so far been going pretty well. If you get married in the "off season" (Dec. - March, depending on where you live), you can get HEFTY discounts since most venues are not booked or even half booked in those times. We saved about $8,000 on our venue alone by having our wedding in December. 
I've been loving wearing my "wifey" & "mrs." sweatshirt because I feel there is only a limited amount of time to wear these items before it becomes overdone. They are so comfy and great to wear to run to get coffee or run in any direction away from wedding planning (kidding but also not).


So far we have booked our venue and videographer ... thats it. I also picked out a dress, but haven't put a payment down yet, one could say I'm indecisive.  I've been using this wedding planner to keep track of companies I've contacted, companies I won't be using so I don't keep emailing them, and things I am looking for in vendors and things I need to keep in mind. I definitely recommend a planner, whether it be paper or digital, because there are SO many vendors to keep track of. I really like the one I purchased because there is a timeline and a lot of room to write. Clearly, I can write a lot. I also linked the cutest diamond pens that I always use to plan. I also gave them to my bridesmaids as little gifts.



The next thing we need to plan is our photographer, that is so important to us. I want someone more modern, "moody", but also bright. I don't want the typical, barely edited photos. I want some glamour, some filters, some brightness and editing. It has been difficult to find a photographer that edits the way I want but doesn't cost $6,000+. I'm hoping to pay at most $3,500... which is proving difficult.

After that is florals. Our venue has a deal with a local florist/decor company who would provide all the florals, decor, table settings, seating charts, etc. at a flat cost, which is good. I'm just hoping we can come to a consensus on style, because I'm still a little unsure what direction to go in.
Jesse is in charge of the DJ so I am completely leaving that to him - I truly do not care who does it as long as they play the music we want and DO NOT get on the microphone... pretty much ever lol. 

The three words I want people to think of when people are at our wedding is classic, romantic, and bright. I don't want any decor that I will regret in 5 or 10 years. We are keeping our color scheme pretty muted with a lot of white, light gold, mauvey pinks, and black. Romantic because I want the wedding to be centered around our love story. I don't a romantic ceremony with speeches by friends, family, our personal vows, and speeches during dinner from my sisters and Jesse's best man. 
After the lovey-dovey things are done, I want people to have fun! There is a top shelf open bar for a reason. I want people to dance, drink, and enjoy. 

The next thing, which is not really that important, but I am nevertheless worried about, is finding the perfect "getting ready" outfits for myself and my bridesmaids. I am definitely thinking robes because we will be getting ready in a hotel and I'm sure it will be warm. Also, gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen. I know what I want for the girls - personalized champagne glasses, a robe, jewelry, and maybe a personalized tote? If you are a small shop owner and want me to check out your shop PLEASE let me know! I am always looking for these little things for my bridesmaids.

Below are the cards & champagne bottles I gave my bridesmaids (along with this pen). I think I spent about $50 - $60 total on all of this. I wasn't going to do some extravagant "proposal" when I have 6 bridesmaids, almost all of whom I am related to, haha. I will save the fun and more expensive gifts for the wedding day.
If you live in NYC or the surrounding area - please let me know who you used for photography, florals, and DJs (and price, if you don't mind!)
engagement photos by Natalie


love,
grace 



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