How to Save Money on Your Wedding

This is the story of a boy who loved a girl who had other plans for her life, but more importantly how God changed her plans for herself and how He gave them the ability to stay within their wedding budget to save money.

I sat with Karlie a few months ago (their wedding was in October of 2016) and talked about how she saved money on her wedding and what she would differently.

Venue - Free

Karlie and Drew had over 300 guests attend their wedding, some even came from the other side of the world. Karlie saved money by finding a big open field in the back yard of the Denton Freedom House but says to ask around and find friends who might know someone with a lot of land who might let you use it for free.

Lighting - $150

The Hall's decided to go simple and do this part themselves. They outlined the Reception Area with string lights from Walmart that cost $150. They then built the posts themselves for about $20.

Decor - No More Than $50

Karlie and her team when to thrift stores and found vases for 50¢ each. They then spray-painted them for a cohesive look. She then found wood centerpieces that were on sale, but you can easily ask around or post on your local neighborhood garage sale Facebook page and see if anyone is selling them from their wedding. She also found picture frames that were perfect to add a personal touch

Floral - $200

They went to Kroger. Yep, you read that right, they went to a grocery store! Karlie went to the store in advance and checked out what kind of flowers they had, she then asked when their shipment would come in around her wedding date. After a lot of Pinterest hunting and picking out what flowers she wanted, she then picked the flowers up, garnished the bouquets with greens (with the help of her bridesmaids of course), and put them in the fridge overnight.

Catering - $870

The men of the Denton Freedom House provided chicken fajitas and desserts for $700 + a tip. They then went to places like Cosco and Sam's Club and were able to get plates and silverware for $170.

The Dress (With Alterations) - $900

Karlie got her dress at David's Bridal. Unfortunately, they ordered her a few sizes too big and she ended up getting alterations through them. Karlie's recommendation is to know your average dress size and not allow them to order you a dress 3-4 sizes too big, follow your instincts. Also, don't get your alterations done at the shop, have them done somewhere it is cheaper as she paid $125 for each side they had to take in and hemming the skirt.

Groom And Groom's Men Clothing

Drew and his merry men were able to find dress pants on sale for $30 each and vests for $40. They also found ties for $4 each off of Amazon.

Party Favors

Drew and Karlie are both musicians and had finished enough songs to give to their wedding guests as a thank you gift. Your thank you gift does not have to cost a lot of money, it can be simple and from the heart like a pretty print of a poem you wrote or a picture of the two of you.

Please scroll through their wedding photos to the bottom of the blog post to hear Karlie's final thoughts as well as find the link to the music that they gave to their guests.

Karlie's Thoughts:

Karlie would have had more time for dancing, started the wedding earlier so she could have gotten more pictures with Drew, and had a sound check. What stuck out to her about her wedding day was her parent's reactions right before she walked down the aisle. and her advice to every bride would be not to freak out about little things like the color of the chairs that she got to use for free.

Click On What You Want To Hear:

Drew's EP

Karlie's Single

Drew and Karlie are some of the sweetest people I have met. I have been blessed so much by them since October, and they continue blessing me over time. I am incredibly thankful that God put them in my life.

<3 Annie