The Wedding Pie: Jessica + Terry

Jessica and Terry’s beautiful Seattle Fall wedding was featured a few months back. I’m wondering if the bride’s contagious smile has anything to do with how great the wedding turned out and how much money they saved!

Budget Breakdown:

[expand]Food: $5000
Photography: $3300
Attire/Accessories: $2400
Venue: $900
Invitations/Decor/DIYs: $250
Flowers: $60

From the bride, Jessica: I’m always on the hunt for a good deal! If your funds are limited, call on your creative friends! Invite them over for lunch and wedding crafting. Be gracious and respectful of their time and chances are they will be more than willing to help with any projects. Also, shop ahead for decor and attire. Check sample sales for dresses and search thrift stores and online for second hand decor or clearance paper goods. Every dollar adds up, so even saving $20 here and there matters. We DIYed our invitations, guest book, ceremony backdrop, flowers and some decor. We love to create and our projects saved us money.

What did you splurge on? For us, wedding planning was great practice at prioritizing! I recommend setting your top three priorities as a couple. Ours were location, food, and photography. Splurge on things that will make your day more relaxing and take the stress off you, your partner, and your families!

Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? I believe it is essential to be on the same page as your partner. Once you know where the funds will come from, like family gifts or your savings, you know what you limits are. We had savings and contributions from family to work with, and we also budgeted to put a set amount of our monthly income into the wedding fund during our engagement. We bought a house close to the wedding, so veering from our budget was out of the question! No mindless spending allowed! Plan ahead, get creative and do your research. Do loads of research to avoid sticker shock and be flexible, but realistic with your funds.

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Wedding Location: Seattle, WA / Wedding Photographer: Carly Bish / Wedding Venue: Utina Wardroom / Wedding Coordinator: Emily of Manette Gracie Weddings & Events / Wedding Dress: Anne Barge La Fleur, style 161 / Bridal Cap: Twigs & Honey, style 117 / Bolero: Anthropologie / Wedding Shoes: Steve Madden “I-Dreemy” / Engagement Ring: EidelPrecious / Hair and Makeup: Erin Skipley / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: H&M, Anthropologie, Macy’s / Wedding Caterer: City Catering Company / Wedding Cake and Desserts: Bride’s mother / Wedding Music: Samantha Lynn / Officiant: Ray Van Winkle / Wedding Invitations: Groom[/expand]