Dani and Ian Davis saved big time by having their wedding at an unconventional venue, serving a simple barbecue dinner, and borrowing decor.
1 of 13
Sarah Aaron Photography
2 of 13
Sarah Aaron Photography
3 of 13
Sarah Aaron Photography
4 of 13
Sarah Aaron Photography
5 of 13
Sarah Aaron Photography
6 of 13
Sarah Aaron Photography
7 of 13
Sarah Aaron Photography
8 of 13
Sarah Aaron Photography
9 of 13
Sarah Aaron Photography
10 of 13
Sarah Aaron Photography
11 of 13
Sarah Aaron Photography
12 of 13
Sarah Aaron Photography
13 of 13
Sarah Aaron Photography
How They Did It
Their Budget
Dani’s grandparents and other family members gifted the Davises the majority of their $10,000 budget, which covered most of the essentials. From there, the couple spent $4,000 of their own money to pay for alterations, accessories, and “fun, optional” costs including alcohol and a DJ. “We definitely intended to stay within our budget, but during the last couple of months, I realized there were certain things that I really wanted, like Bay Country Donuts, Rise Up coffee, and St. Michael’s wine,” Dani says. “You just can’t come to the Shore without having those experiences.”
Their Biggest Splurges
Photography: $2,200. “Since wedding photos are the one thing that last forever, a photographer was just not something I could not go cheap on,” Dani explains.
Tent and rentals: $2,160.91. Having their wedding at a wellness center in Easton was a huge money-saving move, but it also meant that the Davises had to rent a tent, chairs and tables, a bar, a dance floor, and portable bathrooms. Luckily, the couple was able to save on space heaters, which were still full from a wedding the previous weekend, and by using the center’s yoga room for their rehearsal dinner.
Their Biggest Savings
Catering: $2,194.79. Dani really wanted to have a pizza truck cater her reception, but she couldn’t justify the cost. Instead, she went with a buffet-style dinner provided by Mission BBQ. “We cut costs by sticking to simple appetizers - just cheese, crackers, and veggies - and Mission BBQ supplied all the nonalcoholic drinks and cutlery,” Dani says.
Flowers: $678.40. The Davises hired a vendor from the Amish community, Weavers Florist, for their flowers and saved further by making their own garland out of pine from a friend’s yard. “It was one of the most daunting DIY projects I’ve ever done,” Dani says. “There was so much sap on my kitchen floor afterward!”
Decor: $86.95. Dani borrowed as much of her decor as she could. A donut wall came from a co-worker, napkins from an extended family member, and a circle wreath for the sweetheart table from a friend’s aunt. “But one of the things I’m most proud of getting was my long tulle veil for $5 on wish.com!" Dani says. “Those veils are easily $100 on Etsy.”
Their Vendors
Venue ($1,200): Evergreen Easton Point // Tent and rentals ($2,160.91): Tents 4 Rent // Photographer ($2,200): Sarah Aaron Photography // Caterer ($2,194.79): Mission BBQ // DJ ($900): DJ Eddie // Day of Coordinator ($800): Hannah Belle Events // Bride's gown ($720.72): Love & Lace Bridal Boutique // Flowers ($678.40): Weavers Florist // Save the Dates ($217): Minted // Donuts ($125): Bay Country Bakery // Coffee ($100): Rise Up Coffee Roasters // Invitations ($88.17): Vista Print
Other Included Costs
ALCOHOL Beer: $407.07 // Wine: $322.36
ATTIRE Bride's alterations: $327 // Bride's jacket: $80 // Bride's shoes: $22.71 // Bride's veil: $5 // Groom's suit: $250 // Groom's accessories: $92
DECOR Linens: $100 // Signage: $60 // Escort cards: $26.95 // Donut wall: $0
MISCELLANEOUS Polaroid camera: $149.88 // Cup favors: $126.90 // Sparklers: $62.34
STATIONERY Postage: $60 // RSVP cards: $18
