Jillian and Jonathan Raglin kept their wedding under $35,000 by prioritizing big budget items and incorporating DIY details.
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How They Did It
Their Budget
The Raglins based their budget on Jillian’s sister’s wedding, which they attended a month before they got engaged. Initially, they hoped to stay under $30,000, but unexpected costs like bridal party gifts and a videographer quickly added up. “At the beginning of wedding planning, we weren’t sure if we were going to hire a videographer, but we are so glad we decided to spend the money,” Jillians says. “Nothing beats having a video that captures all of the special moments you may have missed day of!
Their Biggest Savings
DJ: $900. Jillian and Jonathan found their DJ through his wife, who is actually their dog sitter. “Because DJing is a side gig for him, he was much cheaper than any other person we had previously contacted,” Jillian explains. “He had 13 years of experience and, as a dad of adult children, was more relatable to our particular audience.”
Photo Booth: $330. To cut costs, the couple created a DIY photo booth with props and a custom backdrop purchased from Etsy. “Jon’s mother is into scrapbooking and made us a guestbook that guests could add their Polaroids to, along with a note,” Jillian says. “Not only was this cheaper, but it was also more interactive and personal!”
Their Biggest Splurge
Flowers: $3,000. At the outset, Jillian didn’t think she cared that much about flowers, but they turned out to be one of the biggest splurges of her wedding. “I had this vision in my mind of big, beautiful fall bouquets,” she says. “We repurposed as many of the ceremony flowers as we could, but since our reception decor was so simple, it was important to us that our flowers stood out.” Her arrangements were composed of roses, privet berries, eucalyptus, thistle, and mums, studded with gold-painted pine cones. They asked their florist, J Starr’s Flower Barn, to create a floral garland for their head table and the fire place in front of which their ceremony took place.
Their Vendors
Venue ($21,097.19): Tidewater Inn // Florist ($3,000): J Starr's Flower Barn // Photographer ($2,525): Captured by Alyssa // Bride's gown ($1,700): VOWS Bridal // Videographer ($1,530): A Golden Fox Productions // DJ ($900): BWG Music and Entertainment // Officiant ($575): Elegant Ceremonies // Groom's suit ($450): Indochino // Desserts ($417): Bay Country Bakery // Hair & Makeup ($395): Colleen Kelly & Jaclyn Price // Invitations ($292): Zazzle // Farm table ($194.25): East Vintage Charm // Table numbers and place cards ($172): ECLetters // Save the Dates ($104.46): Shutterfly
Other Included Costs
ATTIRE Bride's alterations: $400 // Bride's accessories: $342 // Groom's accessories: $45
DECOR Signs and frames: $180 // Picture for guest book: $64 // Card box: $40 // Kids' coloring books: $38
MISCELLANEOUS Photo booth: $330 // Favors: $200 / Sparklers: $130 // Programs: $108 // Welcome bags: $100 // Cocktail hour napkins: $53.20 // Vow books: $30
STATIONERY Postage: $143.50 // Return address stamp: $25.79
VENUE Food: $9,138.80 // Alcohol: $$4,817.70 // Rental: $2,900 // Service charge: $2,791.30 // Tax: $1,149.39 // Labor: $1,149.39
