Instead of limiting themselves to a specific budget, Brooke and Brandon Cahall focused on finding vendors they loved.
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Manda Weaver Photography
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Manda Weaver Photography
How They Did It
Their Budget
When they started planning, Brooke and Brandon didn’t have a set budget. Instead, they focused on finding a venue they loved and priced decisions out from there.
Their Biggest Splurges
Venue: $41,300. The Cahalls had two major requirements for their wedding venue: a waterfront location and onsite accommodations. Since the couple started dating during a Caribbean cruise vacation, they loved the symbolism of getting married on the water. The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay blew them away and also ensured their guests had a comfortable place to stay after the reception.
Wedding Planner: $3,600. It was important to Brooke that her family and friends could enjoy her wedding without worrying about setup, decorating, and day-of logistics. “Having Katie [of White Oak Weddings] and her assistant’s help on our wedding day and throughout the planning process was well worth the money,” Brooke says.
Their Biggest Savings
Decor: $800. Brooke designed and created all her own paper goods, from escort cards to programs. “We saved a lot of money by not ordering these items online,” she says.
Their Vendors
Venue ($41,300): Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay // Photography ($5,795*): Manda Weaver // Videography ($5,290): Paperboys // Florist ($4,000): J Starr's Flower Barn // Draping and lighting ($4,000): On Your Mark Lighting // Planner ($3,600): White Oak Weddings // DJ ($3,500): Darling Wedding Productions // Bride's gown and accessories ($2,500): Wren Bridal // Cake ($600): Julie Bakes // Hair & Makeup ($410): Kennedy Correa & Rebecca Ritchie
Other Included Costs
ATTIRE Bride's alterations: $350 // Groom's tux: $300
DECOR Signage: $800
MISCELLANEOUS Favors: $1,000 // Vendor tips: $500
STATIONERY Invitations: $900 // Save the Dates: $500 // Postage: $200
VENUE Food & beverage: $30,300 // Service charge: $10,000 // Chair upgrade: $1,000
*This price was incorrectly listed as $4,500 in the original article.
