Spencer and Casie are two dear friends of mine and my husband's who were married last September. Spencer and my husband have been friends basically their whole lives, and so it was particularly awesome to be guests at his wedding (the whole time we just kept saying, "I can't believe Spencer is getting married." Isn't it weird to grow up?).
Now, I may be biased, but I've been to a lot of weddings, and this one was by far one of my favorites. It was intimate, the ceremony was both sentimental and laugh out loud funny (i.e. when the Pastor quoted Beyonce during the ring exchange), and the reception was not only beautiful, but comfortable (which I think is hard to achieve). It had all the feel of a well-planned out wedding without being TOO planned out or stuffy. PLUS, there were DIY details galore.
I asked Casie to tell me a little bit more about her planning process, and she had some really good advice for brides looking to plan a beautiful celebration on a budget. Look through the pictures and I think you'll agree: it is totally do-able to have the wedding of your dreams without spending your life's savings.
From Casie:
Spencer and I met at Lakeside, Ohio working at Hoover Auditorium. Lakeside holds a lot of special memories for the both of us so it was a no brainer to have our ceremony on the historic grounds. We had planned to wait a year and a half to get married. But there were other life changing things that were happening, so we decided to move the wedding up. A big over-the-top wedding was out of the question. My sister was getting married a month after Spencer and I and we were handling the majority of the finances. I literally had four months to plan this wedding while working full-time, but found that if you keep things simple, you can do it! No reason to wait. I also found that family members wanted to help out, either with physical tasks or monetarily. Let people help, but give direction and keep it reasonable.

Image via Sarah Whitwell Photography
"Dress: Oleg Cassini via www.preownedweddingdress.com. (I saved over 60% and the bustling was already done!)"

Image via Sarah Whitwell Photography
"I made, cut and assembled all of the invitations. I did leave out the RSVP card and planned on all attending (even though not all would attend). I loved the website www.downloadandprint.com. The price of the membership out weighed the cost of have them professionally done. The paper and envelopes were picked-up from Staples and Pat Catans. FYI: A sturdy cutting board is important. Ask around, someone will have one."

Image via Sarah Whitwell Photography
"My cousin created a beautiful heart out of one of my dad’s old shirts and sewed it into my dress. It was another lovely little addition. I also used a piece of my mother’s wedding dress to be the sleeve of my flowers. The dress had otherwise aged poorly but I still felt it was special to incorporate."

"I felt like the investment of pants, tie and suspenders would be more affordable for the boys then renting. Spencer’s groomsmen were from all over the country so we had to find a source that would be available to everyone. We went with JCPenny because they had the right style and price."

"I wanted something quick and simple so I had my girls pick-up a dress I loved from Old Navy. It was perfect and only cost $30. I had them get gladiator sandals or use a pair they already had."

Image via Sarah Whitwell Photography


"I borrowed mason jars and filled them with Epsom salts and tea candles (bought the tea candles super cheap at a garage sale). Then I had the local bar save their liquor bottles from the weekend. I soaked and removed the labels and had my sister write faith, hope and love on the bottles, then I spray-painted them. I also placed some old sheet music underneath the bottles and jars. I also strung pictures of Spencer and I growing up along with our engagement photos. It was fun to look over the years in just a few minutes."

"I planted a mix of Zinnias and other wild flowers. I also “borrowed” flowers from other gardens- no one misses a few flowers here and there. Flowers like black-eyed Susans and Purplecone flowers are plentiful. Don't limit yourself- Queen Anne’s lace is beautiful and foxtail is rustic and they’re considered weeds! Also, go with a local florist to do arrangements. They are more likely to be flexible with pricing."

  
"The bonfire added to the summertime fun picnic theme. Plus, guests were able to use their favors right away (little smore's packs)."

Image via Sarah Whitwell Photography
Other details:
Ceremony location: Perry Park in Lakeside, Ohio
Reception location: Private household
Date: September 8, 2012
Guest Count: 180
Photography: Casie chose a good friend and sorority sister, Sarah Whitwell, and gave her suggestions of what she wanted (using Pinterest for inspiration).
Food: Picnic theme: hamburgers, hotdogs, watermelon, chips and lemonade/water.
Best part of the day: "Finally kissing my husband!"
Worst part: "Spencer forgot the vases for the sand ceremony. It was labeled in the program and the band was going to play during that time so I couldn’t just pull it. I found out literally five minutes before walking down the aisle. Both my maids of honor and best man sprung into action, grabbing the vases the flowers came in and river rocks to place in the bottom. I felt helpless but, in the end, everything worked out."
Favorite DIY project: The invitations and favors. ("I felt like I was getting one step closer to the big day!")
Splurge: "Haha."
Advice: "Cover the details or get someone to handle them. Day-of, you do not want to be worrying as to whether the lights are plugged in as guests are arriving to the reception or that all the right people are paid. Also, don’t forget your marriage license!"