A Frugal Nashville Bride Keeps the Focus on Family and Friends
Thursday, December 3, 2009
I met Monyanita at a bridal show this year.She was really excited about her wedding! Since she attended my alma mater, (Hume-Fogg High School here in Nashville) I wanted to stay in touch.
We kept in touch and she recently sent me her wedding pictures to share with other budget brides. Forget a budget bride, Monyanita admits to being a cheap bride...which is a very rare admittance. I thought I would feature it today to give other "cheap brides" some ideas to stretch that shoestring budget:).
My word of advice to brides on a budget is reduce your guest list and save/splurge only on what matters to you the most. That way, you can have the wedding of your dreams within your budget. I especially love her idea of college alumni reception tables.
That's my advice...keep reading for Monyanita's advice.
Bride - Monyanita Hockett
Groom - Michael Henry
Our wedding details - September 12th, 2009 3:30pm
Ceremony location - Lake Providence Missionary Baptist Church
Reception location - Gordon Jewish Community Center
Guests - 250+
Wedding Style:
My wedding style
I am very traditional so I would say my wedding was classic. I didn't want to do anything too contemporary because I want to be able to look at my pics in 20-30 years and still think my wedding was timeless. I don't want it to look dated.
My colors and why I choose them
My colors were plum and olive with champagne accents. I chose them because I just love the way green and purple complement one another and champagne goes with both of those as well.
My theme I am a very family oriented person, so I just wanted a big family/fun-filled day.
Personal touches
Sept 12, is also Michael's bday, so I surprised him with his own bday cake, separate from the wedding cakes. We went to "rival" colleges so we had what we called "alumni tables" at our reception. We also had a memorial table w/pictures of loved ones that had passed away. We wanted them to still be a part of the day too.
Wedding wow factor
I got so many compliments on the decorations and of all things my programs. They were very unique. Everyone also told me how much fun they had at the reception. Both my husband’s fraternity brothers and my sorority sisters sang to me, then we all “strolled” and “party hopped” and a lot of people enjoyed that!
Favors
Purple and green candles in votive holders w/personalized matches
Gifts for bridesmaids / Groomsmen
I purchased their jewelry for the day and silk jewelry rolls for them to pack their jewelry when they travel. For groomsmen, my then fiance ordered wall clocks with each of the groomsmen’s favorite football teams.
What I did for the kids in my wedding
I got my flower girls mini tiaras, their shoes and socks. I got my ring bearer, bible bearer, and crier hand held electronic games.
Most special moment for me?
I had been locked away in the bridal suite the whole time, so I hadn’t seen some of the decorations. When I finally came out and turned the corner, the first thing I saw was my mother and grandfather waiting to walk me down the aisle, Then I saw the memorial table and my great-grandparents and brother were smiling back at me. I miss them a lot and to see them on the table and know that they were “there” in spirit was very emotional for me.
My Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Directors - Vicki Jones- A Brownie Affair and Cheryl Williams
Videographer: AHA Video Productions
Floral Design & Decorations: Flowers by D
Bride’s Make-up: MAC Cool Springs
Bride’s Hair: Danielle Carter- Acts of Faith Hair Studio
Bride’s Dress: A Bride’s Storey
Groom’s Attire: Bridals and Formals by RJS
Attendants Attire: Bridals and Formal by RJS
Reception Entertainment: DJ C-Lo
Limousine Service: Niles Limo
Programs: JJ Graphics
Rings: Tiffany’s/Platinum Jewelers in Franklin
My faves
All of my vendors were great…and VERY personable.
My Wedding Rewind:
What I would do differently if planning again?
I would make sure I had a FULL understanding with my vendors. I had a small misunderstanding with my reception site. They had a few rules and customs that I wasn’t aware of because of the differences in our faiths. The JCC has a beautiful facility, and a nice big place to have a reception. Just make sure they explain the rules of the kitchen if you decide to use it.
Biggest waste of time or money?
Nothing… I was frugal….almost just plain cheap
Best value for the service/product?
Our cakes without a doubt. I didn’t want to spend $4 for a thin slice of cake so I really had to look around. Ms. Pat was VERY reasonable and nice to work with and not only were my cakes beautiful, they tasted great!!! My cake had three flavors (strawberry, French vanilla, and white chocolate) and the groom’s cake was a melt in your mouth dark chocolate cake with a whipped milk chocolate filing and covered in ganache. It was, for lack of better words, off the CHAIN!!
Neatest find
I got the jewelry for my bridesmaids at http://www.glamourgoddess.com. I really suggest this site. I also got my cake topper from EVENTistas which I found on http://www.etsy.com.
Advice for other Nashville brides?
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your wedding nice. Always look for the sale!! I used artificial flowers, which I went to purchase myself. I waited until Joanne’s, Michaels, and Hobby Lobby had their flowers on sale for 50% off. That saved me tons. After the wedding, we gave kept one of the alter arrangements, then gave the others away as gifts. I also got my favors on sale from Hobby Lobby and put them together myself with help from my matrons of honor, mother, and aunt. I also waited until the matches went on sale on weddingchannel.com they eventually got down to $16.99/100. Lastly, don’t be afraid to go outside of Nashville-area to find your vendors. My vendors came from all over TN (Springfield, Springhill, Memphis, Gallatin, etc) and it really saved us money.
About the Author:
Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide
Hey - I'm Ashley! I started AshleysBrideGuide.com to give Nashville brides, or folks planning a Nashville wedding, a local resource for inspiration and resources. Hope to see you at a bridal show soon! Happy Planning.
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Posted on December 3, 2009 |
Filed under: DIY & Budget Wed Finds, Real Nashville Weddings
