That’s me and our wedding, Practical and Perfect.  We bought a house in the same week that we got married and that’s a pretty good example of the type of couple we are, we’d rather have a nice house than an over the top wedding.  The average cost of weddings is 26,000 (!!!!), which just blows my mind, I can’t imagine spending even half of that on one day!
So, I didn’t. 

And I feel like we not only lacked nothing in our experience, but we kept capitol to go practically and responsibly in other directions (hardwood floors say what?!!)
Don’t get me wrong, I’m a classy broad, I hate buffets and save up for my designer heals, so when my husband proposed I tightened my budget, assessed what was really important to us as a couple, did my research was truthful with myself about what I could DIY, made a list (I love love love lists!) and in classic Kat mode, got shit done.

Stuff Important Enough For Us To Spend Money On;

(Now this is when you have to be really honest with yourself, it sucks to cut things out but it sucks more to cut something out that really is important to you, even if its not important to others or seems frivolous, its YOUR wedding, duh.)

1. Food.  Specifically a nice and I mean NICE caterer.  I HATE HATE HATE buffets, more power to those who love them and want them and yes, they can be nice, but its just not me.  Turns out with our small group it was more cost effective to have the sit down, butlered dinner/cocktail hour I wanted than to have a buffet or stations.  I chose one of the number one caterers in the state, not just because of their rep, but also because of their customer service and most importantly their willingness and mission to local/organic ingredients, vendors and sustainability.  If I’m going to blow a wad of cash I’d rather it go back into the economy I live in.  I also chose this caterer as they had the means to provide all the dishware, liquor license and bar (open of course, another important aspect to the husband and I), linens and day of coordinator.  Multiple services within one vendor is a must and a money saver.
2. Photography.  End. Of. Story. A must must must have for me, I am a crazy scrapbooker and severr sentimentalist and it would ruin my day if I didn’t have amazing and perfect (for us and our personalities) photos of the day.  Not only is our photographer UH-Mazingly talented, she is so so sweet and easy to get along with and her work is to die for! We were lucky enough to A). find a photographer sorta starting out in the wedding business (so not over the top pricey) AND B). who would custom make a package for us since I don’t give a rat’s patootey about things like albums and portraits, but I DID want an engagement session, candids, group shots and easy access to ordering prints for my family.
3. Location.  As in real estate, location is key.  Honestly, we did compromise here, we didn’t do a destination or even a perfect place as it was just too hard for some of Husband’s family (ah-hem the MIL, yes first of epic compromises I will have to make).  But the place we chose was B-E-A-utiful, in a good spot for travelers, a good price, provided all the tables and chairs in the fee (!!! Multiple services !!!), needed very little decoration, had areas for pre-ceremony photos, ceremony, cocktail hour and reception.  Another priority for us, being able to do everything in ONE PLACE.  It cut costs, made is easy for everyone attending, and frankly for us (we are not particularly religious anyhow).
4. Dress.  Yes, I’m that girl and I’m fine with it, to ME it was important to have a gorgeous wedding dress, though I’m just too practical to not have a tight budget (no Say Yes To The Dress prices for me).  So I got real, set myself a budget and refused to even LOOK a dress above price (fittings price included! Don’t forget about those, they can add up).  I love my dress, it was comfortable (could pee BY MY SELF), and beautiful.  And when I found the one that looked great and fit my budget, I -get this- STOPPED LOOKING. I didn’t want to second guess myself or stress myself out with “what could be out there” mentality.

Stay tuned for what I Can Do Myself/ Don’t See The Point In Spending Money On, along with what kept our wedding sane and totally us.