Jeana, community college Program Manager & Graham, director/producer

SUM-UP OF THE WEDDING VIBE: Steel Magnolias deep southern charm meets chic & queer Oakland

PLANNED BUDGET: $20,000
ACTUAL BUDGET: $22,000
NUMBER OF GUESTS: 130
LOCATION: Oakland, California

Where we allocated the most funds:

Venue, photographer, wine, flowers & food.

Where we allocated the least funds:

Extra up lighting ($100- rented online), cake $100 (we were so lucky to have our friend’s make it!), unlimited churro cart for dessert (so we didn’t have to have a big cake & plates/utensils to feed everyone) $300, ceremony decor (the green swag from our florist was pricey but for $100 my incredible maid of honor bought & returned all the rugs and arranged all the ceremony altar arrangements herself!!), invitations (we built a comprehensive website so we could have a really nice STD and invite but not a whole suite of paper). Place setting & rentals (we rented plates, we bought the chargers from Michael’s because cheaper to buy than rent and can re-sell. we used heavy gold plastic silverware instead of renting AND bought mason jar glasses people could use for the sweet tea station, sodas etc and also take with them. it was a favor AND we didn’t have to rent glasses). We used the same chairs for ceremony and dinner. For flowers: I did corsages for the ‘maids (not bouquets). We saved a lot doing that and it was absolutely chic & gorgeous and served major southern debutante vibes (I was into it!).

What was totally worth it:

The flowers. Natalie was AMAZING. She really went above and beyond to give me what I wanted in my budget. She was a dream to work with. Our incredible photographer!!!! Jamie Thrower of Studio xiii Photography is wonderful & so talented. Choosing a venue that comes with a coordinator, the wine and wine glasses. We could provide our own beer & other non alkie drinks. It just made everything very smooth, their staff was great, the venue was high end with BEAUTIFUL WINE but we could still save by not having loads of hard liquor – the venue is wine & beer only (our best man filled his trunk with booze & made a “car bar” A month of coordinator (in addition to the one provided by the venue). Best $1800 we spent beccause they ran the day like clock work.

What was totally not worth it:

The photobooth. We got a cheaper option and it was cute but I honestly think unless you get a fancy one, just skip it. You won’t miss it with a good photographer!

A few things that helped us along the way:

FRIENDS!!!! Between our rehearsal dinner, welcome party and the wedding itself – people showed UP. We delegated a lot of things and it was so wonderful!!! Researching options before choosing, going with people who you vibe with (not who just come highly rec’ed on yelp or from friends), being practical about your budget and what you want. It all goes by so fast and it WILL be the best day of your life! Just let some of the stress go and enjoy the ride.

It was also so fun to use our hashtag we’ve been using our whole relationship as the wedding hashtag. #stripperheelsandredwings
People recognized it, used it and left us with magical moments captured!

My best practical advice for my planning self:

Don’t get caught up, Boo. It will all work out. Think creatively AND logistically. Stay calm! There isn’t THE dress. There are a lot of great dresses out there. Stick to your budget, commit to what you want the vibe of the wedding to be, style the shit out of your looks and the event itself. Get creative!! You will be beautiful NO MATTER WHAT! Trust things will work out even if you aren’t micro managing them. Get a videographer or have someone record the ceremony!! (we didn’t and I wish we did!) Frame all the signage. (hello, tj maxx!)

Favorite thing about the wedding:

Three things. 1. It felt, tasted, looked & vibed like a chic Steel Magnolias southern dream meets Oakland fairytale. It felt like home. 2. MY AMAZING HUSBAND!! 3. All our pictures!!! From engagement to rehearsal dinner to the wedding. Our photographer was EVERYTHING.

Anything else:

While you’re planning, everything feels like it matters SO MUCH. And it does!! It’s a ton of work. But try to enjoy it. Stay organized. Rent a rehearsal dinner dress. Do beer & wine only. Serve BBQ or pizza or a more casual meal if it’s what you can afford – you can make it high end in other ways. Think outside the box on everything. Treat your vendors like family and they will take good care of you. Don’t be afraid to back yard it, make your own invites, DIY your favors, and call on your community for support. People want to help! DEF WRITE YOUR OWN VOWS. Keep it all grounded to how y’all are as a couple, your tastes & aesthetic, what y’all think is fun. Let your day or weekend truly reflect your love!!! Let your budget lead – don’t try to make your event something you don’t actually have the budget for. It will stress you out!! Be grateful for what you can do and ENJOY IT!!

[credit Photography: Studio XIII Photography | Location: Oakland, California | Venue: Cerruti Cellars | Jeana’s Dress: Allure Bridals at Glamour Closet SF | Graham’s Suit: Mens Warehouse | Bridesmaids Jumpsuits: BLHDN [/credit

The post $22K, OAK, Queer, Fun. Magical. Delicious. Spirited. Blessed. appeared first on BridalPulse.