Budget Breakdown: Rustic Wedding

So often our clients come to us with big ideas and dreams, hoping for some direction in making those visions a reality. It is always tricky to determine those dreams in terms of what is possible for each of their budgets. SO we are starting a fun new category called "Budget Breakdown" in order to guide you gorgeous brides towards design features that are attainable in every budget. Let's welcome this new gal of a category to the block, shall we?!

One of the most popular themes that has taken the wedding world by storm is the rustic wedding. Why shouldn’t it? It sets a beautiful stage for a wedding with the perfect touch of masculinity, but leaves plenty of room for the bride to incorporate fabulous details. It’s difficult to get online, or flip through a wedding magazine without seeing an example of a rustic or natural styled wedding.

A great thing about having a rustic wedding is the wide variety of things you can do with the décor to accompany any budget! That’s right. I brought up the “B” word. There is no reason to be shy about your budget when planning your wedding, it’s actually imperative that you know what can be spent to avoid headaches and heartbreak. We are not here to burst your bubble, but we want to bring you into reality so your planning can go as smoothly as possible. Nothing is worse than trying to put together a $50,000 shin-dig without the 50 grand.

To help ya’ll get an idea of we are talking about, we have found some examples of weddings that fall in the price points of around $50,000, $20,000, and around $10,000.

Tier 1 - $50,000

 

WOW! What a glamorous example of a rustic barn wedding! Considering the professionally hung draping, impeccably detailed place settings and table design, linen and flower quality, multiple chandeliers, and other rental décor details, this wedding qualifies for near the $50,000 category for around 225 guests. This is also assuming that this couple chose to provide a plated meal for their guests, opted for alcoholic beverages, and possibly had a few other luxury details, such as premium invitations or paper products. 

Tier 2 - $20,000

                            

Here is another breathtaking example! This barn wedding for 150 comes in right around $20,000 for a few reasons. While they still chose to have beautiful linens and centerpieces, they used lots of greenery and wildflowers to cut costs. They also opted for very simple place settings instead of a charger, dinner plate, salad plate, place card, menu...etc. By doing this you cut down on cost per guest which is where you really start to save. This also signifies that they most likely had a buffet or passed appetizers instead of a plated meal. 

Things that did bring their budget up would be pricey rentals, (like gold chiavari chairs and crystal candle sticks), uplighting around the outer walls, and florals/decor for specialty areas (food stations or sweets bars, guest book area and favors). 

Tier 3 - $10,000

These photos give an example of what can be done with a budget around $10,000 for about 150 guests.  This couple decided on a crowd-friendly candy and popcorn bar instead of a full meal, standard linens and chairs, and twinkle lights instead of ritzy chandeliers. Their centerpieces consisted of budget blooms and were held by DIY jars and vases. Custom touches like signage and a homemade cake topper made this wedding even more personal. If you are on a tight budget, read more about this wedding and other budget-friendly celebrations on this site that covers adorable weddings and their expenses. Just an FYI, this wedding was actually UNDER $10,000! View the breakdown on the link.

It is possible to have a stunning rustic wedding at any budget! Don’t let the “B” word be the main stressor of the wedding. At the end of the day, two people have celebrated their love with family and friends which is a great way to start their lives together, no matter the budget. Happy planning and with any budget, design or other wedding questions, feel free to shoot us a line! 

- Jane 

Behind the Scenes: Custom Linens and Details

Here at Abby Mitchell Event Planning and Design there are plenty of projects we work on behind the scenes. With Abby's exceptional knowledge of needlework and sewing, she is able to create one-of-a-kind pieces for any occasion. Below are some circular runners and monogrammed pillows that Abby worked on for Grayson and Danielle's wedding that took place in Alabama on February 2nd! 

Read on for some tidbits on the design of the wedding and the construction details from Abby.  - Rochelle :)

P.S. Thanks to Sharon Taylor of Pickwick House for opening up her shop to us for our "bigger than kitchen table" projects! We always love seeing the fun interior design pieces that Sharon is working on, or the art she has for sale. Check her out!

Grayson and Danielle's wedding was a really fun Navy and Yellow/Gold color palette set to take place in a family barn. They let me use patterns! I love how a pattern brings depth and style to a wedding, and the navy oak tree runners were the perfect touch on their tables. 

I made the circular runners first by cutting the total amount of runners I would need and then serging the edges.

The monogrammed pillows might have been my favorite detail from Grayson and Danielle's wedding altogether. They choose three different coordinating patterns in navy and yellow, all to go on large wooden pews that would serve as extra seating in their barn reception. 

The embroidery was done by Works of Art Embroidery in Branson, and they did a gorgeous job. They matched the navy thread for the yellow pillows, and the yellow thread for the navy pillows perfectly, and even recreated the two-letter logo of the couple's initials for us!

Guess what? I hate hand sewing. If it doesn't involve beading, or jewels, or SOMETHING fun, then I would much rather just machine stitch it.... which is exactly what I did on the rest of this pillow :) 

One done, 5 to go! The stripe was my favorite I think. It looked so classy, but fun, on the benches in the barn! I can't wait to share the final product with you all! 

Intern, Jane, getting us organized :) We had oak fabric for both runners and pillows, so we were counting runners often making sure we had enough! 

I love these colors and patterns together! All our fabric was from FM Stores on Fremont St. It is one of my all time favorite stores. Yes, I just threw that out there. If you need accent fabric for any details at your wedding, they are the place to go! You could use an idea from here, like pillows or runners, or get creative with a fun backdrop for your photobooth or cake! The options are endless, and wondering the aisles there, you will see what I mean! 

Stay tuned for more details from Grayson and Danielle's wedding in Alabama and take a peak at their European Engagement while you wait! 

Engaged: Malorie and Jon

Meet Malorie and Jon! 

They will be getting hitched in Springfield, Missouri in July!

1. How did the two of you meet and how long have you been together?

We originally met in college at Drury University, on the Sigma Pi patio.  We had a lot of mutual friends in college, but we never dated, or went to any fraternity or sorority dances together!  It wasn’t until several years later, that a mutual friend of ours had dinner with Malorie, and told her that Jon was moving to Bentonville, AR.  At this time Malorie was living in Joplin, MO, a short distance away.  Malorie invited Jon to come visit Joplin whenever he was able.  Within weeks, and after a 10 hour drive from a trip to Austin, TX for New Years, Jon visited Malorie in Joplin.  We have been inseparable ever since!

2. Tell us about one of your favorite dates!

We both agree, our favorite date was when we decided to spontaneously go to Eureka Springs for the night one fall evening.  Jon had never seen the Crescent Hotel Ghost tour, so we decided to up and go!  We did the tour, and had an amazing dinner at Ermilio’s. At the end of dinner we thought it would be a lot of fun to stay the night.  But a fall weekend in Eureka Springs, made rooms impossible to find.  We started calling around, and eventually we both called the same place! Malorie barely beat Jon to the punch, and found (what we think) was the last room available in town.  To top it all off it was a HONEYMOON suite!  We had a blast! This was also, the first time Jon told Malorie he loved her.  Needless to say, it’s a date we never will forget!

3. When did you know it was the real thing?

For Jon: It was after the first weekend they were together.  Jon had never had very many long term relationships, and immediately with Malorie everything was different and felt natural.  Being a Christian, fun loving, and outgoing; Jon knew Malorie was the one!

For Malorie: Jon has a personality unlike anyone Malorie had ever met.  He is dedicated and passionate.  Knowing Jon drove 10 hours after a trip to Austin to come visit her, something beyond special was here (although she did not admit that to him right away J).  For Malorie, it too was shortly after they started dating.  Being a man of faith, strong values, and a sincere personality, Malorie knew Jon was the one she wanted to spend the rest of her life with!

4. Was the proposal a surprise? How did it happen?

The proposal itself was a surprise! Even though we had been looking at rings for a little while, I had no idea when it would happen.  It was the first day of Christmas vacation.  Jon and I had planned to go to dinner that night to celebrate the holidays.  However, when I got to Bentonville and was getting ready for dinner, Jon suggested that I pack my bags so we could go up to Springfield after dinner in Eureka Springs.  I was really confused, but at this time in our lives we were driving between Springfield, Bentonville, and Joplin constantly, so it wasn’t out of the norm to change plans. With bags packed we headed to Eureka Springs for dinner at Ermilio’s, where we had one of our first dates.  Jon and I always promise not to get each other gifts for Christmas, and we do a small weekend trip together instead, but this time Jon brought a present the size of a book to dinner. “What’s that?” I said, rather upset because I didn’t get him anything for Christmas so I felt foolish.  Jon explained, “It a two year/Christmas/together present”.  I was still uncertain, but he brought it inside for dinner. The restaurant had a special table for us when we arrived (Normally, you can’t make reservations at Ermilio’s). We had dinner, and as we were rounding out dessert Jon asked if I wanted to open the gift.  I said OK! It was an IPad!  As happy as I was to receive it, I was still a little upset that he gave me such a nice gift when we promised not to exchange.  “Wow babe! This is really nice, thank you! If it’s for both of us, can we split the cost?” Jon laughed and said, “Ha-ha, well, I made something for you on here to watch”. It was a video with most of the pictures from our past two years of dating, with some of our favorite songs narrating in the background!  It was beyond, thoughtful and took a lot of time to prepare! At the end of the video was Jon standing on the porch of the Sigma Pi house at Drury (where we first met), holding signs WILL YOU MARRY ME?Jon got down on one knee at the restaurant and I said YES! Jon then told me our bags were packed to stay over at a Bed and Breakfast for the evening.  We started calling our friends and family immediately!  It was the perfect way to start the holidays! He did so well!

5. How do you envision your wedding day?

A day full of celebration with love and happiness! 

6. Are there any fun family traditions or special details that you are planning to incorporate?

Jon is planning to make an isle runner for the ceremony with pictures of him and Malorie through the years. We hope to bring a special day to pay attribute to our family and friends who have supported us through the years J

7. Bride, what are you most looking forward to on your big day?

The look on Jon’s face as I walk down the isle in my wedding dress!  And taking a new last name, of my very best friend!

8. Groom, what are you most looking forward to on the big day?

Marrying my best friend!  

9. What are we both looking forward to?
Being surrounded by loved ones.  Seeing all of our family and friends together for a wonderful celebration!

Vendor Spotlight: Simply Delicious Catering and Vintage Veranda Tea Room

Vintage Veranda and Simply Delicious Catering are both owned by Patty Wingo and located in Springfield, Missouri. Both offer fresh and inspiring dishes to satisfy anyones appetite. If you don't believe me, check it out for yourself!

We are giving you the best chance ever to do so! Win a $50 gift certificate to Vintage Veranda for Valentine's Date Night! Instructions on how to enter are listed at the bottom, so get your name in the hat! 

Here are a few photos from our staff outing to the tea room. You might be all grown up, but you're never to old for a tea party! Vintage Veranda offers the sophisticated, yet quaint experience that you are looking for. Every little treasure inside makes this place one of a kind and that goes especially for the food.

Read on for a quick interview with Patty!  

 - Rochelle :)

Tea Room located at 724 South Scenic, Springfield, MO 65802

A quaint spot for a bridal or baby shower. 

The Sweet Peach Tea was AMAZING!  Is it summer time yet?



The Roasted Red Pepper soup is pretty much life changing. No wonder it comes in a tea cup... I could slurp it up!

Holy Dessert!



Patty was gracious enough to answer a few questions for us about both Vintage Veranda and Simply Delicious...

What is your favorite aspect of each business? I love both but for very different reasons. I love the Tea Room because I feel like it is a little oasis in an unusual spot that people come to celebrate a special occasion, have lunch with someone special or just come have a slice of dessert and Mudhouse Tea. Catering...where do I start? I'm so passionate about food! I love really listening to what the client wants, and making it happen. 

If you could only recommend one thing on the tea room menu, what would it be? I love our Turkey Caprese Panini at the tearoom along with all our house made soups. 

If you could only recommend one specific item from your menu for a catering client to have at their event, what would it be? I think our Tuscan Chicken with light garlic cream sauce, sun dried tomatoes and balsamic reduction. 

You are such a busy lady! What keeps you going? I enjoy cooking. It's truly a passion of mine. I think if I didn't cook, I would need therapy. Seriously. I love my staff and we have a great time together. Every event is special to us.

Simply Delicious has been in business since 2001 and has easily set themselves apart as Springfield's most sought after catering company. While Patty's vibrant personality is enough to sell anything, her food truly speaks for itself. We love recommending Simply Delicious because we know our clients and their guests will be well fed and shown generous hospitality. 

 Photos by Christine Bonnivier Photography

Okay, to win the Valentine's Date Night giveaway all you have to do is “Like” Vintage Veranda, Simply Delicious, and Abby Mitchell Events on Facebook and then comment here when you’re done! Winner will be chosen randomly one week from today on February 9^th!  Good luck!