Does the words “wedding” and “budget” belong in the same sentence?  With just the mention of the word “wedding” and the price sky rockets.   However, for this wedding the bride wanted to keep it simple, unique and affordable.  So as the matron of honor it was my privilege to help my “daughter” (unofficially adopted but much loved :-)).  For her country chic, back yard, barbeque reception we set out to design and make as much as we could ourselves –      

   
 We started by draping a hula hoop with white Christmas lights, burlap and garlands of flowers.  Then hung it up between two conjoined trees so that it was directly over the bride and groom’s table. 

 

Chandelier(photo by John Winters / Ron Parks Photography) 

 

We made signs from boards taken from an old barn  –

Working on signs Horse shoe sign In house sign 

Feed sign 

Seat sign(photo by John Winters / Ron Parks Photography) 

 

Centerpieces were made inexpensively with wine coolers from Hobby Lobby (caught on sale for $1).  We wrapped them in burlap, lace and flowers, each slightly different from the other.  Inside we arranged willow branches intertwined with tiny, white twinkling lights (so pretty that night). 

Centerpieces  Centerpieces 3(photo by John Winters / Ron Parks Photography) 

The bride made all the bouquets (she is so talented)

Bouquets(photo by John Winters / Ron Parks Photography) 

We found these metal rods at Lowes for $.59 a piece (no idea what they are intended for).  We put sand and candles in mason jars, tied twine around the top of the jars then onto the metal rods.  We arranged them in the back yard, which looked very romantic lit up.

Mason jar hangings

Mason Jar lit(photo by John Winters / Ron Parks Photography) 

I made flowers out of coffee filters.  Using the free burlap bags I snatched up at the Las Vegas market- I glued a couple of flowers to the sides and arranged others inside.  

Canvas bag Coffee filter flowers

The favors were ordered online – useful and cute!

Favors(above photo by John Winters / Ron Parks Photography) 

And of course the gorgeous, yummy cake –
(https:www.facebook.com/chefstephw)

Cake (above photo by John Winters / Ron Parks Photography) 

Faux flowers (found at end of season close out last year) in the fountain was a welcoming sight

 

Fountain(above photo by John Winters / Ron Parks Photography) 

 

So does the words”wedding” and “budget” belong in the same sentence? 

                              Sure it does! 

Until we started on a little back yard project 😮 (details on the next post)