When it comes to planning a wedding the one thing that kills all the fun is having to manage that darned budget. It always just seems to get in the way. Well today's wedding proves a gorgeous wedding is not all about splashing the cash - it's about being creative and smart with your planning. Sam and Dan planned their wonderful vintage colourtastic wedding in just 8 months on a relatively small budget of just £7,000. Wedding pros told them it wouldn't work. But they went ahead anyway and triumphed. Theirs is one heck of an inspirational wedding! How did they do it? Read on for some joyous inspiration and lots of clever little planning tricks..
First of all, let's hear from Dan how these two found each other... "Sam and I met in The Mall pub in Clifton in November 2012. Sam had just moved back to the UK from Brussels where she had been working for 12 years as a teacher. She’d begun a new job in Bristol, hence the move. After we sat and spoke for an evening we shared some more dates and by the New Year we were making plans to move in together. We found a perfect home together in May 2013 and I proposed at the end of November that year. "
So it was that this match made in retro heaven found each other. Dan proposed at Westonbirt Arboretum during the “Enchanted Christmas” fair. Armed with diamonds and champagne Dan dropped to one knee amongst the trees. No surprise that it was a resounding "YES!".
Once engaged Dan and Sam started to their preparations. And they were in a hurry! They set themselves 8 months to create their dream event within budget.
For Sam and Dan the idea was simple: colour and fun were at the core, and aesthetically they blended lots of old school vintage, particularly 1950s elements into every part of the occasion. From the ceremony to the outfits, it all just works beautifully together. And it's so obvious everyone had a ball, which is by far the most important thing.
That lollipop boutonnière! For more alternative boutonnière options have a wee look at our alternative boutonnieres for grooms.
To keep costs down Sam and Dan sourced a lot of their own items for the wedding including: retro popcorn on arrival for guests and beautiful bright outfits for the flower girls and page boys.
Sam's own flirty fabulous wedding dress was made locally by Gail, a retired seamstress, while her makeup was done by a pal.
How adorable is this little vintage VW campervan?
The venue was chosen in part due to its location but a smidge of nostalgia also played a part as Dan explained... "No. 4 is just around the corner from where we first met and Samantha lived before we moved in together, so the wonderful setting of Clifton Village was also very important. But as importantly the incredibly helpful staff at No. 4 (especially Emma our Wedding Co-ordinator) helped to achieve exactly what we wanted for the day - nothing was too much bother for them and they were brilliant. We heartily recommend them and the venue for anyone looking for a wedding in Bristol."
No. 4 was decorated with stationery designed by Sam and Dan and glass cola bottles filled with coloured jelly and glow-sticks (!) While lots of little activities were organised for the kids so both grown ups and children could have a good time.
Advice wise, it's unsurprising that Sam and Dan are big advocates of doing your own thing and they have some practical tips... "It can be hard at times as usually the majority of wedding will be funded by parents who will have their own ideas and expectations for your wedding, but its your day so make the very best of it. Once you have a budget, stick to it. There will have to be compromises made but you can do a lot of the work yourselves to help save money, especially if you allow yourselves time to do it - we started getting things ready 8 months in advance (ordering clothes and other items early can help you choose and change your mind with plenty of breathing space). Get as much help and assistance from friends and family as you can, ask everyone you know - you wont believe just how much people are willing to do to be part of the special day. Remember to thank them for it too. Just make sure the day is what you want it to be.
After their Bristol celebration Sam and Dan headed to Samantha’s parents holiday home in rural France where they hosted a 2nd wedding celebration with friends and neighbours in and around the village. Not jealous at all! Huge congratulations you two, and thanks so much for sharing your day with us.
A big Thank You of course goes to super photographer Boy Called Ben for sharing his gorgeous photography with us. To see more head over to www.boycalledben.co.uk
The Wedding Details
- Ceremony & Reception: No4 Clifton Village
- Bridesmaids dresses: Tiger Milly
- Shoes: “Ruby Shoe” from Irregular Choice
- Flowers: Belle de Jour
- Groomsmen’s suits: Next, My Tuxedo, Debenhams
- Cars: The Cream Tease Bus
- Wedding Favours: Personalised Vedett Beer Bottles
- Hair: Chris & Emma at McQueens Hairdressing
- Wedding Bands: Ernest Jones
- Reception Music: The Jukebox Jets
