This is a fun wedding – not only were the bride and groom extremely creative with their planning, but they were creative with their budgeting. They used a combination of DIY, bartering and help from friends/family to keep their budget just under $13,000.



Even with a small budget, this couple incorporated things that were important to them like supporting organics, including Irish traditions and hiring a great photographer. According to the bride, Marisa, they searched for what fit them best, versus what was the most trendy or fabulous, and that helped keep their costs down.

Comparing Wedding Budgets

Remember that not all wedding budgets are created equal, so use caution when comparing them. For example, this couple bartered for many of their services. They also did a unique honeymoon registry, having guests contribute as part of their gift.

Quick Facts:

Number of Guests: 190

190 Ceremony: Trimborn Farm



Trimborn Farm Reception: Sweet Water Milwaukee



Sweet Water Milwaukee Total Costs: $12,986

Wedding Essentials ($3,500):

Flowers/Decorations: $750 (Handmade wood flowers/bouquet, candles, paper lanterns, hanging lights, decorative jars/branches)

$750 (Handmade wood flowers/bouquet, candles, paper lanterns, hanging lights, decorative jars/branches)

Invitations/Postage: $204

$204

Save The Date Cards: $46

$46

Wedding Cake: $0 (Made by friend)

$0 (Made by friend)

Wedding Photographer: $2,500

$2,500

Videography: $0 (Bartered)

Reception and Ceremony Costs ($7,724):

Ceremony: $625

$625 Officiant: $400

$400 Reception Venue: $810

$810 Food/Linens/Serveware: $2,175

$2,175 Bartending Services: $719

$719 Bar Stock: $1,100

$1,100 DJ: $995

$995 Bagpiper: $150

$150 Tables/Chairs Rental: $750

Attire, Jewelry and Beauty ($887):

Dress/Shoes/Veil/Jewelry: $537

$537 Groom’s Suit: $0 (Free with groomsmen rentals)

$0 (Free with groomsmen rentals) Bride and Groom Tattoo Rings: $100

$100 Salon for Bride: $250

Transportation ($0)

Limo Bus: $0 (Bartered for graphic design services)

Other Costs ($875):

Rehearsal Dinner: $0 (Gift from family)



$0 (Gift from family) Gifts for Wedding Party: $125

$125 Wedding Favors: $250 (Tree seedlings)

$250 (Tree seedlings) Miscellaneous: $500 (Unexpected needs)

Honeymoon ($0 – Honeymoon Registry)

1 Week in St. Lucia : $0 (Paid for by guests using a honeymoon registry)

Special thanks to the bride and groom, Marisa and Michael, for sharing how to pull off a very unique and creative Milwaukee wedding for $13,000 and to KB Image Photography for supplying the awesome photos!

If you’re currently working on your wedding budget, make sure to read through our previous articles featuring real Milwaukee wedding cost breakdowns of $60,000 $50,000, $30,000 $25,000, $19,000 and $5,000.

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