So this a super-cool Cost Breakdown. Not only is it at one of our favorite venues, The Atrium in Shorewood, but it’s styled in a very unique way that gives it this cool “moody modern” vibe.
When planning their wedding, this couple knew they wanted to break from tradition and do it their own way. We think they did a great job for $34,000. Read on to see their awesome wedding at The Atrium!
Editors Note: This was one of the first weddings at The Atrium when it opened, and since then various updates have been made to make it even more fabulous. Check out this article about The Atrium and this Atrium Cost Breakdown for more info and photos featuring this beautiful space.
Married In Milwaukee Family Used:
This couple used several MIM Family which we always love to see!! Here are the MIM Family Members involved in this wedding at The Atrium:
- Caterer: Antigua Catering & Events
- Venue: The Atrium
- Rehearsal Dinner: Centraal Grand Café & Tappery
Quick Facts – The Atrium Wedding:
- Guests: 150
- Ceremony/Reception: The Atrium
- Total Costs: $33,620
Wedding Essentials ($5,130):
- Invitations/Stationery: $300 (part of cost was gifted by Noir Event Co.)
- Desserts: $530 (Pete’s Pops)
- Photographer: $3,050
- Videographer: $0 (traded for professional services)
- Wedding Planner: $0 (Bride and MOH co-own Noir Event Co.)
- Flowers: $1,550 (included: 1 bridal bouquet, 7 bridesmaid/bridesman bouquets, custom copper piping + wood statement piece for head table, assorted vessels and floral throughout reception space)
Reception and Ceremony Costs ($21,180):
- Ceremony/Reception: $6,125
- Food: $8,500 (included: passed hors d’oeuvres and custom stations throughout the reception)
- Drinks: $5,000 (hosted specialty cocktails (cucumber mule + classic mojito), craft beer, wine, and soft drinks)
- Officiant: $0 (gifted by close friend)
- DJ/Photo Booth: $0 (gifted by a close friend)
- Rentals: $1,555 (farmhouse wood tables + black chairs)
Attire, Jewelry and Beauty ($3,710):
- Bride’s Dress: $1,850 (additional cost gifted by bride’s mother)
- Alterations: $225
- Groom’s Attire: $250
- Bride’s Shoes/Jacket/Jewelry: $200
- Hair/Makeup: $130
- Rings: $1,055
Other Costs ($3,600):
- Transportation: $650
- Wedding Party Gifts: $600 (Bride’s side: custom makeup bags, crystals, and individually curated perfumes / Groom’s side: custom chrome Bottle Breachers / Parents: custom keepsake boxes)
- Hotel Suite: $450 (two nights)
- Rehearsal Dinner: $0 (Centraal Grand Café & Tappery, gifted by groom’s parents)
- Decor: $200
- Vendor Tips: $1,700
Honeymoon ($7,500 – Not Included in Total):
- Honeymoon: $7,500 (trip to Italy)
A Note From The Couple
We asked the couple to tell us about their planning and budgeting process, and this is what they had to say:
The Vibe:
From the start, we knew our wedding was going to break from tradition in many ways. We wanted our guests to feel like they were at a party in our home – full of love, great music, and killer food and drinks.We put a lot of time into planning our ceremony, which was the most important part of the day for us. We coaxed a dear friend of ours to do the honors, walked down the aisle hand in hand, and were surrounded on both sides by the most important people in our lives.
Every part of the day had specifically curated music to set the tone which made it all flow beautifully. We honored a more minimalist approach with the overall décor and focused more on the experience with our guests. We had mixed seating throughout the room and food stations open for hours – more of a “choose your own adventure” wedding experience. You want to hang at the bar and munch on some empanadas? Cool! You want to hit the dance floor with a popsicle? We’re right there with ya.
The Venue:
Before The Atrium was up and running (we’re talking very early stages, friends), we toured all three levels and immediately felt like this was our space. It was a beautiful blank canvas with exposed brick and brilliant lighting on the main floor, where we held our ceremony and reception, and an absolutely stunning rooftop for cocktail hour. We booked over a year and half in advance and there were no Saturdays left in September. We were flexible with our date and decided on a Friday to take advantage of the slight discount. Book early, y’all!The Photos:
Matching with the right photographer was on the tippity top of our list. I had worked with Danielle previously while planning client weddings for Noir and knew, without a shadow of a doubt, she was the photographer for us. As soon as we started talking available dates with The Atrium, we immediately contacted Danielle and locked her in. Danielle is an artist in the truest sense. Our photos are incredible and we could not have asked for a more delightful experience with her throughout every single step. Danielle is the real freaking deal. Photography is not the place to cut corners, promise.The Music:
My second call, after Danielle, was to my longtime friend and fellow wedding professional, Jesse Lynn. He owns and operates Kidron Music and I’ve seen him kill it at countless weddings over the many years we’ve known each other and worked together. We HAD to have him there. He’s the absolute best in the business. He also basically acts as your wedding planner, too. Yes, he’s THAT knowledgeable. Your DJ will set the tone and rhythm of your entire reception. Don’t. Skimp.The Paper + Design:
Creating a fluid design for all of our wedding events was a major priority for us. After all, that is a huge part of what Noir Event Co. does. Everything from our save-the-dates to our thank you cards were created by Noir graphic designer, Bryce Ulmer. We were unbelievably lucky to have much of this gifted by Bryce and his wife, Noir co-owner and MOH, Ashley. What would have likely topped over a thousand dollars was so graciously gifted to us.The Food + Drinks:
In the name of every traditional wedding plate we’ve ever eaten, we swore up and down to give our guests food to remember – in a good way. Antigua Latin Kitchen is the hidden gem you need to look into RIGHT NOW.We worked with the incredible Lali to create a killer menu that our guests continue to rave about months later. For cocktail hour on the rooftop, we had mini Cubans, tamales, yucca fries, and sangria-infused watermelon. On the main floor during the reception, we had three stations throughout the room: ceviche, empanadas, and – you guessed it – tacos. Every penny we spent on food was worth it.
We created specialty cocktails, cucumber mules and classic mojitos, with our curated menu specifically in mind. To top it off, we teamed up with Pete’s Pops to offer our guests popsicles that blew everyone’s mind – black and white marble, salted watermelon, avocado, and peach bellini. Our menu totally reflected our personalities and kicked off the party in the best way.
– The Bride and Groom
The Wedding Video
Check out the wedding video, by Jason Puls, for more details of this Atrium wedding:
A BIG thanks to the couple for sharing their awesome wedding at The Atrium and to Danielle Simone Charles for the photos!
If you’re currently working on your wedding budget, make sure to read through our previous articles featuring real Milwaukee wedding cost breakdowns.
