Above all, this couple wanted their wedding to reflect their personality and to have their guests see them happy on their big day. Starting with a cocktail hour at City Lights Brewery and ending with a reception at downtown’s Grace Center, we think think they did a great job!
Note that the couple had a lot of items gifted by friends and family, including their videographer, rehearsal dinner and DJ. So the total cost for this wedding would of been higher if those items were included.
We were excited to see that they used MIM Family Member All Occasions Catering for a BBQ feast and late night snacks. Read on to learn more about this Grace Center wedding, but start out with this awesome video by the couple’s friend, Daniel Gartzke:
Quick Facts:
- Guests: 207
- Ceremony: St. Mary’s Parish
- Reception: Grace Center Milwaukee
- Total Costs: $20,335
Wedding Essentials ($2,540):
- Invitations: $100
- Cake: $500
- Desserts: $500
- Photographer: $900 (tip included)
- Videographer: $0 (gift from friend)
- Flowers: $540 (bride bouquet, 5 small bouquets, 2 boutineers, 2 corsages and surplus flowers to use as table decor)
Reception and Ceremony Costs ($12,920):
- Ceremony: $800
- Reception: $2,100
- Food: $6,600 (BBQ buffet an late night pizza rolls)
- Drinks: $3,370
- DJ: $0 (gift from family)
- Photo Booth: $50 (DIY)
Attire, Jewelry and Beauty ($2,625):
- Bride’s Dress: $1,400
- Bride’s Shoes: $35
- Groom’s Attire: $1,000
- Hair/Makeup/Nails: $190
- Rings: $0 (not provided)
Other Costs ($2,250):
- Transportation: $350
- Wedding Favors: $50 (DIY seed packs)
- Wedding Party Gifts: $350 (robes, hair pieces and wine)
- Hotel Suite: $0 (gift from family)
- Rehearsal Dinner: $0 (gift from family)
- Other: $1,500 (cocktail hour, photo permits, decor, gifts, table cloths, postage, guest books, signage)
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:
Our goal for our wedding day was that it would “look like us.” We wanted people to leave saying that it was a very “Ella and Dan Wedding” and that “They looked so happy.” We are so happy that those have been the comments we have heard since!
We had about a year and a half to plan our big day. Daniel and I worked hard to accommodate over 200 people (I have a VERY large family) and stay budget conscious.
There were a few items Daniel and I really wanted. To start there had to be tulips involved. They are my favorite flower and my engagement ring is tulipset. Frame Park gave us the PERFECT opportunity because the tulips had just bloomed.
We also had our favorite comic books as our guest book and Pizza Rolls as our late night snack (an inside joke among friends made a reality!)
We are so grateful to our parents, family, friends and vendors who helped make our day wonderful!
– The Bride and Groom
A HUGE thanks to the couple for sharing their beautiful Grace Center wedding and to Erin Lee Photography 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.
