DIY Family Wedding in a Forest: Budget, Advice, and Memories

Forest wedding joyful groom lifts bride and kisses her

When family means the world to you, the feeling is generally mutual. They make you laugh when you are down, help you up when you fall and throw one heck of a shindig for that magical day you get married! Lacey and Chris's families not only helped with decorations they provided the perfect little forested fantasy for their "I do's".

This whole day was filled with DIY magic from many relatives from the gorgeous organic ceremony decor to the full barn reception you really need to see this calling all family wedding! Oh and guess what you can see so much more of it in the full gallery which is packed with images from Kaitlin Poirier Photo & Video; AND get advice and learn more about their budget below!

Lacey and Christopher elegant wedding invitation ivy leaves

Wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses hanging on door

Mrs Ryan wedding dress hanging on a personalized hanger Elegant peep toe wedding shoes and white veil detail

Bride in floral crown sits barefoot on rocking chair

Bridal portrait: floral crown, earrings, soft focus

A Bouquet That Stands By Tradition

From Kaitlin Poirier Photo & Video: To make her and Chris' wedding special, Lacey attached her paternal grandmother's class ring to her bouquet as a homage to her for her "something blue". Lacey never met her, but she is named after her, and it was such a sweet way to include her in the wedding. As her something old, she wrapped her lace baby bonnet around the stems of her bouquet.

Class ring nestled within a vibrant floral bouquet Vibrant bridal bouquet with roses, peonies, and wildflowers

Bride and bridesmaids in light blue dresses outdoors Smiling flower girl in white dress holds greenery basket

A Garden Full Of Memories

Chris and Lacey held their wedding at Lacey's grandparent house, which is the same home she spent six years of her childhood in. The huge oak tree that they wed under used to hold a tire swing that Lacey made many memories on as a little girl.

From the Bride: I also wanted the wedding to show off the natural landscape, not camouflage it. I wanted the ceremony to look like a wedding just sprouted right out of the ground. My favorite design element was the beautiful two-door entry way to the ceremony. My grandfather built the entrance and my great-aunt, who is a retired wedding planner, covered it in foliage. It absolutely captured the garden-like essence that I wanted for our ceremony.

Wedding couple shares a romantic moment on a tree swing

Groom smiles in a forest setting wearing a gray vest Comic book page boutonniere for a unique wedding groom Groomsmen smile in nature setting at wedding party

Rustic wooden ceremony sign points the way outdoors

Rustic outdoor wedding ceremony archway under a tree

Rustic wooden door wedding backdrop with floral wreath Rustic wooden door adorned with a floral wreath of roses

Wedding program welcome to marriage of Christopher and Lacey Boy in suspenders holding papers at an outdoor wedding Outdoor wedding seating with floral decoration detail

Outdoor wedding ceremony under large mossy oak tree

Bride and groom with groomsmen praying at outdoor wedding Newlyweds joyfully exit their outdoor wedding ceremony

Bride and groom kiss by welcome to our beginning sign

Friends & Family For Hire

I wanted the reception to feel like a backyard celebration, where my guests could relax, dance, and just have a great time being happy with us.
A LOT of our wedding was DIY. My great aunt made the garland that hung in the barn and the groomsmen's boutonnières. My grandma sewed the big white curtains in the barn and the fabric that hung in the tree. I hand painted most of the signs, and Chris and I made the CDs that we used as favors.
My grandfather did a ton of the work. He made the wagon-wheel chandelier, cut the stumps we used for decoration, cleared the land, laid the hay, cleaned the barn... I could go on and on. Basically, everything but the tables and chairs was created with the help of family or friends.

Rustic pallet wedding timeline sign in outdoor setting

Rustic barn wedding reception with draped entrance Wine bottle flower vases at a rustic wedding reception

Rustic wedding altar with ribbons and floral decorations hand sawn stumps and colorful floral reception decor Bride and groom share a kiss at rustic barn wedding

Rustic wedding sign for yard games and outdoor fun

Don't Skip The Meal

One of the things I am glad we did was EAT. After our dances, we went straight to our table and had a meal. People came up to us and gave hugs, said well-wishes, and congratulations, so we didn't have to do the dreaded walk-around. We also had family members pack us a to-go plate to take with us on our ride to the hotel, which was wonderful.

Travel themed wedding decor with globe and suitcases

Rustic buffet with cheese fruit and flowers display Love is patient wood sign with 1 Corinthians quote Rustic wedding buffet with flowers and food warmers

Ring the bell for kiss wedding sign with a metal bell

Rustic photo booth hay bales frames and floral rug Bride and groom dancing at their rustic barn wedding Bride and groom pose at a rustic wedding photo booth

Rustic wedding cake with fresh flowers on wooden table

Read on to get a little wedding advice from Lacey and Chris and to see how much this calling all family wedding cost. Please note that costs change as the years go by, and prices are subject to change. This is just one couple’s breakdown to give you a rough estimate on how much a wedding like this may cost you.

Wedding Advice:
One of the good things Chris and I did on our big day was our first look. We felt SO much more relaxed once we saw each other, and since we got to take all of our family pictures together before the ceremony, we had plenty of time for couple's pictures afterwards.

Advice from both Chris and I would be remember that this big day is about YOU and celebrating your love. There are many decisions that need to be made that concern your guests - "What food will my guests want?" "Will they want to dance?" "What beer will they drink?" In the end, you cannot read everyone's mind and certainly can't please everyone. Do the things and make the decisions that you know will represent you and your groom's love the best. Your guests will appreciate that.

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