How To have a Private Estate Wedding for 300 Without Over Spending

golden hour wedding photo session

This next bride and groom had some amazing connections that they took full advantage of for their chic grey and white wedding day! Most of us cannot claim the same but if you think about the connections you do have, it's really about creatively figuring out how you can make them work for you.

Keep scrolling to find a full budget break down from the bride, and to learn just how to have a private estate wedding for 300 without over spending. Plus, don't forget to stop by the full gallery to find even more wedding inspiration from the gorgeous photos provided to us by Erica Schneider Photography

a whole flock of flower girls

getting wedding ready light grey bridesmaid dresses

classic bride with cascading white bouquet

groom in light grey suit and charcoal tie matching groom and his men in grey

sweet bride and groom wedding photo idea

Today Is going to be just Perfect

From the Bride: July 16th, 2016, the day my life drastically changed for the better. As I lay in bed, wide awake, knowing that I get to marry my forever in a few short hours, I couldn’t help but think, “Wow. I can’t believe this is happening to me!” Ive only dreamed about this day since I was five years old and finally, it had arrived.

directional ceremony sign

outdoor wedding ceremony flower accented wedding cross white wedding flower aisle decor bride and groom exchanging wedding vows

guest book wedding sign

wedding guest book table simple white flower arrangements

wedding guest fan favors

Expect the Unexpected

Brides, everything comes together!! Do not worry because at the end of the day you will be married and that is truly the goal. Take a deep breath and take in every minute. Don't forget to eat! I also had my rehearsal dinner two days before which was the best decision. It really allowed me to enjoy the day before the wedding without having to go anywhere!
I am sure so much went wrong as it does at almost every wedding. Luckily I had an awesome team who didn't reveal it to me, ha! There was a ton of people who showed up that did not RSVP (so be prepared!) I would take the time to have some contact everyone to confirm

white and grey wedding party

seating assignment display with old doors find your seat here

white and organic farm table style wedding seating simple white and elegant centerpiece and table number

white and grey sweetheart table all white place setting

simple white and eucalyptus accented wedding cake

Breaking Down The Budget

I had a $35,000 budget. It does seem like a lot, but with over 300 guests, we truly did everything incredibly cost efficient. See just how this bride and groom stretched their budget by clicking here!

Budget breakdown:
Venue: Free (we had it at a private grassy estate in Pine Valley, CA. Perks to having nice family friends!)
Dress: $2,000 from The Bustle in Del Mar, California. I got my dream dress and had the best experience! It was a personalized private fitting with champagne and cake!
Photography: $6,000 (I think) (She also gives free engagement sessions, you will want to spend money on this!! You won't regret it!)
Videographer: Free (family friend, Brittany Buchanan. She does amazing work!)
Food: $6,000 (the BEST and most authentic Mexican food in San Diego, Ranchos Cucina. It was $18 a person and they brought a TON)
Alcohol: $3,000 we actually had a lot leftover but I would rather that than not have enough! We did beer (2 kinds), wine (white and red), and margaritas. My brother is a GM of a bar so we got a good deal
Flowers: $1,000 (we had a family friend who was a florist do this. Luckily for us she gave us an amazing deal. It would have been about $4,500 for what we got)
Bridesmaid Gifts: $1,200 I went a little overboard with this. I had 10 bridesmaids and really want to treat them.
Lighting: $3,000 We had twinkle lights around all the trees (there was about 200 on the property) and over the entire reception area.
DJ: $1,000 (came with dance floor and lights) This is big! Make sure you have the best if your friends and family like to dance.
Photo Booth: $700 We used amigo booth because our friends own it and we got it all day at a good rate.
Chairs: $425 ( i really wanted the white wooden folding ones)
Plates/Utensils/Napkins/GlassWare (including alcohol) : $2,000
Farm Tables: $2450 (my grandpa made every farm table. they cost us $70 to make but they usually rent for about $200)
Decorations/Signs/Misc: $4,000
Makeup: Free ( i had my moms friend do it (she was a professional makeup artist). It was great but I wish i would have spent the money to have the girl I originally wanted to do it).
Hair: Styling: Free, Extensions: $250
Facials: $100 +Oxygen Treatment $50Teeth Whitening: $50 (we got a deal from my esthetician)
Save the Dates: $150Invites: $500 (including postage for RSVP Cards)