Posted by
The Offbeat Bride: Katy
Her offbeat partner: Ryan
Date and location of wedding: Washington Monument, Washington, DC — September 1, 2016
Budget: $1000, including airfare!
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
Our wedding was an all-white extravaganza! Altogether, including our airfare to Washington DC was right around $1000.
The entire wedding concept was centered around a principle of wearing all white. The accessories were centered around my Valkyrie headpiece, which was constructed out of discarded parts from a centrifuge, a headband from old earmuffs, and feathers. I wore a $19.99 lace dress from Amazon, and Ryan wore a $100.00 linen suit from Amazon.
We got married by a justice of the peace at a rotunda right next to the Washington Monument, which was available to rent for $80. Afterward, the reception was held at a Baltic restaurant. Everything was served family-style.
Our wedding was very economical and guest-friendly. If you have a vision and love resourceful crafting, you can create a beautiful unique wedding for a fraction of the cost of most weddings.
Tell us about the ceremony:
We had immediate family only at the wedding. Two children held both sides of a basket and threw white petals. We also had an explanation of the concept of wearing all white and the positivity it brings to life. We wrote our own vows, and used “Africa” by Toto and “Marriage of Figaro” in our processional and recessional.
Tell us about your reception:
We went to a Baltic restaurant called Ambar. The vibe is middle eastern meets East Coast. The staff treated us like family and let us bring our own cake without a fee. They accommodated our every wish with a great Baltic experience — unlimited everything for a flat fee for each person.
What was your most important lesson learned?
It was a challenge to get everyone on the same page. We wanted to elope, but felt we would regret it if our parents weren't there. It took a bit of coordinating to get everyone to DC from Indiana and to wear all white.
Thanks to my really organized older sister, everyone had a place to stay and was provided transportation when they needed it. I had some push back about everyone wearing white. It took some convincing and explaining the importance to our family, but they eventually came around.
Vendors
- Photography: Silver Market Photography
- Restaurant: Ambar
- Dress: Backgarden via Amazon
- Suit: Amazon
Gallery
About the Author: Offbeat Weditors
Working tirelessly to bring you stimulating content day after day, the Offbeat Wed editors will not sleep until you've gotten your offbeat fix.
This looks so crisp and clean and lovely. Also, that headpiece is to die for! Great job!
My goodness. She’s stunning!
Thank you! There are a few details I forgot to add. The boutineers were made from Ginko Biloba leaves we found on the sidewalk. The chest piece I am wearing is the most expensive part. I got it from LoveKhaos on Etsy ( https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1166823246 )
It was about 250.00. The moonstone crowns the queens are wearing are alos from Etsy ( https://www.etsy.com/transaction/1169949302 ) about 75.00 each.
Because my sister lives in DC we had housing provided. My sister also made the cake which was carrot with cream cheese icing decorated with grapes. No icing.
Also, since we got married on Labor Day all the white outfits were bought on sale!
I wore white every single day for 30 days before our wedding to align with our beliefs about wearing the color white. I think it worked because everything went off without a hitch.
Wow, can’t believe you got such elegant and expensive looking outfits for such an affordable price! Everyone looks gorgeous, that headdress is amazing!
That headpiece is amazing! And the all-white is crisp, clean, and very stylish. Love!
Pretty wedding, though I think the writer means “Balkan” rather than “Baltic.” The restaurant serves Serbian food (and has a location in Belgrade). “Baltic” would be Estonian, Latvian, or Lithuanian.
Fixed! Thanks.