Savvy Couple Saves $10,000 By Asking Guests To Bring Food To Their Wedding

Sep 01, 2023

Planning a wedding can rack up costs as high as a house deposit, but one North Carolina couple decided to think outside the box and create a wedding that defied tradition while keeping their budget firmly in check. Shelby Phelps, 26, and her husband, Garret, 26, planned an unforgettable wedding that showcased the power of teamwork, creativity, and a little savviness.

The couple knew that weddings have become synonymous with extravagant expenses, with an average cost of around $40,000. Facing this financial hurdle, Shelby and Garret chose to embrace an alternative and practical approach that would not only save them money but also make their celebration more personal and memorable. 

The couple's story began when they met on Tinder in February 2017. Following an exchange of messages, Shelby took the bold step of embarking on a journey that spanned an hour and a half, traveling from Kalamazoo, Michigan, to Hastings, where Garret lived. This encounter marked what she fondly refers to as the most memorable first date of her life, per the New York Post. 

But what started as a simple online connection blossomed into a profound bond that led them to the decision to spend their lives together. During a bout of insomnia, Garret compiled a list of personal goals. Among them, there lay a simple yet profound declaration: "to marry Shelby in two weeks."

With only two weeks to plan the wedding, Shelby, a resourceful artist, had her sights set on a beautiful ceremony. However, determined to cut costs without sacrificing the magic of the occasion, she adopted a creative strategy: enlisting the help of friends and family to bring their own food to the celebration. This ingenious move saved a staggering $10,000, the estimated cost of what they would have spent on catering. 

The wedding, held on a picturesque mountain in Bryson City, North Carolina, in October 2019, was attended by 25 close friends and family members. With the stunning backdrop of nature surrounding them, the couple exchanged vows that had been meticulously planned despite a short span of time. 

The theme of collaboration and practicality extended to the attire as well. Shelby purchased her wedding gown from a charity shop for a mere $50, and Garret’s wedding vest cost $80. The bridesmaids and the best men purchased their own outfits, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility.

They got their friends on board for special roles, like taking photos and capturing videos of their big day. One of their pals stepped up to the plate and baked their simple wedding cake. A bunch of their other friends willingly contributed by bringing their own dishes to the party when the couple asked. It was truly a team effort!

"We live in a community of river guides and told people we didn’t want gifts, but if they wanted to show their talent, they could take pictures, bake a cake and create the food,” the bride said. 

However, it wasn't just about the budget for Shelby and Garret. The bride's dedication was heartfelt as she spoke about their wedding day. 

"This day wouldn’t have been possible without the love and help that we received from our friends,” Shelby wrote on her Facebook profile. “We hiked into our favorite spot and poured out our hearts to each other. Let me tell you guys, Garrett and I are so blessed with the tribe that we have found here.” 

Shelby and Garret's unique wedding showcases how personal values can shape weddings despite budget limits. In total, the couple spent just $600 for an unforgettable and meaningful celebration. 

Do you think this was a practical wedding, or should the couple have spent more for the most important day of their lives? Do you know someone planning a wedding? Pass this story along, as they might get some ideas!