We did it! And it was everything we could've imagined and then some! I got to marry the love of my life and it was such a happy and amazing day. My advice is to remember through all of the stress and planning that it will all be worth it in the end! This will probably be pretty long, so I apologize in advance lol! 
My thoughts/tips:
- It is very easy to go over budget, so when you start planning research average costs on everything you can think of so you can go into it with a realistic budget.
- Things will absolutely go wrong, I had a bridesmaid not show up for hair and makeup and almost the ceremony. Instead of freaking out I decided to just let it go. She was either going to be there on time and ready, or she wasn't, and either way I was about to marry the love of my life. She did end up making it, but either way I realized that all of those details don't make the day, getting married to the person you love is what is truly important.
- Soak in every moment. Seriously, the day flew by. It was crazy how quickly it was all over. My husband and I got up and ate breakfast together, just enjoying a few quiet moments before the chaos of the day, and I am so glad we did.
- All those little things that you keep putting off? Get them now. I kept saying later, later... for small things like escort cards, getting ready robes, etc... and before I knew it I was a month out ordering things like crazy trying not to forget anything. Save yourself some stress and just get it out of the way asap!
Budget Breakdown:
This is a rough estimate, but I'll do my best to get it all! Lol.
Guests: 75
Ceremony Venue: $1,600 - Franklin FUMC Historic Chapel - included ceremony musician, church rental fee, coordinator, officiant, and cleanup.
Reception Venue/Catering: $500 room rental fee with $2500 food/beverage minimum. Total ended up being roughly $4,500. Embassy Suites South Cool Springs Nashville (Franklin, TN)
Photographer: $1,145 - Lily & Lime. Included all digital negatives, 8 hours photography, and ended up with over 1,700 pictures.
DJ: $800 - Burton Entertainment. 5 hours (reception only). He was amazing!
Florist: $1,300 - My bouquet, 8 bridesmaids bouquets, 8 boutonnieres, basket & petals for 2 flower girls, cake flowers.
HMUA: $1,000 - Hair & Makeup for me, and 8 bridesmaids & 2 flower girls with varying services (some hair, some makeup). - MHD Beauty, Nashville, TN.
Cake: $120 - Walmart. Last minute switch because of unexpected financial stuff. Ended up being great for cheap!
Wedding Dress: $950 - Bought at a boutique in Atlanta, GA.
Alterations: $200 - Took in bodice, bustle, added cups
Accessories: $140 - Shoes $100. Garter $20, Jewelry $20
Decor: Roughly $500 - Vases, candles, fake flowers for vases, chair covers (amazon), signs, card box, etc.
Rough Total: $12,500
Our original budget was about 6,000 - so it can get expensive fast! But we were able to come up with the money and it was well worth it.
A couple extras not included in budget:
Wedding Bands: $1,000 for both, Zales.
Honeymoon: 1,100 - Royal Caribbean Cruise, 5 days 4 nights to the Bahamas. We also spent about 500 on board, but well worth it!
Last, but not least, pictures!! 
