5k Weddings Interview with Writer Tracy E. Hopkins

April 10, 2009 | 5K Wedding Reality Articles, Author: Sonja, Interviews With Real 5k Budget Brides

When Lifestyle and Entertainment Journalist Tracy E. Hopkins of Brooklyn, NY agreed to an interview with 5k Weddings I was simply stunned.  Tracy’s original wedding story is featured here.  While many are still debating if a 5k wedding is for them or not we’ve interviewed this bride that has no regrets!

An email interview with Tracy E. Hopkins

5k Weddings: Tracy, what was your wedding budget?

Tracy E. Hopkins: 5K

5KW:  What exactly did your budget cover?

TEH: We spent $4722 on the wedding, which included my dress which I found on Ebay for $27; my husband’s suit; our rings; the ceremony location at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and a violinist who played during the
ceremony; an afternoon reception at Madiba, a South African restaurant in Brooklyn; the wedding cupcakes; wedding officiant; transportation; and wedding photos.

5KW:  Was the honeymoon/ vacation included in the 5k budget?

TEH:  I didn’t factor the honeymoon into the $5k budget, but when you add in our relaxing four-night honeymoon on Grand Bahama Island (Expedia was offering a $200 off special for the Bahamas), the total came to just
over $5K.

5KW:  Where were you married?

TEH: The Brooklyn Botanic Garden at the Japanese Hill and Pond Garden.  From 9-10 am on weekends, before the Garden opens to the public you can reserve several locations in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden for $350 for
up to 50 guests.

5KW:  Was anything connected to your wedding DIY, and if so; what?

TEH:  Pretty much everything was DIY.  I didn’t use a wedding planner.  I did my own makeup with a little touch-up from my aunt.  But from a real DIY standpoint, we had a family friend make the guest wedding favors using
a box of Jordan almonds I purchased online, left over taffeta, and name tags we made ourselves.  We also printed our own invitations using an invitation kit from Party City.  And my matron of honor surprised me by making my bouquet using a dozen long-stem white roses, white ribbon, and super glue.

5KW:   What have you done with your dress? e.g. preserved, sold it, etc.
TEH:  I had my dress dry cleaned and it’s hanging in my closet.  I may have it shortened so I can wear it again to a formal affair or save it for when I have a daughter.

5KW: What is the one thing you wish you had done different?

TEH:The only snafu was that the car service we arranged to pick me up from the hotel either didn’t show up or took another passenger.  So I had to scramble at the very last minute to get another car service, which made
me 15 minutes late to my own wedding!  So if I could do it over, I would have splurged on a limo pickup.

5KW:  What was the most enjoyable part of your wedding day?  e.g. cutting the cake, the first dance, toast?

TEH:  Seeing how happy friends and family were for us made us happy.  The whole day was better than we could have ever imagined. The ceremony location and the restaurant reception were perfect.  And I will always cherish my dance with my Dad to Luther Vandross’ “The Glow of Love.”

5KW: What advice do you have for brides on a 5k budget?

TEH: Don’t let the wedding industry bully you into over spending.  It’s your day and you can do it your way.  Pick the ceremony, reception, and dress that suit your personality.  And just because you don’t spend $30,000 doesn’t mean your wedding has to look inexpensive.

5KW:  That said, Thank you Tracy!

Tracy, the editor of Hot Mama Daily possesses 16 years experience in journalism and has contributed to Essence Magazine,  The Associated Press,  The New York Daily News, and SheKnows.com.  Her story about her own 5k budget wedding is featured in The NY Daily News, and details her very own $5000 or less budget.  For those that may not think that this is possible; look no further.  You can read Tracy E. Hopkins complete story at: http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/weddings/2008/09/21/2008-09-21_the_4722_wedding_one_brooklyn_bride_prov.html

Tags: 5k budget, 5k budget wedding, 5k wedding stories, 5k Weddings Interview, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, Writer Tracy E. Hopkins