sashime76

I don't know what degree of "frugal" you want to achieve but we spent just under $4000 for our wedding back in 2000. We had close to 100 guests so the banquet was the biggest ticket. It was about $2100 (traditional Chinese 10 course menu) including soft drinks.

I bought the alcoholic beverages (beers, wines) from then Navy Exchange (in San Diego) with the help of a family friend and with the permission of the restaurant owner who is a close friend of another family friend. Drinks were about $150, minus tipping the servers. My brother was the bestman, announcer, host...free, except for the rental tux and shoes. Got the cakes (3 tier) and flowers done for about $450. Another family friend who owned a Lexus LS 400 let us use his car as our wedding "limo"-free.

I looked in the classified and found this photographer who ran his studio out of his converted garage at home. We looked at his past work (which was very impressive) and selected a photo package, including a one day, outdoor photo shoot as well as being out banquet photographer, for $600. Normally a photo package will cost you almost twice that amount without the off site shootings. I later bought the negatives from him for additional $200. I think I spent about $300 tipping the restaurant employees and the photographer. Adding wedding invitations, thanks you cards, champagne flutes, silverware for the cake, etc. we came just under $4000. I think that's pretty good.