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I got married at the JOP for $75, with just my mom and hubby's friend as witnesses. At first I felt a little sad that I didn't have a wedding, but as I've gotten older and seen family and friends stress themselves silly over money and minute details, I'm glad we did what we did. Neither of our families have money, and what a way to start out life together... with a huge debt.
After observing other weddings, I have a few ideas. Firstly, I don't care for wedding "rules" and "etiquette". I think a lot of weddings have started to become more of a keeping up with the Jones's rather than what it REALLY is...a celebration of two people's love. I'm appalled that the quality of gift should be equal to food price...people who can't throw a lavish bash should just get crappy gifts then? What's the point in giving someone something if it's not from the heart? Makes no sense to me.
Anyway, a very good friend of mine just got married, and this is what she did. They got married at an old church (neither is religious, they just liked the feel of it), and had a dinner afterwards. They had their reception the next day at a park...it was casual, they had a light lunch that they made themselves, and everyone had a good time. She said the photographer was by far the biggest expense, but the one she was willing to splurge on because 20 years down the road no one was going to remember what food was served, or what the bride or bridesmaids wore...but the pictures would be hers to cherish.
My sister (handy woman that she is) found an inexpensive dress and altered it herself, made her own veil, and made most of the food herself (she's a good cook too). My brother played the wedding music on his guitar, and at the reception at my dad's house, they had burnt CD's of music they enjoyed and played them on a boombox. They had beer and that was it as far as alcohol.
Another friend who got married at a reception center saved hundreds of dollars by switching the date from a Saturday to a Sunday. She also saved money by having everything at the center, instead of renting a church and then renting the center as well.
One thing you may want to keep in mind is if you do want alcohol, it will get expensive fast....and if you decide to have the reception in a park or other public place, there may be alcohol restrictions.
I don't know if any of that was helpful or not, but that's what I have. Good luck on this!
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"They say that patriotism is the last refuge to which a scoundrel clings; steal a little and they throw you in jail, steal a lot and they make you king"
Formerly Medusa
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