My Cheap Wedding

by Beth Moran
(Dover, Delaware)

I am planning and paying for my wedding all on mine own. I have been looking online for dresses and found the one that I love. I happened to stop by a local bridal store and my dress was in stock and on sale! The dress was orginally priced for $2000 and marked down to $500 with an addtional 20% because they were having a sale on instock items only. I decided to try the dress on and it fitted, except in length. So I made a $200 deposit and then made payments on the rest for a total of $400. I now have my dream dress in my closet.
For the ceremony and reception I decided to have it at a local country club. Surprisingly, they were cheaper then almost everywhere I looked. They do not charge for the room rental and I get to use 5 different rooms. They also provide all the linens, tables, chairs, etc. I only have to pay for my food, set-up, and tip. I opted to have my lunch buffet served by 2pm so I save about $10/person on food. They are also allowing me to make payments. I am having my ceremony and reception for $1200 total.
For the decorations I have been clipping 50% off of one item coupons from AC Moore's and Michael's Craft Store and have been purchasing the larger priced items. For the flower girl baskets I bought white Easter baskets that were 75% off since the holiday had just passed.
I plan on having a candy buffet at the reception and purchased nice tin buckets for $1/each and plan on spray painting them and adding a stencil design to match my colors.
Instead of dishing out a large amount of money for a DJ, i am using my brother's computer and iPod and preparing a playlist.
I am also saving ALOT of money on a photographer by using a college student. She is only charging me $100 and would like to use some of my photos in her portfolio.
The honeymoon is what i am spending the most on and since I am planning early I am able to save a load by booking now and making payments. We are going to an All Inlcusive at Sandal's in Jamacia for $900/person.