Sure, the average US wedding will run about $27,000, but that didn't stop us from devising a wedding plan for a $10K wedding budget. From homemade cookie wedding favors to reception vases from IKEA, here's how to get a stylish 100-guest wedding for under $10K.
Stationery: $400
Ways to save: You could go the DIY route, but do a quick online stationery search and you'll find countless designers and other small online stationery companies that are completely affordable, well-designed, and well worth the time you'll save on not having to worry about printing your own.
What we found: An offset-printed invite and reply card suite on Minted.com that costs $338 (for 75 sets, assuming there are some couples). The price even includes free return address printing on the back of each envelope. Figure in a little more for shipping and postage and you're still under $400.
Ceremony: $65
Ways to save: If you have a place of worship, then you're all set. If not, plan a short and sweet ceremony in a nearby park. Have your guests stand in a semicircle while you exchange vows and let the surroundings act as your decor. (Just make sure that in the case of rain, you'd be able to use your reception space.) Go to the county clerk's office for your marriage license and have a friend officiate your ceremony.
What we found: A park permit for Central Park in New York City costs just $25. Get your marriage license from the county clerk's office for around $40, and have a loved one ordained online for free at TheMonastery.org.
Ceremony Flowers: $150
Ways to save: Find an a la carte florist to make a bridal bouquet, and then go online and order fans or parasols for your bridesmaids to carry in lieu of flowers. Skip the boutonnieres for the guys or coordinate their boutonnieres with the surroundings -- like small knotted nautical ropes pinned to their lapels for a seaside wedding or custom-made buttons that reflect their personalities (think photos of favorite albums, movies, and hobbies).
What we found: Two colorful parasols on PearlRiver.com for $29, custom-designed buttons at PureButtons.com for $22, and a florist in Boulder, Colorado, who would make us a gorgeous in-season floral bridal bouquet for $70. Add tax and shipping for a total that comes in under $150.
Photography: $500
Ways to save: Find a photographer who offers a la carte services so that you don't have to pay for extras like editing, re-touching, and photo albums.
What we found: A Manhattan wedding photographer who's running a "recession special" wedding photography package which includes four hours of shooting for $500.
Attire: $400
Ways to save: Check out nontraditional bridal lines like the ones at J.Crew and Target, shop sample sales, and browse off-the-rack dresses at department stores. Another option: Find a bridesmaid dress that you like and get it in white. The groom could wear his favorite suit and then buy a new shirt for the occasion.
What we found: A dress at JCrew.com for $295, white Lela Rose shoes at Payless.com for $25, and a crisp white shirt for him that costs $45 at a department store. With tax and shipping, everything comes to around $400.
