What did you spend on your or your daughter's wedding?

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Wow! I think hubby and I are going to be topping the list so far. Our wedding, which took place this year, was just over 15 grand. That being said, I would’ve been very happy doing it for less. Both sets of parents paid for it all, and wouldn’t have it any other way. We were originally going to have a much smaller wedding/reception, but names just kept popping up! With all those big Catholic families, it was difficult to keep it small. All in all, we had about 150 guests. I really did enjoy making it a family affair, however, and am glad we (or at least our parents…) had the means to do so.

Food was probably the most, at about 6K, with photography, flowers, and the venue following. Even the church was $300, not including the donation we gave to the priest. And yes, while we certainly did not skimp, I shopped everything in the area very carefully and could’ve spent quite a bit more for about the same thing. The wedding industry is out of control these days! Even if you want to have a low budget wedding, it’s hard to do so because so many people agree to paying ridiculous amounts for weddings, they’re able to charge whatever they want.
 
It came to about $10,000. Most of that was the reception.

I got a fabulous deal on my dress. I wanted something unique and kind of forties-ish because my husband and I met at a swing-themed dance and both love swing music. So I got a fifties-style ivory silk dress at an online boutique for $400. My two sisters, who were my bridesmaids, both bought dresses at the same boutique for less than $100.

Let’s see, my sister bought the flowers and made the bouquets and centerpieces as a wedding gift to me. Our invitations were a gift from a friend who owns a print shop, and the wedding programs were another wedding gift. I wore my mother’s fingertip-length sixties bridal veil and her antique pearls as my “something old, and something borrowed.” I wore makeup I already had and did my own hair as well. I did splurge on some nice perfume though.

As far as rice, favors, etc., our church doesn’t let people throw rice or what have you, so that was right out. We had a friend who is a Celtic harpist perform at the ceremony as her wedding gift to us (wow, I’m suddenly remembering how talented some of the people in our lives are! Thank you, God!)

I did buy a rather expensive ($200) pair of silk satin designer shoes, but I’ve since had those dyed black and worn them as evening shoes MANY times since the wedding, so I definitely got my money’s worth!

My husband’s family is VERY traditionally Irish Catholic, and she more or less informed us that we would be married at a MASS not a ceremony, and that there would be an open bar at the reception. She contributed rather a lot to our wedding fund, so we acceded to her wishes. As I recall, the entire reception cost about $6,000 for catering, liquor, etc.

As far as transportation, the church was located about a block from the hotel where we had our reception, so we didn’t bother to hire a carriage or limo or whatever. We just took each other’s hand and walked, with the four little flower girls with flowers in their hair preceding us. You would not believe how many cheers, honks, and congratulations we got from perfect strangers driving and walking past! Sometimes the best things really are the simplest!

Let’s see, we hired a DJ who brought his own equipment, but I can’t recall how much that cost right now. My husband already owned a tux and wore that, and we did pay about $1000 for our wedding photos. That’s all I remember right now.

~Jaden(name removed by moderator)
 
Cat said:
It’s going to be a morning wedding held outside at a “wedding canyon,” and the reception will be held in an historic log cabin lodge in a state park. No band, but my daughter and her stage friends will be running the reception, so it will be fun and probably interesting.

Here’s the website, for anyone who’s interested (sign their guestbook):

brides.com/weddingwebsite/charityandjonathonswedding/
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They are so cute! Just make sure if either bride or groom are Catholic that they have spoken with their priest about the canyon wedding. I’m not sure that’s “kosher” and at the very least they will need to get permission (dispensation). Best of luck to them! 👍
 
Both CAT and RW have brought up “outdoor weddings”. Was there any added expense or difficulty in getting the Bishop’s dispensation for these?
 
I forgot our flowers- $45 at Jewel-Osco!

I forgot our photography- $75 at JC Penney with all the trimmings. We showed up in our wedding gear and had them take photos there. We had one taken at church with a disposable (they were just coming out at the time).

The music was taped from music I borrowed at the library or already had. I was esp. pleased to include a lovely version of “God Grant Them Many Years” from a collection of Greek Rite music. I checked with the librarians to make sure I wasn’t violating copyright when I did it.
 
Ohhhh myyy goodness. I am already in shock - I am only having a tiny wedding and can’t believe the cost of things.
 
We’re recently married - I have no idea firm idea of what was spent, because my in-laws insisted on paying (and having the party, we wanted to elope with nothing special).

My dress was $300 from J Crew (white tea length bridesmaid’s dress), shoes $70, undergarment $100, veil was a splurge at $120, handbeaded and sewn mantilla style off of ebay.

DH’s outfit ran about the same - $200 suit from Zara, splurged on an $80 dress shirt that fit perfectly, his dad paid for his shoes, we rented a vest/tie.

MIL paid for flowers/photography, each about $900.

FIL paid for the DJ, no clue what it cost.

DH’s grandparents insisted on paying for fancy cars (BMWs). No idea as to cost, we repeatedly told them it wasn’t necessary.

Reception was 5800, split between the inlaws, and covered a cocktail/appetizer reception for 120, and a 5 course dinner/dancing/cake for 40, with lots of wine. This is in Europe though, and they don’t gouge as terribly for weddings.

Invites were about $50 from staples, plus the cost of ink. So many people asked where we had them done, but I did them myself. Same with programs.

Our rings were from ice.com - about $200 each. We didn’t take a honeymoon.

We would have rather have had the money for a house, children, etc. But the rest of the family REALLY wanted a party, and we were continuously reminded that it wasn’t about us. Still, it was a lot of fun.
 
Well, DH and my wedding was probably about 15K total. I’m not sure of exact figures because both our parents paid for it :). That said - we have a lot of family and friends and ended up inviting 425+ people. In the end, we had less than 200 guests.

Looking back now, I would have cut a lot of costs, except for the reception. We had a beautiful reception with the best food I’ve ever eaten at a wedding (and I’m not just biased - lots of people have said that to me) :). The cost was about $20/person for the reception hall and food. Where the rest of the money went, I’m not sure - because everything else were small things, or at least it seems that way now.

I’ve been to weddings that were WAY less expensive and had some of the best times there and to weddings that cost the same or more and had okay times, so I know it’s definitely worth it to save if you can :).
 
lotusblossom said:
Looking back now, I would have cut a lot of costs, except for the reception. We had a beautiful reception with the best food I’ve ever eaten at a wedding
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Lucky you! I was so excited and happy to be married that I had practically no appetite! 😛 We did get to take the leftover cake home, and that was so delicious! We ordered it at Walmart, and I think I might order just the top tier again for our 5th anniversary next year 😃
 
My parents paid $3,200 for meals and drinks for 60 people. My husband and I spent about $3,000 on the rest of the things for the wedding ( my dress was only $300 at David’s Bridal ).

We spent another $7,000 on the honeymoon! Yes crazy! My husband was much more excited about the honeymoon than the wedding. We went to London, Amsterdam, and Southern Italy and stayed in hotels the whole time with rental cars.
 
CatholicSam said:
Lucky you! I was so excited and happy to be married that I had practically no appetite! 😛 We did get to take the leftover cake home, and that was so delicious! We ordered it at Walmart, and I think I might order just the top tier again for our 5th anniversary next year 😃
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Haha! Lucky YOU! I was so famished (but very excited and happy as well), but I barely fit into my dress (thanks to gaining a few pounds in my last semester in college - months before the wedding), so after eating about 1/2 the meal, I had to stop because I could barely breathe! 😉 We only were able to eat the one bite of cake too, because we were so busy mingling with everyone. We had our anniversary cake this past July and it was good, but because it was gluten-free, it was quite crumbly!
 
Small wedding, 2 bridesmaids, 2 groomsmen
made my own bouquets, buttoneers, etc and flower arrangements for the altar(total $100 for all).
All bridesmaids dresses were bought at Kohls 1/2 price (total $65 for 2 dresses).
Got my dress on ebay brand new designer dress…$45.99 and $20 shipping…they threw in a free crinolin.
Rehearsal dinner…at favorite restaurant $113.
Musician fee: $100
Pastors fee $100
Reception at a local tourist attraction: $800
DJ at reception: free (it was my wedding gift)
Alcohol (had to bring my own) <$100
Printed my own wedding invitations from a kit: $15
tuxes (3 of them)$135
shoes…on clearance!!! under $20 for all 3 pairs combined!

Total was under $1650 and we had a great time!

The biggest savings were the dresses and the flowers…
I made the mothers corsages, buttoneers for the guys, bouquet for the Holy Family, brides bouquet and 2 bridesmaids along with 2 vase arrangements with roses for the altar and 2 huge vases with gladioli for in front of the lecterns. Pastor saw me making them and was astonished I could do it so nicely and so cheaply… Attached Thumbnails forums.catholic-questions.org/attachmen…d=11 67422144 forums.catholic-questions.org/attachmen…d=11 67422144

Did I mention I am the Queen of Cheap??? Seriously my kids call me the Clearance Queen!
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Did you post this over in Family Life too???

Small wedding, 2 bridesmaids, 2 groomsmen
made my own bouquets, buttoneers, etc and flower arrangements for the altar(total $100 for all).
All bridesmaids dresses were bought at Kohls 1/2 price (total $65 for 2 dresses).
Got my dress on ebay brand new designer dress…$45.99 and $20 shipping…they threw in a free crinolin.
Rehearsal dinner…at favorite restaurant $113.
Musician fee: $100
Pastors fee $100
Reception at a local tourist attraction: $800
DJ at reception: free (it was my wedding gift)
Alcohol (had to bring my own) <$100
Printed my own wedding invitations from a kit: $15
tuxes (3 of them)$135
shoes…on clearance!!! under $20 for all 3 pairs combined!

Total was under $1650 and we had a great time!

The biggest savings were the dresses and the flowers…
I made the mothers corsages, buttoneers for the guys, bouquet for the Holy Family, brides bouquet and 2 bridesmaids along with 2 vase arrangements with roses for the altar and 2 huge vases with gladioli for in front of the lecterns. Pastor saw me making them and was astonished I could do it so nicely and so cheaply… Attached Thumbnails forums.catholic-questions.org/attachmen…d=11 67422144 forums.catholic-questions.org/attachmen…d=11 67422144
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Did I mention I am the Queen of Cheap??? Seriously my kids call me the Clearance Queen!
 
The first time, whatever it cost for a license way back when. The second time (just this June) about forty bucks.

We tried taking Fadda out for dinner afterward but he was already booked.

Hey! Stop looking at me like that. At least we were able to buy a house.
 
We spent about $5,000 for our wedding - DH foot most of the bill. The same reception would have been much more anywhere else-we were lucky to have it in a smaller town and got the hall for I think $500 plus whatever the food cost, I think $2,000. The food was the most expensive part. We had a full dinner and beverages and were able to bring our own wine.

The reception was actually at DH’s grandma’s retirement home in their nice hall, which was convenient for her when she got tired, one of her grandsons just walked her home. 👍

We could have spent much less by using the church’s basement cement floored meeting hall, an early afternoon wedding and having snacks and cake, but I just wasn’t into that. I wanted it to be dark by the time we had our first dance.

I did save money in other ways.

I made our flower arrangements with silk flowers, which is cool because I still have my bouquet. Some family did complain that my church arrangements were “too small” but they didn’t offer to buy me others, so I used what I made and I was happy with them.

I used votive and tealight candles that I found cheap here and there-for the centerpieces, and I sprinkled little fall leaf paper punches on the tables and put the candles on silk fall leaves in the center of the tables. The reception hall provided colored linens. It looked very nice coming into the hall with candles flickering. (And we left the church as soon as we could so I could get over there first and make sure everything was right. Don’t you dislike waiting for the couple to finally show up so the reception can start?)

I had a friend from high school who got her AA in photography do our pictures. They weren’t as great as some, but she only charged $350 including prints and got some wonderful pictures. One picture in particular was worth it.

BIL was our DJ-we pre-mixed our cd’s and brought in our own sound equip. That way we had what we wanted playing and nothing else.

We did not hire any drivers or fancy cars.

In all, we spent our money on what we wanted on not on what wasn’t super important. Oh, and yes we skipped the wedding planner-that would have been annoying. My word. I even remember going over to turn some of the lights off in the hall at different points-first to dim it a little so the candles showed up, and again for that darkened dance atmosphere. I didn’t need some lady in the corner doing that for me.

Oh it was a nice day. Wish we could do it all over again. I think I’ll put on my wedding gown (that I did not trash) and dance around with dh when he gets home. 🙂
 
mom2Grace said:
I think I’ll put on my wedding gown (that I did not trash) and dance around with dh when he gets home. 🙂
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I’ve thought about doing that once I get to my goal weight. I got pregnant right after our wedding and immediately put on a lot of weight. So, our wedding day was the last time I was that skinny.

Maybe if I get to my goal by our anniversary (Nov 23) I’ll surprise DH when he gets home. 😃
 
We really have a sick culture in this regard. I’m going to have a hard time since I have three girls! They’re going to hate me. I think I’m gonna have to make 'em an offer: I’ll pay for a big tent in my backyard, some classy (!) Portillos catering, Costco flowers and cake, clearance dress, a shiny new iPod (and borrow my hifi), a half barrel, mom takes great photos with her SLR, a few nice liquor selections and a buddy of mine for a bartender. If they go for that, I pay the cost of their first kid’s catholic school education K-8.

I’ll pay more, but IMO its money MUCH better spent. And I buy more time to save up for it! 👍
 
manualman said:
We really have a sick culture in this regard. I’m going to have a hard time since I have three girls! They’re going to hate me. I think I’m gonna have to make 'em an offer: I’ll pay for a big tent in my backyard, some classy (!) Portillos catering, Costco flowers and cake, clearance dress, a shiny new iPod (and borrow my hifi), a half barrel, mom takes great photos with her SLR, a few nice liquor selections and a buddy of mine for a bartender. If they go for that, I pay the cost of their first kid’s catholic school education K-8.

I’ll pay more, but IMO its money MUCH better spent. And I buy more time to save up for it! 👍
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Manualman, manualman! You live in God’s own country, the Collar Counties. You can reserve the Forest Preserves if you go wait on line at the county of choice (more toilets). You can have Lee n Eddie’s leeandeddies.com/cm_3-Entree_taylor.asp?img=052cater with the corporate rate and not the wedding rate. 😉 Unless you want to spring for the extra buck and include one more entree. Either way, all the tableware, etc. is included. Golden chicken, italian beef and sweet peppers, pasta with sausage and gravy, five salads, a fruit plate, jello, buns, butter and rolls, all for $7.95 a head, 50 head minimum.

Woodman’s, Binny’s and Aldi (yes, Aldi) have nice liquor sections at really good prices.

On the other hand- If you tell each girl $xxxx, they have to pay for anything not within the $xxxx, and they have to do most of the work on it, you will have a much better time of it. Your wife will also be happier.

And I pray you won’t be glaring over a pizza at D’Ag’s at your son-in-law who lalala’d with your daughter, the result of which willbe due soon.
 
We (DH and I) spent very little on our wedding, but it turned out very pretty (sometimes less is more, you know?). no bridesmaids, no groomsmen, no flowergirl/ringboy to steal the show, just us and the preacher. we asked our siblings to light candles and serve as ushers. for decorations we used several big ferns, a LOT of off white pillar candles in different sizes, nearly 100 actually and a few vases of fresh flower arrangements. my cousin robbed her neighbors yard, her parents and my grandmas yard and the road ditches for all the flowers for arrangements and my boquet. my invites were a gift from a friend, the cake was a gift from a relative. i cut out several unnecessicary things like pew bows (huge pet peeve) corsages/bouttoneers (what guy wants a flower in his face anyway?) i gave each of the mothers/grandmothers hankeys that had pretty embroidery on them instead. something they could keep and even reuse if they wanted. 2 friends did the photography as gifts, centerpieces were double sided picture frames w/ photos of dh and I having fun w/ friends. I decorated a table in the entryway of the church with pictures from our parents/ancestors wedding days in fancy frames, got lots of compliments on that one. as for the reception, we roasted a hog (easy to do when you’ve got relatives who own a hog farm!). we asked close friends/family if they would bring a dish of some sort instead of a gift, and everyone was more than happy to help. i know it may seem rude to do that, but everyone does it in our area, so its kind of customary i guess? anyway, we had a TON of food. we also borrowed ice cream makers from anyone we could think of and lined up 12 ice cream makers full of wonderful homemade ice cream (yummy). it was kind of funny to see that many together. it was loud too! the reception was on my families farm. DH and I arrived at the reception on an antique tractor that he restored in high school. my dress was originally $900, but i got it for $400 b/c it had a rip around the waist of the skirt (it was 2 pieces). i ended up heming it from the top instead of the bottom and the rip was hidden under my corset top. all the men wore dark suit with white shirts and gold ties and the sisters went to the mall and picked out dresses that looked good together.

big weddings are nice, but owning our own home and farm was much more important to my husband and I.
 
I spent about 6,000 on my daughter’s wedding. A few weeks afterward, she said that she’d really rather have had the money.
Sigh. I told her that beforehand but she wouldn’t listen:rolleyes:

Weddings cost way too much. If I ever marry again which is doubtful, I will put on my good dress, pick some flowers, meet my DH to be at the church and then go out for a nice dinner.
 
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