First of all, congratulations on youre recent marriage! I am hoping to get married late next year and of course, concerned with financing everything. We're planning to pay for the majority of the costs ourselves, with a small contribution from our parents. I remember reading that you did a few creative things to save money (Vistaprint, etc). In my attempt to not go into debt for a wedding and not going into any specifics, were you all able to do everything for under 15-20K? No need to go into exact figures, just wondering if it's possible these days and to have a wedding as nice as yours was. Thanks! Jana

Awww, thanks! And congrats to you, too. :-)

The total cost for our wedding was right at $14,500.

Looking at additional costs, the rehearsal dinner was $1000, the VIP booths at the lounge where we had our after party were $500, and our honeymoon (8 days in Costa Rica) comes in at $5000.

However, my parents gave us some money, Lu's parents paid for the rehearsal dinner (and hosted a second reception for us), and we had family members gift us things: the cake, church, ceremony decorations, and our transportation. Also, the cash gifts we got from the wedding are covering a large chunk of our honeymoon.

In the end, Lu and I paid about $13,000 of the $21,000.

The biggest thing is deciding where to spend, where to save, and how much time you have.

1) We got an amazing package deal through our reception venue; and the hospitality director was great by email/phone, as well as flexible about our budget concerns. Definitely look beyond "traditional" reception venues. Other places tend to have better service, better prices, more flexibility, and their own vendor contacts.

2) We did our own invitations, programs, bouquets, and centerpieces ($6 each at Michaels with coupons) -- all would-be big cost items that people don't pay that much attention to.

3) We had two family members serve as day of coordinators, and our wedding started on time. The whole day was like clockwork.

4) I got my dress at the $99 David's Bridal sale. It might not be the best quality, but it was perfect for the day and fit me like a glove!

5) A friend from church did my makeup. It's really not super-complicated, and we did multiple trials to perfect the "look."

6) We didn't get a limo for our bridal party, which actually worked out well because they had hair appointments at different places, stayed at different hotels, etc.

7) We only served wine -- no hard liquor. Alcohol costs can be CRAZY! Definitely think about that when choosing your reception venue. Some places won't let you bring in outside bartenders.

8) We had a DJ, instead of a band. The DJ also kept things running on time because he announced various parts of the reception.

9) We only purchased favors for half of our total guest number. Many people take one per family, and other people don't like favors at all -- they just took little, personalized matchbooks we had.

10) We used online vendors when we could -- Etsy for boutonnieres and little details (their alchemy section is great for custom items), Vistaprint for stationary (folded business cards for wish cards, postcards for menu cards, return address labels -- do an internet search for coupons), Craigslist for random things like baskets, and The Knot for gifts and favors.

11) We got creative with stuff that we liked. Our card box was a cute, little wagon I found at TJMaxx with a basket I found at the dollar store.

12) We did go over-budget when it came to gifts for people because we had a lot of help. However, I'd rather give a friend/family member a small token of appreciation than give a stranger three times as much to do the same thing!

Sooo, I know you said I didn't have to get specific, but I hope this helps! :-)

Thanks so much! This is awesome and extremely helpful! I am copying and pasting it into my "wedding info" document folder. Thanks again! :)