Oooh, I like this because I''ve been planning the wedding with a strict budget in mind, and I think I found some awesome bargains! Even my splurges probably aren''t really that bad by wedding standards.
Splurge:
-honeymoon: skydiving, scuba, and swimming with dolphins ain''t cheap!
-venue: $1600 rental fee, $250 ceremony fee, and has a cake cutting fee
-catering: exclusive contract with venue, costing around $7000 for 125 guests
-photography: $1450 (that IS a splurge for me!)
-dress alterations: not done yet but quoted around $300-350 - more than half the cost of the dress!
-veil: $135 (I liked the Swarovski crystals)
-BM gifts: about $100 x4 bridesmaids
-my ring: $1000 for platinum eternity band
-big guest list (not my choosing, but my mom''s...I wanted small and intimate; she wanted My Big Fat Polish Wedding)
Save:
-dress: $550 from David''s Bridal
-groomsmen''s attire: buying matching ties and having them all wear their own solid black suits and white dress shirts
-flowers: maximum budget $500; no floral centerpieces (using candles instead)
-DJ: found one for about $600
-cake: wouldn''t go above $500; found one for about $300
-decorations: almost ALL of them are from Wal-Mart, the dollar store, or Marshall''s/TJMaxx
-shoes: rewearing my $100 or so prom shoes that are almost 10 years old and still in great shape!
-accessories: using necklace and bracelet that I already have; bought CZ earrings from Overstock for $22
-invitations, programs, etc.: DIY with print-your-own kit; also didn''t have STDs, just used word of mouth
-favors: about $1 per guest
-no open bar, beer and wine only
-hair: my family''s stylist (she''s been doing all of our hair for like 10 years!) only charges $25/updo; also, she''s only doing the bridesmaids'' hair, not mothers, etc.
-makeup: DIY for me and bridemsaids
-his ring: $135 for plain white gold band
-no limos/transportation (reception and ceremony at same site)
-officiant: friend, will get gift but no fee
-planned the whole thing myself with my family''s help (no planners)