Money Matters: Wedding on a Dime

This little post is an appendix of sorts to the piece I wrote, "How to Plan a (Destination) Wedding (on a Dime) in Ten Days."  For those of you who are incredulous that a wedding can be put together in ten days, read that post.  For those of you who are incredulous that a wedding for 41 guests can be put together for $3,500.00--all-inclusive of dress, venue, food, and decor--read on.

My sister Essie and her fiance Benjamin were simultaneously preparing for a wedding and a cross-country move, so they hoped to save as much money as possible on the event.  Here's how we did it, in alphabetical order.

Cake

We didn't do a traditional wedding cake.  Instead, Claire made the most incredible s'mores brownies and stacked them gloriously upon a platter, topping them with a stem of yellow 'mums.  Perfection.

The test run

Chairs, Tables, Utensils

Given that this was a simple mountain wedding, we collected folding chairs and camping chairs, some of which were brought by various guests.  Because we kept the food to fingers-only, we didn't need much in the way of utensils, and most guests were able to hold their plates on their laps, with side-tables and stools distributed throughout the room for setting down drinks.

Clothes

Benjamin didn't wear a tux, and Essie found a dress off the rack needing minimal alterations.

Decor

For the most part, we let the beautiful mountain setting do the decorating for us.  Everything else was accomplished by a few burlap-lined baskets, some sheets and fabric (bought second-hand), and extra cut flowers.  Not including the flowers, this totaled less than $100.00.

Entertainment

We did not hire a band, a DJ, or an MC; entertainment was simply the guests' own cheerful chatter...plus a few toddlers running around.

Favors

With Em's creativity and some smart shopping on the part of her, Claire, and myself, we put together sweet little "s'mores kits" for 51 cents a pop.

The little pine cone was Em's idea. So adorable!

Flowers

Flowers chosen were mostly in-season chrysanthemums and sunflowers.  Our cousin donated her time arranging a bridal bouquet, six corsages, and wrapping ribbon around seven individual sunflowers.  She gave us cut flowers to do further arranging ourselves.  This totaled less than $100.00.

Food for the reception

We served no alcohol; beverages were powdered drinks (who cares when it's hot outside) and off-brand bottles of water; food was simple sandwiches, veggies and hummus, fruit, cookies, and the s'mores brownies.

Food for the overnight guests

Again, we kept it simple with bakery muffins, pb&j, mac 'n' cheese, frozen burritos, string cheese, and trail mix.  We didn't have much time to eat anyway.

Musicians

Our family is fairly musical, so all musicians were in-house.  I even chose sheet music from a public domain site.

Photographer

A friend of Essie's gave her a discounted rate.

Venue

A four-bedroom, 3.5 bath cabin for two nights, hosting 12 wedding guests and the reception; and a neighbor's yard for the ceremony.  This totaled less than $1,000.

Don't be deceived: This place's $300/night didn't include air conditioning, internet, or an iron.