Need a Cheap and Fast Wedding: Cheap Tips for that BIG Day

I was sitting here just trying to think of something that I can talk of, that I have knowledge in. So by experience I can tell you how to have a cheap wedding. Try under $700, including the dress. You can't beat that.

Well the engagement was done on Christmas morning and we wanted to plan for my birthday or around the time we met, for our date. My birthday is April 10 and we met April 21. The wedding had to be on Saturday for all to attend. The date was set for Saturday, April 17. I said all that to say this; we had less then four months to plan the wedding. I am going to start from memory on the plans we made. Hopefully, I can remember how much it all would cost us.

My Grandmother was in Michigan and found a display gown that would fit me (almost). She paid $100 for it. Yes, practically brand new. Never been worn and still white. I borrowed my sister-in-law's veil. It matched perfectly. So free veil and dress. Ha ha. My Grandmother had to pay to have my dress tailored. I believe she paid $50. My shoes were satin Wal Mart special. I believe they were $10. One of the most expensive investments was the tuxedos for the groom and best man. I believe they were about $150. I spent $20 each on three brides maids dresses. The matron of honor dress was borrowed. Our bouquets were handmade and I believe I paid about $10 for the flowers. My flower girl's dress was about $25. Cost of dress, tuxes' and accessories: $400 minus (what others paid) $150 = $250

We got married in a local Baptist church. Briefly speaking to the new pastor there, who never married anyone, he charged $25 for marrying us. We used the church for free. The local town hall was used for the reception and would cost $50. Cost of facilities and services: $75

Our invitations were a gift from my uncle. He had a computer and made them for us. Another pricey investment was the engraved champagne chutes. We paid $75 for them at a gift shop in the mall. The flowers were all wild picked flowers, with the exception of the roses that were thrown by the flower girl. They would cost $10. We bought a wedding song CD that was $12. The groom bought a ring for $30, for himself. My sister in law made my ring pillow. I bought a cake topping and the cutlery and decorations at Wal-Mart for about $30. Various must haves: $157

My Mom bought the cake as a gift. I believe she paid $75. Cheap wine for guests, about $30 at Wal-mart. Bottle of White Zinfandel was about $20. We had various finger foods, jello shots and snacks that we paid about $50 for. My sister in law bought the bottle of Jack Daniels used for the jello shots. I am guessing she paid $15. Food and wine: $190 (minus cost to others) $90 = $100

Honeymoon included dinner at Red Lobster. We paid $50 for that. Cheap motel was about $35 in Shreveport.
Total cost for honeymoon: $85

So there you have it. You too can plan a quick, easy and inexpensive wedding. If you are on a tight budget and have a helpful and giving family, you can do it too. Even within four months. Total out of pocket cost to us: $667. Please note that this doesn't include the cost of the wedding set. My engagement ring was 3/4 karat and included 17 diamonds (coincidently ha ha). I believe he made payments on it and it ended up costing $750 when it was said and done. Still that isn't included in wedding expenses. Good luck on your day.