BUDGET WEDDINGS

I saw an article on budget weddings this morning....I didn't read it, because SHINE readers always have the best ideas on any topic.
I thought it would be a great idea to ask our married friends on SHINE to give their best budget-minded tips to those who are planning their weddings. In these financially lean times, the "fairytale wedding'" is bound to take a beating!
Here's what I did when I got married in 2001...
I rented a smallish cinema cafe for $150. It was already brightly decorated so I could dispense with that. My best friend took the wedding pix, both posed and candid. I have lots of cool photos of my family and friends enjoying themselves. My sister's boyfriend shot some video. That saved about $500.
We got married right on the stage in front of all our guests by a lovely Supreme Court judge for $75. No point in having a reception line! A time saver. Our DJ cut $75 off his regular price because the room was small. Cool discount!
My daughter made a beautiful cake covered with real roses, and my sister in law made the favors. We were allowed to bring in our own wine, so we saved the expense of an open bar which I can't even imagine that cost! We shopped for an found two pretty dresses for my two daughters who stood up for me for $40 apiece. They have been able to wear them many times since. My mother in law to be made my gown, which is gorgeous enough to rival any couture creation. She made that for our wedding gift.
Finally, I found a caterer who could do a 2 meat, 3 side dish buffet style meal for $10 a plate. All told, this wedding for 80 guests cost us $978. People still tell me it was the most fun wedding they have ever been to.
Now share your tips/stories for our future brides and grooms. Hopefully, they will have a great wedding on a budget too!