So how was your wedding?

We had a budget of about $5000, and we more or less stood by it (I think we ended up paying somewhere around $5500). It was a small-ish wedding. We put a cap at around 50 guests or so. I told my parents that extended family shouldn't expect an invite, although my mom did insist that I invite my four aunts and one uncle (she chipped in for them, so I was ok with that). My feelings were that it wasn't that one day that was important, but everyday that came afterwards, so why splurge?

The ceremony was high Anglican with Holy Eucharist, since that's where we attended. The photographer was a friend of a friend, and basically told me to name my price -- not that we didn't pay her market rate. The florist and caterer were also people we knew. Our reception was pretty low key. Friends of ours offered us the use of their backyard for the evening, and the menu was burgers, baked beans, and potato salad. My dress was somewhere around $500 for the whole thing (dress, petticoat, corset, and alterations). I walked into David's with a price limit and stuck to it. Of course, we paid the organist, and I gave my attendants thank you gifts, and we paid for the rehearsal dinner at a local restaurant. I forget how much the rings were, but I do remember we got a major discount on them because we bought them right before Valentine's Day.

Things I didn't pay for: My bridesmaid's airfare, any of the attendants' dresses, the tuxedo rentals for anyone but Hubs, or people's hotel accommodations. (Although if my sister-in-law had said something, I certainly would have paid for my niece's flower girl dress.)

After we got back from our honeymoon, my parents threw a backyard party for all their friends and extended family who didn't get to come.