[retrokitten]

This doesn't surprise me all that much. My brother had a big fancy wedding and spent $16,000 on just the food and this was 5 1/2 years ago. A co-worker of mine is planning her wedding for next year and already has a guest list of 250+. She is trying to keep it reasonable, but it's not easy for her.

Mr. RK and I eloped and had a reception about a month later. My dress cost $50 plus another $50 for alterations. Mr. RK wore a nice suit. We were married for less then $2500 total, including the reception. My MIL was less then thrilled, but she had her wedding and this was the way Mr. RK and I wanted to get married. We would rather save all that money for a down-payment on a house.

I didn't get the big huge wedding gene (I think I got the big huge butt gene instead ;-)). I was never one of those girls who fantasized about a huge fairy tale like wedding.

[BizzeeMom]

We did much the same as you--we eloped over a long weekend and had a dinner/reception for the immediate family at a nice restaurant later.

The total cost of our weekend away plus the reception was maybe $2,000. We are both pragmatic people and preferred to put our money into a house. It was one of the best decisions we've made.

[SuziQ]

I didn't get the big huge wedding gene (I think I got the big huge butt gene instead ;-)).

Are you a long lost relative? ;o)

[cjshapi]

"I didn't get the big huge wedding gene (I think I got the big huge butt gene instead ;-))."

I almost fell off my chair laughing when I read this but my butt kept me firmly anchored. I've never been married but if I do get hitched it will be a very small wedding but a nice big picnic/party at a later date for friends and family.

Never was into the girly girl pricess wedding thing.

[LizardQueen]

I didn't get the big huge wedding gene (I think I got the big huge butt gene instead ;-)). I was never one of those girls who fantasized about a huge fairy tale like wedding.

Me neither (and I got the butt gene too - maybe it's at the same chromosome location as the big wedding gene, and you get either one or the other? :lol: ).

We got married in a state park by the lake. Had it catered but it was pretty much a dressy barbecue. We were insane and grew our own flowers and vegetables for the reception, as well as handwrapped our own favors (I don't recommend growing your own stuff, it's very stressful). My parents drove me there in their sedan, and DH and I drove away in his Volkswagon then went out drinking with all the in-town guests that night :lol: .

Total price tag was about 3K, would've been a lot less without the open bar (beer and wine only, but with my family it adds up!).

LQ

[Mr. Silverback]

Mr. RK and I eloped and had a reception about a month later. My dress cost $50 plus another $50 for alterations. Mr. RK wore a nice suit. We were married for less then $2500 total, including the reception. My MIL was less then thrilled, but she had her wedding and this was the way Mr. RK and I wanted to get married. We would rather save all that money for a down-payment on a house.

I tried to get Rambette to go for me wearing my dress uniform, but she felt that if I wore mine she should wear hers, and she wanted that wedding dress instead. Me, I figured the wedding dress was her crowning glory and the dress uniform was my crowning glory, but I never got anywhere.