Weddings are notorious for being an over-the-top picture perfect day. Weddings signify love and the journey a couple is about to undertake. No doubt millions want to share this event with a few hundred of their closest family and friends. We all fantasize about the fairy tale wedding – the live band, gourmet catering, ocean side nuptials, the works. Sadly, many couples grasps that the fantasy is just that – a fantasy. Weddings are expensive. Couples with large bank accounts can afford the lavish. The budget-conscious, living paycheck-to-paycheck couple may need to find a cheap alternative. Still, even the simplest, lowest-budget wedding can easily cost a thousand dollars.

Simple, but Elegant

The ideal that weddings have to be expensive is false. There are many ways to put together a nice, classy ceremony and reception with limited funds. True, these ceremonies may not have the live band, or serve guests shrimp and crabs legs – but that's okay. Weddings should not be about the glitz or spending your life's savings. This is only the first day in a couple's days together. The aim should be to celebrate the occasion, not throw the most extravagant bash of the year. Couples that can afford to spend thousands – great. Those who need an economical alternative have come to the right place. The key to an inexpensive, nice wedding is taking what you have, and using it to your advantage. For example, if you own a home with a large backyard, perhaps this can serve as the wedding and reception site. Many couples prefer to marry in a church. Still, the reception could be held at a family member's home. The biggest expense would be chair and table rentals. Reception halls are costly to rent. A hall large enough to accommodate 100 to 200 guests can cost around $1000 dollars – ouch. This does not include food. Many halls do not allow outside catering. Therefore you must pay additional fees for them to prepare meals. One hundred guests at $19.95 a plate – you do the math.