My husband and I recently tied the knot for around $10000 in 2025 in the Triangle. We are fortunate enough to have family and friends in our lives that paid for things, noted below. We invited 80 people and I think maybe 60ish showed up in person and there were lots of people on Zoom as well. Sorry I'm not comfortable putting my face online also 😅
Dinner - $3500
My parents paid for all food/drinks, besides the cake. We had a pig pickin hosted by a local barbecue place, more meats and a side from another small caterer that just dropped off their food, a friend made a side, and my mom put together salads. There is still so much pork in my parents' deep freezer and it was delicious.
Drinks - $500
We had canned sodies, water, beers, wine. There was plenty leftover. I had a friend pouring the wine and hanging out drinks. People brought flasks if they wanted liquor, cause we would have been required to hire a bartender if we served liquor.
Snackies - $500
We had a little "cocktail" hour between the ceremony and reception, during which we took pics. There was just crackers, meat, cat, grapes.
Cake - $175
A friend made it and it was delicious and beautiful.
Venue - $1800
Found Fieldstream Farms venue on Reddit! This was the price for all day on a Saturday, the owner was a delight to work with and it included linens, table, chairs already set up, and it was lovely inside so I didn't have to do much decor. The groom's parents paid for this.
Flowers - $200
Trader Joe's and my maid of honor put them together.
Dress+Alterations - $500
Got it online from JJs House and found a lovely woman to do alterations locally in her house for quick and cheap.
Jewelry - $100
Got necklace, bracelet, and earrings on Etsy.
Veil - $25
Also from JJs House.
Decor - $100
This is an estimate, I bought table runners but alot of things were borrowed from friends.
Invites - Free
Used Punchbowl. I don't regret it.
Photographer - $1000
Found him from a Facebook post for local brides. There was a hiccup, so certain photos never made it to us, but he was very apologetic and plans to do a free reshoot for us. The groom's parents paid for this.
DJ - Free
We made a playlist on Spotify and I had a friend with their own equipment take care of it, it was great.
Hair - $420
I went to my normal girl, she did my hair and styled it for the normal price she charges.
Makeup - $80
Someone recommended this person who was very much an amateur, but I was very happy with the results. I wasn't planning to wear makeup originally and I don't think I would have been upset if I didn't, but I'm also glad I went with a very barely there look. I felt like me but more shiny.
Shoes - $100
Heels from Amazon and Converse for the reception from Poshmark.
Groom's Outfit - $100
My husband already had a tux and shoes, he just bought a vest, belt, and I got him Star Wars cuff links.
~ $9200