... she can have a wedding for that much (or little).
Sure, you can have a wedding for $200... because that's what a Justice of the Peace or an officiant will charge. That's the only requirement for getting married. The rest of "it all" is merely frosting on the cake (pun intended).
Your choices are un-limited for what you can add to that, and what it will cost... here's what I mean:
Venue - You can have the reception in the basement of your church, or in your back yard. If you're a member of the church, many times it's free, especially if you hire the Paster for the nuptials.
Food and beverages - If mom or Grandma can cook, then, it's simply the cost of the food for all of your guests. I actually heard of one bride who had McDonald's cater her event. One bride even brought her guests to a pizza place. The fee starts at $50 and goes up from there... or, if everyone brings a dish, and a 6 pack, it's free. $0.
Rings - I've seen brides and grooms who shopped at Walmart for rings. Heck, they have pretty good jewelry there! Lets start with $50 each... or none at all, for now. $0.
Wedding dress - How about a nice evening dress? That can be had for under $100, again at Walmart or Pennys. If you saved your prom dress... $0.
Dancing / Entertainment - Go the iPod route, and home stereo speakers. It's not going to be a rock out "night club" experience, but what the heck. Or, use your Smart Phone. $0.
Cake - Walmart... isle #9. Walmart and the Dollar Store are you best resources for DIY and low budgets. Can you say "cupcakes"? $20.
Flowers - Do you REALLY need flowers? $0.
Photos or Videos - Everyone now has a camera in the phone or a point and shoot mini camera. My Smart Phone takes amazing pictures. $0.
So, this DIY wedding will run about $500 or less... hows that for keeping the cost down?
Now, having mentioned all of the above on a strict budget, everything has a value and price. What is your dream, and how do you want to remember it in your future? You can actually get married for less than $500, or go as high as $50,000. The national average for wedding in the US is $35,000. If you were famous and lived in Hollywood, you could easily quadruple that. You have the choice to make. Everything you add, will bring the cost rapidly up. It's your day... you pick.
