by REBECCA SPARROW
It’s fair to say that I’m something of an expert when it comes to cheapskate weddings. After all, I’ve had two of them in the past decade.
In 1999 I married my American boyfriend in the Silver Bell Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. The bride wore baggy shorts, a t-shirt and a big floppy sunhat. The groom wore … actually I have no idea what he wore. Can’t remember. What I do remember is that the wedding cost us $25 and that the priest greeted us by saying, “So do you want to live happilly ever after or do you want to get married? Boom Boom.”
Yep. Klarssy.
Seven years (one divorce, one emotionally abusive relationship and a few dodgy internet dating attempts including one with a guy who appeared to have two rows of teeth) later and I was getting married again. This time to my current husband (I like to say that to keep him on his toes) – Brad. For this wedding I decided to go more traditional and not, you know, get married wearing shorts and a t-shirt.
But again my inner-Cheapolina came out. Brad was a student. I was a writer. And I steadfastly refused to go into debt for ONE DAY OF OUR LIVES. So our entire wedding – my dress, the rings, the reception (music, food, decorations) – came in at just under $10,000.
Top Comments
I agree with @ladybird73... Why are we all so judgy judgy! Way to go in making someone feel bad about their wedding (be it the happiest/best day of their life or not!).
My husband and I got married in Vanuatu 18 months ago and spent what we could afford and what we were comfortable with (and isn't that the important thing?!?)
I will say though... once you become a bride-to-be it can be hard to sift out the WANTS from the NEEDS and the right balance for you (and not what every Tammy, Diane and Harriet thinks you should have/do). I do think that is often what trips us up when planning a wedding.
All the best to those of you planning your big day!
If you have got the cash and you are not going into debt for it, go for your life. But a wedding bigger than Ben his not my cup of tea.