[Sistermadly]

We spent approximately $6,100

Here's how we saved money:
[list=1][*]Got married in the off season (winter, but not during the holidays)[*]Had a very small guest list (less than 50 people)[*]Got married on an unusual day of the week (Friday night)[*]Had the wedding and reception in the same place (a private club)[*]Spent most of the money on food and booze (open bar) to thank the guests for coming[*]Bought my dress from an Internet wholesaler and saved $300[*]Bought my shoes at Payless - I never wear white shoes anyway, so why would I pay $200+ for something I'm only going to wear once?[*]Bought my tiara and veil on eBay[*]Had a friend serve as wedding coordinator[*]Used talented friends for DJs, decorations, etc - those were their gifts to me[*]Had a small wedding party (just a best man and maid of honour)[*]Home made wedding favours and cake topper
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The greatest expenses of our wedding was the food/booze venue rental ($3800) the cake ($160), and the flowers (bride's bouquet, maid of honor's bouquet, bouquets for the moms, boutionniers for the men - about $250). Everything else was done on the cheap. Choose a beautiful location, and decorations will take care of themselves. We had a full moon overlooking a city skyline from 30 stories up - you can't beat that for decorations! I think I spent about $60 on some candles (for the guests to hold during the cermony) and some white lights and tulle - and that's all I used.

For the reception, we had everyone go into the bar (free drinks!) while they set up, and we used glass bowls (we rented them from the venue) filled with floating candles and tossed some freeze-dried white rose petals all over the tables. We took everyone's white taper candle, put them in candelabras, and placed them on the tables. We used the club's white linens, and it was so elegant. I think I spent about $20-30 on the rose petals for a HUGE bag.

Congratulations, and good luck!