In response to the topic of the thread, I think our parents are spending about $10,000. We're fortunate enough to have them really want to pay for it! I'm my parents' only daughter, so they really wanted to do it. Our reception for 120 people is only about $5,000. We found a reasonably priced photographer who still does great work for $1100. We're getting married in a church so our fees there are minimal. We just have to give a donation to the church and the priest. Our limo is going to be under $400 for 3 hours. Our cake will be under $500. We haven't booked a DJ yet, but the ones we're considering are about $500 for 4 hours. Invitations were $150. My mom is making all the floral arrangements (she does an awesome job with silk flowers), a coworker and friend of my parents is doing the video... and all they have to pay for is his hotel stay (plus he will be a guest so he gets dinner and everything). I bought the dress myself and even though the price tag said $599, I ended up spending almost $1000 on it (alterations and special order fees). So definitely watch out for that.
Ever since I got engaged,
The Knot has been my best friend. Along the lines of different areas of the country being very different, it's great because you can go to the message boards and get advice from other brides in your area.
Planning a wedding is stressful, I've found, but it can also be a lot of fun.
