Almost two years ago, my intended, now my wife and I threw a party for all our friends. Our goal was to have a really good party at which there just happened to be a wedding. It cost us, with clothing, cars, invitations, food, music, etc., just a smidge over $10,000 for 55 guests.
I typeset and printed our own ketubah which we later had decorated by an artist friend ($150 for printing costs and buying fonts, $150 for the artist; her work was partially a wedding gift to us.)
My suit came from TJ Maxx, and her dress came from a yard sale. We borrowed the talis for the chuppah from a friend. We had the ceremony in a park ($25 permit fee) and the reception at a new and lovely VFW hall in our neighborhood ($400). I designed and typeset the invitations and had them printed at vistaprint ($100). We asked people to RSVP by phone or email.
The entertainment was supplied by a 4-piece klezmer band ($1500). Those guys really made the wedding. I’m so glad we didn’t use recorded music or a DJ.
We had a really good and meaningful time. The wedding was very dignified, the bride looked lovely. She had no attendants and was walked to the chuppah by her mother and daughter.
It only took a few weeks to prepare. I personally picked up all the out-of-towners at the airport and train station. Both of us got to sit and speak meaningfully with everyone who came to the wedding, and we still get raves about what a wonderful and personal affair it was.
There was a hot buffet ($5500, with all the silverware, plates, glasses, tablecloths, etc.) and an open bar ($160 total, my family doesn’t drink much), and the VFW hall served our kosher wine and champagne for only $5/bottle). Miscellaneous tips ($300).
Other costs included: Mesadar Kedushin (Rabbi) – $600 or $650. One large rental car for shuttling guests around, about $150. Tailoring for my suit, $40. An uncomfortable pair of shoes for me: $50. Flowers (bridal bouquet, corsages for the mothers) about $150. COntributions to Mazon, about %600. Photography was done by a friend of my wife who did it as a gift in exchange for airfare from California and four days of food and lodging ($400). There was a bottle of wine for the ceremony and the glass, and that was about $15.
Our mothers threw a brunch the next morning for our guests, I”m not sure what that cost.
All-in-all it was a wonderful, fun and dignified wedding that had our very personal touches on every aspect.