The average modern wedding costs more than an astronomical $28,500 — enough to put any couple in debt.
In 2003, Trae Bodge and her then-fiance, Chris, were determined to spend a more modest amount: $9,000 ($11,200 in today's dollars).
But Bodge, then running a small cosmetics company, and her entrepreneur fiance still wanted an elaborate affair. They had envisioned a three-day event and had more than 100 guests on their list already.
"We didn't have a lot of money and our parents didn't have a lot of money, so we knew we couldn't spend a lot," says Bodge, now senior retail expert for couponing site Retailmenot.com.
Through careful and creative planning, they were able to trim $18,000 from their budget and still have the wedding of their dreams.
All price estimates were sourced from TheKnot.com's annual Real Weddings Study.
THE ENGAGEMENT RING: $0
Average price: $5,431
Trae's engagement ring was actually her grandmother's wedding ring.
"I think using a family ring to propose is something that’s really sweet and special," Trae said. "There’s no need to go out and spend $10,000 on a new ring. As a woman, maybe you’re wanting this big rock and maybe you’ve picked one out but ultimately you’re marrying that debt. Why would you want to do that?"
HIS RING: $5
Average cost: $150
Chris was thrilled when Trae showed him his wedding band –– a sterling silver ring she had made by hand in a jewelry-making class.
"He was so excited to hve a ring I made myself that he totally didn't care that it cost probably all of $5," Trae said. "I wanted to make sure he was cool with that."
REHEARSAL DINNER: $500
Typical cost: $1,135
The couple invited half of their guests over for a barbeque and group breakfast the day before the wedding.
All of the food and supplies were sourced from Costco.
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