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My foodie husband discussed dinner menu options ($46/person) with the caterer in a lengthy e-mail exchange. I selected floral centerpieces ($35/table), chairs ($3.60 each) and linens ($15/table) from Picasa Web Albums. And we chose a band ($1,200) after listening to MP3 files.
Having the wedding in Mexico took a leap of faith — we sent deposit checks to bank accounts in Texas border towns like Loredo and McAllen, without any signed contracts. But the Internet gave us confidence: I'd read a host of reviews and solicited e-mailed suggestions from others who had married in San Miguel.
Dress to impress
My dress was the last detail, and it was my biggest bargain.
With one month to go, I still hadn't been able to find a simple and affordable design in bridal boutiques. So I ordered 10 dresses from Nordstrom.com, which offers dozens of stylish designs, most under $500, and no hassle returns.
When the big boxes arrived, I chose one that cost $248 and coordinated beautifully with borrowed shoes and my grandmother's colorful 70-year-old jewelry.
Able to splurge
With all the money we saved, we were able to splurge on some extras, including travel costs for relatives who otherwise wouldn't have been able to afford the trip.
We also had fireworks ($350) and salsa lessons ($350) at the rehearsal dinner; I hired a personal trainer to get in shape ($65/hour); and we published a "wedding yearbook" ($466.20) through Blub.com with photos and short bios of our 63 guests.
We worried the most about our decision not to hire a photographer. We didn't like the work of available local photographers, and flying in a U.S. professional would have cost thousands.
Instead, we took a chance on our friends — and the Internet.
We signed up for a pro account at Flickr.com ($24.95) and asked our guest to upload all their pictures. We collected more than 3,000 shots, many of them exceptional. Later, I used Blurb.com to design our album ($64.95).
In the end, we spent nearly $30,000, about the national average before the recession hit. That may not sound so frugal, but instead of blowing thousands on a banquet hall and fancy flowers, we had an unforgettable, four-day celebration in a magical place, and didn't feel that we were skimping on a thing. We were able to foot the bill for several family members, and treated the whole crowd to a rehearsal dinner feast, as well.
Besides, I know that what some people call cheap, my husband calls frugal. And he loves me for it.
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