It sounds easy -- 10 percent to flowers, 50 percent to catering -- but let's be real: There's no way you can plan each purchase down to the last cent! Here's what three Michigan brides spent on their weddings and which pros they used to stick to their budgets.
Molly Skupin & David Barrett
May 22 | Plymouth | 130 guests
Their Budget: $33,729
Their Breakdown
ceremony site $875. "It was beautiful -- worth the expense." Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor, (734) 647-7808
reception site $19,518 including catering for 130 guests and a chocolate fountain. The Inn at St. John's, Plymouth, (734) 414-0600
photography $1,175 for one shooter for all day coverage. Amanda Williams Photography, Allen Park, (313) 228-0898
videography $1,500 for one shooter. Castle Video Productions, Brighton, (810) 522-1173
wedding consultant $1,750. "We live out of state, so we needed someone to meet with vendors." TwoFoot Creative, Ann Arbor, (734) 709-6656
ceremony officiant $325. "She didn't charge the $75 rehearsal fee because our consultant ran it." Rev. Christine Drewry, Brighton, (810) 360-6110
wedding gown $1,200, including alterations. Maggie Sottero, Chez Lilli, Houma, LA, (985) 868-3874
hair/makeup $65 (she came to Molly)/$55. Rhiannon McCarty, Pinckney, (734) 891-2123/ Jamie Clemons, Detroit, (734) 837-7144
veil $25. "The veil I found online looked just like the $220 one at the store!" ValuVeil.com
hair accessories $10 for clips. Claires.com
shoes $50. "I found a 10 percent off coupon on Ebates.com." Liz Rene Couture, ShoeBuy.com
wedding rings $1,150 for her platinum band and his titanium one. Raymond's Jewelry Creations, Kenner, LA, (504) 443-2440/Ramsey's Jewelers, Metairie, LA, (504) 885-4653
bridal party gifts $250 for totes, lip glosses, and pearl bracelets. OldNavy.com/Sephora.com
groom's formalwear $0 with the wedding party tuxedo rentals. MensWearhouse.com
stationery $1,064 for invites and a seating chart/$50 for programs. Gourmet Invitations, Macomb, (586) 201-3120/Vistaprint.com
flowers $2,107. "We used inexpensive flowers like roses and mums to stay within budget." MPE Event Productions, Livonia, (734) 427-3900
rental equipment $800 for chair covers, sashes, a cake table, and head table linens. "We saved by using our hall's linens on other tables." MPE Event Productions, Livonia, (734) 427-3900
music $225 for a ceremony keyboard player (cheaper than an ensemble!)/$1,050 for a DJ for unlimited hours (no overtime charges!) and lighting to spruce up the dance floor at the reception. Panache Entertainment, Troy, (248) 246-2152/Marc LaRochelle, Night and Day Productions, Macomb, (800) 732-5756
wedding cake $485. "We had a small display cake and a sheet cake in the back. The bigger sheet cake didn't need decorations, so we saved." Cakes by Stephanie, Monroe, (734) 240-2253
hotel room $0 -- free at their site. The Inn at St. John's, Plymouth, (734) 414-0600
Katie Sunquest & Jake Barber
May 16 | Warren | 265 guests
Their Budget: $22,500
ceremony site $200 for a ceremony and rehearsal. First Baptist Church of Royal Oak, (248) 543-7454
ceremony accessories $175 for candles and silk pomanders for the pews.
reception site and catering $11,480 -- about $43 per person for a standard bar and a buffet. The Royalty House, Warren, (586) 264-8400
photography $1,500 for two shooters, all day coverage, and a disc of digital photos. Kreativ Imaging, Warren, (586) 675-7457
videography $1,295 for two shooters. Elite Entertainment, Warren, (586) 415-4800
wedding consultant $750. Simplicity Day of Event Coordination, Ferndale, (248) 840-5274
ceremony officiant $200. First Baptist Church of Royal Oak, Royal Oak, (248) 543-7454
wedding gown $590. DaVinci, Always & Forever Bridal & Formal, Shelby Township, (586) 254-7811
alterations $30 (really!). Marjana's Tailor and Cleaners, Madison Heights, (248) 589-0306
hair/makeup $30/$55. Michelle Wetzel, Tralise Salon, Shelby Township, (586) 254-5510/Deux Adore, St. Clair Shores, (586) 709-7997
veil $48. "The dress shop wanted triple for a similar style!" Bella Bridal Veils, Etsy.com
hair accessories $48 for a pearl and crystal headband. Twinkles Design, Etsy.com
shoes $59. "You couldn't even see 'em!" David's Bridal, Madison Heights, (248) 616-9400
wedding rings/jewelry $365 for Jake's band/$40 for earrings. Lavdas Jewelry, Warren, (586) 751-8275/Eliot Danori, Macys.com
bridal party gifts $300 for picture frames, jewelry, and wristlets. Coach.com/Kohls.com
groom's formalwear $0 with the six other rentals. Men's Wearhouse, Troy, (248) 616-3027
stationery $1,020 for invites and programs. So in Love Invitations, Hazel Park, (248) 941-5263
flowers $500 -- ordered wholesale. Natural Touch Florist, Lake Orion, (248) 391-1400
rental equipment $596 for chair covers, chair sashes, and table runners. Sposa Seating, Macomb Township, (586) 201-0022
music $100 for a ceremony pianist/$995 for a DJ. Min Sook Chung, Royal Oak, (248) 543-7454/ Elite Entertainment, Warren, (586) 415-4800
cupcakes $470. "Cheaper than a cake!" Callie's Home Style Cakes, New Haven, (313) 461-4191
other desserts $600 for a candy bar. Bulk Food, Dearborn, (313) 561-5011
favors $400 for Thundersticks. "They set the fun mood." MiniSportsBalls.com
transportation $654 for a limousine. Big Shot Limos, Clinton Township, (866) 246-9074
Tricia Thomas & Charles Smith
January 24 | Grand Rapids | 72 guests
Their Budget: $9,822
Their Breakdown
ceremony site, music, and ceremony officiant $0. It's free for members. Faith Reformed Church, Wyoming, (616) 532-0206
ceremony accessories $30. They kept it nice and simple with white twinkle lights.
reception site and catering $3,300 -- about $46 a head for plated, two-course meals, beer, wine, and two signature martinis. Bistro Bella Vita, Grand Rapids, (616) 222-4600
photography $1,700 for all-day and day-after coverage and all the digital images. Chad Bosma Photography, Grand Rapids, (616) 889-4506
wedding gown $350. "It was inexpensive, but I had it altered to look like a designer gown." David's Bridal, Grand Rapids, (616) 222-3966
alterations $130. The dress was still a steal! Deb Zondlak, Hudsonville, (616) 896-7767
hair/makeup $140. Aesthetica Image Group, Grand Rapids, (616) 241-6511
hair accessories $7 for rhinestone bobby pins. Icing by Claire's, Grand Rapids, (616) 942-8961
shoes $20. The bow on top of Tricia's mocha colored shoes made them wedding-ready. Xhilaration, Target, Grand Rapids, (616) 222-4889
wedding rings $1,250 for two bands: white gold with diamonds for her and tungsten for him. Rogers & Hollands, Kentwood, (616) 940-8300
bridal party gifts $260 for brooches and gift cards. Target.com/BestBuy.com/eBay.com
groom's formalwear $150. Bunny Tuxedos, Grandville, (616) 538-1760
stationery $250 for invitations, place cards, and menu cards. "I used a ‘starving artist' who only charged me for the supplies." Frogstar Productions Invitations, Wyoming, (616) 799-1153
flowers $350 for four bridesmaid bouquets and one bridal bouquet. With large orchids, they only needed a few blooms per bouquet. Mulick Floral Shop, Grand Rapids, (616) 451-8488
rental equipment $395. "The chair covers and sashes totally transformed our room." Mulick Floral Shop, Grand Rapids, (616) 451-8488
music $275 for DJs. Charles knew them, so the couple got a deal. R & S Karaoke & DJ Entertainment, Grand Rapids, (616) 677-1038
cakeS $385. "We used cakes as centerpieces. The decor and dessert were one cost." Sweet Cakes Design, Belmont, (616) 447-9094
other desserts $100 for chocolate truffles, jelly beans, and rock candy. Sweetland Candies, Grand Rapids, (616) 363-3444
favors $430 for custom wine bottles. Cascade Winery, Grand Rapids, (616) 656-4665
transportation $300 for a limo for two hours. Five Star Sedan & Limousine Service, LLC, Grand Rapids, (616) 856-1779
-- Meredith Bodgas