My one year anniversary will be in a week. My in-laws footed the bill because I wasn't going to pay for everything my wife wanted, and she's an only child, so she's always gotten what she wants. That being said, her parents gave her a spending limit of $20,000. Pictures alone were nearly $6,000; however, this was a professional photographer, far beyond the quality of those you might see in the mall or a small shop. We had the catering and flowers done by the same company, which cost about $6,000 as well for the two combined. We weren't all that into flowers given a February wedding, and got more than we needed on the catering. There were roughly 150 people there, so about $35 a head on the food. The rehearsal dinner had 30 people, and cost about $20 a plate at a local mom and pop restaurant that had a decorated banquet room. The rental fee was included in the plate cost. The dress was $500, the tiara $75. Invitations were card stock we bough then took to a printer for $1.75 each, with 250 invitations - so $450 or so on them. We had originally planned for 3 bridesmaids and groomsmen, but ended up with 2. Still paid for 3 gowns, at $200 each. 6 Tux's cost $125 each, with the grooms free, so $600. The reception hall charged $1500, but provided a free bar for the first hour. Keg beer was $180 total. The limo was another $450. The table decorations were hershey bars with a custom wrapper we had printed up and put over the original wrapper - something like $250 for all the candy and wrappers. The church was $250. We didn't end up being able to take our honeymoon because I got deployed, but it was to be to Cancun, and was already booked, and that cost $150 for a plane ticket because it was a time share family had. Groomsmen gifts were pocket watches, flasks, knives, and a customized lighter. Bridesmaids, I don't even remember. All told, we ended spending $19,750 ish. There is no way we would have ever spent that kind of money if it was on our own dime, but my in-laws offered, and it's hard to say no to your bride to be.
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