We did our wedding for about $1500 - it was a while ago of course, but it is possible to go nice but inexpensive. My hubby was a private chef at the time so we had access to an industrial kitchen where we made all the food ourselves -- except the cake which was a gift from my parents and they also payed for the hall rental of $150 (look at community facilities - parks and rec, an arboretum, if religious a church hall or basement). I bought the bridesmaids dresses at the Nordstrom Rack for $30 each (red silk and very pretty!) and we covered the tuxes (had a coupon for half-off or something). We bought all the plates, cups, drinks, utensils, napkins, most of the food (for our prep, at Price Club now Costco I believe), no booze but Martinelli's (hall would not allow it and the hubby's family is mormon), my brother is a DJ so he played music for us as a gift. There are really good ways to go price-effective - a friend did pulled pork bar-b-que sandwiches at their wedding and that saved them a helluva lot of money on catering. You don't need to blow the life-savings of your children and grandchildren in order to have a good wedding today.