I have said this before on here -
First of all - I made my own dress, very simple in style, but perfect for me, my DH bought a new suit, but obviously wore it again. Bestman wore a suit, and we had one bridesmaid and i just bought a lovely dress in a high st shop. No other clothes hire costs, as got my Dad etc to wear nice suits they already owned. None of the men had matching ties, cravats or cumber bands, as i hate that kind of thing, all match.
Flowers - I had 2 aunts, who like flower arranging, so we went to a wholesaler and bought a load of flowers. One aunt dressed the church, and arrangements for reception; the other aunt did my flowers, which were a kind of posy arrangement (i think).
Hair, make-up - myself obviously, just like i normally do it for a night out or party, more than capable of making myself presentable.
Car hire - my Dad has a really old car, not in great condition, but old so kind of get away with it. I got my brother to drive it, and we didnt get any other cars. Distance from home to church and to reception was less than 3 miles really, so seemed pointless.
Cake - a friend of the family baked this for me, she likes baking and was my SIL's mother, so kind of liked being involved. I just provided ingredients. My BIL, did the decorating of it, it was one tier, plain square and i wanted it white with daisies. I paid his costs and nice wine as gift. (actually got him another job or 2 on the back of it!)
Reception - in a borrowed marquee, in a field beside my parents house. Not a flash marquee, think one with wooden poles to hold it up, and canvas sides - there were no fancy drapes or chandeliers inside it. We just did lanterns and candles i think.
We also did champagne, tea/coffee and shortbread i think it was in the afternoon in my parents garden. (borrowed extra chairs etc from friends and family)
Food - i asked a friend, not her business, but likes to do bit parties and entertaining. We did a cold buffet style, loads of food and deserts. Wine and beer all bought by ourselves and free all day. Bought it in supermarket and borrowed glasses from Sainsburys.
Plates, cutlery and tables were all hired from a supplier.
Photography - my sister and her husband mostly did the photos, none are posed, mostly they are 'reportage' i think its called.
Our biggest expense was a band for entertainment - but they were really good.
It wasn't planned that way just to keep the costs down, but it doesn't bode well with me all the expense for one day, plus we didnt have that kind of spare money anyway. My parents would have paid for a traditional hotel reception and all the trimmings, but i wouldnt have liked it.
my niece is planning a wedding next month, and i heard that the cost per head (inc room hire) is £100 -