Kate Hall, 25, Ettalong Beach, NSW
Writing out the guest list for my son Dominic's naming ceremony, I had an idea. 'What if we get married too?' I asked my fiance Stephen, 26.
'Let's do it,' he smiled.
With interest rates and the cost of living on the rise, we didn't have much money. I still wanted a beautiful wedding, but it would have to be on a budget.
With just six weeks to plan everything, I got busy.
At the bridal-gown store, the shop assistant explained they had dresses to buy or hire.
'Perfect,' I said, heading to the hire rack. I'd only wear it once! 'This is beautiful,' I said, holding up a strapless white gown with silver embroidery. It was only $250 to hire and looked lovely.
My parents knew our plans and my mum Alison, 51, helped me find bridesmaids' outfits. 'How about this?' she asked, holding up a sequined top. 'And this skirt?' I suggested. They looked great and only cost $40.
I got low-cost decorations at Spotlight, flowers from a florist and hired outdoor seating. With 40 guests, we needed to find an easy catering solution.
'How about the chicken shop?' Stephen suggested. 'That's a great idea!' I laughed. We both loved their salads and chickens.
For our cake, we chose a chocolate mud cake with white icing for just $40 from a bakery.
Finally, the big day arrived and we told our bridesmaids and groomsmen what was happening.
'What am I going to wear?' my sister Peita, 30, fretted. I pulled out the outfits I'd stashed away and she gave a beaming smile.
Mum and my dad Brian, 54, finalised the decorations. We'd hired candelabras from a local florist, and some sheer material made a stunning backdrop.
Mum put the final touches on my make-up as Dad spoke to the guests. 'You're here for a name-giving, but we have some news,' he said. 'You're here for a wedding too!'
Seeing Stephen at the end of our hired red carpet in his $100 suit, I couldn't have been happier. We said our vows, incorporating Dominic's naming ceremony.
As our guests hadn't brought presents, we asked them to take photos and send them to us. Stephen's boss owned a mock-up cop car we used for our photos.
I never believed the costly, extravagant trimmings at weddings were necessary to have a magical day, and our $1500 nuptials proved me right.
Have you thrown a chic shindig on a shoestring budget? Share your stories by commenting below.
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