I know we've touched on this subject before, BUT

We are paying for everything and I do mean EVERYTHING with the exception of 50% of my gown. But even my 50% is still going to be $700 which is more than the gown I originally had in mind. So in that sense, it's almost like I am paying for my gown in full.
We're also paying for the rehearsal dinner, and just hoping we can get my aunt's time share for the HM so that can save us some costs. My brother already told me he's using his next year.

FH's family has given us a few $$ as engagement presents, and total it came out to about $400. Which is still better than nothing considering their business is not doing well, so in reality we weren't expecting anything.

I know our parents would pay for the entire wedding if they could. But we are well aware neither can afford it, and we're happy doing it ourselves.

We originally intended on paying everything ourselves, and worked within our budget (20-22K)

Once we booked the reception site, our parents, along with FI's parents offerred to pay for the reception.

We're paying for everything else (approximately 11-12K) and are very greatful that they offerred.

I know how you feel we are planning on paying for everything ourselves, both sets of parents have offered to help us as much as they could but we are not expecting much. My FH is working 2 jobs and I'm planning on saving as much as I can, (No-more lunch time shopping sprees at MAC or Bananna ) But we are going to plan it the way we want and are looking forward to our day so much that whatever we have to sacrifice now will be worth it!

So does anyone have ideas on how they will try to keep the cost down since we're doing it on our own????