Wedding For Under $500

WASHINGTON, DC (WUSA)--Love waits for no one. Not even a bad economy. However, saying, "I do," doesn't mean having to rob the bank.

"You're just not planning for that day. There's a life after your wedding," says wedding planner, Jill Reid.

So there is money for after the wedding, some people have gotten married for under $500.

Let's start with the dress-perhaps one of the most expensive items on the list. Some money conscious brides are shopping for dresses already worn once on websites like Preownedweddingdresses.com or at consignment stores.

"It's probably less than one-third of what the original retail was on it," says Renee Bankston, a consignment store owner.

Even attendants find bargains. "I got my flower girl dresses off eBay for $11.99," says bride Carla Pettway.

The wedding rings can also cost thousands. But opting for vintage or pre-owned at websites like "I Do, Now I Don't" and and Diamond Wholesalers can save tons of money.

"Forty percent," says groom Kyle Salzman beaming ear-to-ear.

Then there are the flowers. Have your attendants' flowers pull double-duty. After they use them at the ceremony, place them in glass vases and transition them into table centerpieces at the reception.

Another place to save a ton of money is with the invitations.

"I did it with a computer software program that I already had," says bride Amanda Ferren.

The pictures can also take a huge chunk of money out of your wallet. To save on these ask a freind with an eye to be the official photographer. It can be his/her wedding gift to you. Also, place disposable cameras at each table at the wedding reception and encourage guests to take pictures with the camera.

Speaking of the reception, food is always a big ticket item for any wedding. But it doesn't have to be as long as you have some close friends willing to help out. See if their wedding gift could be one of their specialties. Get enough friends to join in and you've got the meal for nothing. And think of how much more personal it will be.

The other food option is to cater creatively.

"We have our Martini Mac and Cheese station, $3.95," says Bambi Bach of Bella Weddings and Events.

So to sum it up, here's how you can get married for less than $500 following the info above:

• Her vintage ring for $256

• His ring from "I Do, Now I Don't" for $75

• Her consignment bridal gown for $89

• His tuxedo rented online for $50

This brings the grand total to $470. Which means thousands of dollars for the new couple's nest egg.