Date:	August 5, 2000
Location:	Four Seasons Aviara, Carlsbad
Guests:	150
Approximate Price:	$70,000-$80,000
Wedding Planner:	Abby Trybulski, Dear Abby Wedding Consulting

This couple set a budget early then selected a location that reflected the tone they wanted to create. In compiling the guest list, the couple chose to invite only their closest friends and family. They selected a high-quality photographer whose style they loved because their goal was to ensure they received an ample number of really great photos of the people and occasion that were so special to them.

In addition, the couple brought their favorite wine into the hotel. The corkage fee was more modest than the cost of some fine wines on the hotel's list. (If you do this, make sure you are wine-knowledgeable.) Concerning the cake, the couple ordered a smaller wedding cake plus sheet cakes served from the back or sent home as favors with guests. For special lighting effects, the couple used the hotel's audiovisual department, rather than a lighting company, saving thousands of dollars. They also hired a band with a great reputation but whose fee turned out to be much less than the cost of other bands. (That's why, no matter what your budget, you must do your homework.)