A young couple made a surprising decision to cancel their plans for a big wedding that would have cost them $10,000. Instead, they chose a simple ceremony that only cost $500.
Ellie, 26, and Alex, 27, originally planned for a large wedding with many guests. They wanted a grand celebration, but after looking at the expenses, they realized how costly it would be. They felt pressure to impress others, but they soon questioned if spending so much money on one day was worth it.
After talking about their options, Ellie and Alex made a choice. They decided it didn’t make sense to spend thousands on a wedding when they could use that money for their future. The savings could go toward a honeymoon or even a house.
Instead of booking an expensive venue, they chose a simple wedding at their local registry office. They informed their family and asked two witnesses to join them. “We couldn’t justify spending $10,000 to $25,000 on one day,” Ellie said. “It’s too much. I just wanted to get married.”
On their wedding day, Ellie wore a white dress that cost about $300, while Alex wore a suit that he bought for around $200. The ceremony itself only cost them $70.
After saying their vows, the couple decided to celebrate in a casual way—they went to McDonald’s for cheeseburgers.
“We looked at venues, and they were too expensive. Plus, guests would have had to book rooms, which added more costs,” Ellie explained. “We realized if we didn’t just go for it, we might never do it. So, we got married at a registry office with my mum and Alex’s brother. Afterward, I was starving, so we went to McDonald’s,” she laughed.
Despite keeping the ceremony small, they still wanted to celebrate with family and friends. Their loved ones helped organize a small gathering. Someone donated $100 for flowers, and a friend styled Ellie’s hair. Their parents contributed about $700 for a small party with a buffet and a DJ. Around 20 close friends and family members attended, and Alex’s brother took photos. Guests also used disposable cameras to capture moments from the event.