Usually location will determine the number of people who may actually "turn-up". The number of guests plays a major part in total wedding costs.
But, cutting down on guests is a very very tricky business. Be warned!

Weddings are such personal events that estimating costs has got to be almost impossible.
So I was thinking, maybe giving a view on what I would consider doing it on the "CHEAP" might be a good benchmark.

I've done this just for fun really, so don't take too seriously.

A City Hall civil wedding, with minimum of guests and minimum of neenangs and neenongs as witnesses, followed by a small party at a local restaurant. Let's say 20-25 people.


Documentation costs:-

- CNI about £30 from your local registry office.
- Local version from British Embassy - The cost I have is £65.00 or P4,550 (at Embassy rates)
- NSO CENOMAR is around P415.00 per copy each
- NSO Birth Certificate - (fresh from NSO on latest type of security paper) around P315.00 per copy
- Marriage License typically around P100.00 with some miscellaneous charges around P50.00 and possible Family Planning Seminar around P20.00

You should reckon on allowing some cash for copying etc. Not too much say P500 max

Total = P8315


Wedding costs:-

- Wedding Rings. Plain gold bands could be had for around P6000 for two
- Wedding clothes. Why not consider ready-to-wear wedding dress for her and nice barong for you from a local market (Divisoria) or similar.
You should be able to find something nice for around P6000 for the both of you.
- Reception and wedding cake. As you know people love to eat in the Phils. and nobody will ever forget the food you served.
There's loads of options for a great reception party without overspending or sacrificing food quality. Plenty of restaurants offer special wedding party deals. I can imagine a budget of P10,000
- A nice wedding cake could cost between P2000 - P6000. Alternative but nicely done cake could be had for around P1000 - P2000. Of course eventually it's a non-essential!
- Photographer - How about P1500 - P2500. Or just DIY with the guests
- Flowers/Bouquets - around P1500
- Give-aways. Around P1500 (keep it simple and limited)
- Local transportation - Not essential, but nice if wearing a wedding gown. Air-conditioned taxi(s) or similar to serve everyone on an 'as needed' basis. Lets guess at P1500

Total = P30000

Basically the whole thing for around P38,000

Now factor in any increases in guest numbers and those associated food and drinks costs.
Add in all those non-essential but nice touches and see how the costs increase.

P100k - P150k might sound a lot, but depends what's included in the package. Find out. Do some research.

Personally I would favour engaging a specialist wedding consultant.
Whatever 'extra' costs they charge, should be more than made up by the resulting savings on what they provide.
If they're genuine wedding planners they should have professional connections resulting in discounted prices, as well as some great creative ideas for achieving your dreams on the cheap.

Attempting wedding DIY organising can take a lot of time,research and a lot of 'legwork' and hassles. Not for everyone.
Having a GOOD reliable and professional wedding planner might just be a wise move if you want to push the boat out further than a smallish but nice family wedding event.

Just my tongue in cheek 2 centavos worth on an impossible to answer question.

Important is to enjoy your special day. Good luck