Are you planning on it just being the two of you? Or are you trying to have a wedding with lots of people? $2500 is a pretty tight budget for a wedding in Charleston.
I would suggest having the ceremony in a public park or somewhere like that with a low fee. Maybe a reception/dinner at a restaurant. Search around for a photographer who is just starting out and trying to build their portfolio - they will have lower fees. Find out what talents your friends and family have that they would be willing to help out with some aspects of the wedding (cake makers, musicians, officiants, etc). Do lots of DIY stuff - like invitations, flowers, other decorations. It can be tough to do a wedding on a tight budget, but if you get creative it can be done.
Written on Dec. 05, 2009