But weddings don't need to be over $1,000+ expensive. For instance a bride doesn't need to get a White dress they will only ever wear once. Instead they could use (if they can fit into it) a dress from their Prom, or something. Or if they (or a friend/family member) has a skill of sewing they can make a new dress which could be used more then once. Another friend if they have a knowledge of making a flower bouquet could make the flowers for the wedding. If another one is a good cook/baker they could make the reception food. Heck for my religious group (Christianity) we don't even need to be in the church to get married. Since in the Medvial Ages the only people who got married in the church proper was Royalty (and some nobility) the merchants and Peasants had to get married on the steps of the church.