My FI and I are having a simple wedding as well. There is no way we could keep it at $5K. We are looking at about $10K. This is including attire, rings, invites, hotel, ceremony, pics, and reception. There are other little things that I did not mention. There is no way we could afford to pay for people. I am hoping for a small wedding. 25 people are less, but it does not look like we are going to have that. I think the most expensive thing was the dress. My fault though. I really wanted it.