Things i already know:

Confession: I'm lucky-
okay, so i do have one confession to make. This under 3,000 thing isnt completely fair. I have been blessed to have a talented family that is willing to help.

My mom is a hair dresser/salon owner (and its not one of those chinsy mall salons either-- check out the link) http://www.the-plaza-salon.com/: so i already know who is doing my hair.

However! My best friend and sister in law are also hair dressers and i know one thing. Either your talented at up-do's or you're not. So, call your local beautician school [Adirondack beauty school] and ask the teacher which student shows the most promise in doing updo's. Then call her and see how cheap she will do your hair for. Dont settle for your sister or mom doing your hair. I promise you won't regret it. but remember to always have a couple test runs before the big day.

The teachers will be ecstatic to give their students real practice, the student will be honored, and you will get a "semi-professional for LESS!"

I am planning on having a loose bun up-do with a lacey, pearly, silky flower thing in my hair (a DIY project i will announce later)

I have a "Makeup-Artist" in the "Family (kinda)": My sister-in-laws little sister [complicated much?] is really great at doing makeup. In fact, she has done makeup for a couple other weddings, and loads of friends. The bonus: shes eighteen, practically family, and not professionally trained. However, ive seen her work and its great. (If you do live in this area- call the plaza salon to get her information.) I will probably pay her around $30-40: we havent exactly discussed that yet

My Parents own a Restaraunt: http://www.lizziekeays.com/
which will give me access to free linens, tables, chairs, plates, silver, etc. All i had to do was comprimise my wedding colors to include the color of the linens at the restaraunt.

Other things I know:

amount of guests: roughly 125 people
amount in wedding party: 5 bridesmaids/ 5 groomsmen (1-2 flower girls) (1 ringbearer)
date: sometime this summer or early fall, maybe a sunday wedding. TBA
wedding colors: burnt red and either aqua marine teal or mustard yellow depending on whether its a summer or fall wedding

CURRENT BALANCE:
dress- $250
hair-$0
makeup-$30 ? TBA
linens, tables, chairs, plates, silver, etc- $0