I have been there, my 2nd civil ceremony to OH in 2008 was a joint effort all our friends helped, we had 10 days to organize everything.

The Childminder made the invites (before I became a crafter) and hand delivered 90% of them. Work franked the last 10% to go out.
My work Colleague made our wedding cake.
Mom paid for food, drinks and flowers.
My SIL paid for the taxis (before the falling out)
My cousin did our wedding car and photo's
OH witnesses paid for the ceremony
My witnesses paid for my out fit
OH Best Man paid for the Imrams Blessing.

And we held the reception in my moms back garden.

When totaled up all together the wedding cost us 345.00 for permission to marry from home office.

When we did the grand total it came to under £1000.00 
 
And it was a beautiful day and my family and friends still say it was one of the best weddings they had been too. 

Dawn