Budget Under $2000 - Any Ideas For St. Louis

I am planning our wedding for Fall 2004/Winter 2005 (no definite date yet). We are from the St. Louis Missouri area and have set our budget at an EXTREMELY low $2000. I am lucky in one major aspect - I work for a meeting and event planning company. I can borrow props from the company and my coworkers are extremely creative people.

That being said, I still want to hear your creative ideas. So far, a friend (former professional florist) is doing my flowers. I am looking for a very simple ivory dress because my aunt is making a custom chiffon "coat" with train for me.

We are not very religious, so I want to do the ceremony and reception at the same site. The only requirement is a fireplace. (Have my heart set on that) We have a couple of sites in mind, but if you know of anything let me know.

I am picturing the entire ceremony/reception as simple and elegant. Nothing to fancy but nothing corny either. (No balloons, please.)

Our guest list is about 30 people. Our colors are purple and orange. Sounds horrid, doesn`t it, but the colors are more like plum and pumpkin, which my florist friend assures me will make a spectacular bouquet.

Any thoughts on centerpieces, decor, cake, food & beverage, etc? I`m pretty creative myself, but I love reading all your ideas and want to see what this great group comes up with.

My email is , but it would be better if you just post to this list so everyone can see your great ideas. However, if you`re a vendor trying to sell something, please don`t. Let one of your customers make the suggestion instead.