Behind the scenes of the 99-Cent Only Store bargain wedding

Over 2,999 couples from all over the U.S. were eager to be married at the 99-Cent Only Store at 5270 Sunset Blvd. in Hollywood on 9/9/09. Nine couples were chosen by random draw and now they've said their I-do's and paid their buck!

99-Cent Only Stores teamed up with other sponsors to provide each couple with all the trimmings of a traditional wedding, worth $2,599. Here's what each of the couples got for their 99-cents:

• The brides received complimentary hair and makeup by Design Visage, a bridal services provider in Southern California.
• Natural Floral provided fresh flower bouquets and boutonnieres for each of the nine couples.
• Wedding photography was by highly regarded Los Angeles wedding photographer Jay Lawrence Goldman.
• Hotel Angeleno, in Brentwood, provided hotel accommodations for one night, as well as a meal in its well-regarded West Restaurant & Lounge.
• Personal Care Products sponsored dinner at a romantic well-known Santa Monica restaurant.
• Following the ceremony and reception at the store, the couples and their guests enjoyed a drive around Hollywood in a limousine courtesy of Awesome.
• 99-Cent Only Stores gifted each of the couples with $99.99 in cash as well as his and her goodie bags.
• And, finally, one lucky couple has also received two Southwest Airlines round-trip tickets.

Kathy Jacobs, the Discount Store Diva who designed a wedding gown entirely out of items from the 99-Cent Only Stores, also created the decor for the wedding ceremony and reception. Everything at the couples' wedding table, including dinnerware, flatware, glassware, table cloths, centerpieces, candles, vases, gift bags, place cards, disposable cameras and flowers, were from the store. The reception menu included dishes made up of the fresh fruit, produce and other foods that 99-Cent Only Stores sell.

All-in-all, I'd say that these newlyweds got their money's worth and then some!

Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer and dollar store diva. She writes tips and ideas for decorating using only items from the dollar store.