I have been learning for two years and spent well over $ 6000.00 for middle of the range pipes, intructor and one on one lessons, training summer camps with professional scottish instructors, uniform kit, and specially knitted hose and hand made spats (see posting on Trading Hose for full story)travelling to competitions and I'm still playing for free.... But you DO get what you pay for.
However I need the experience and the money and I love every chance to play my pipes.
Yet even if you offerred me free accom and all I can eat and drink, it would be cheaper to hire the local piper at $400.00
And yes Weddings do cost a leg,but it is then shackled for the rest of your life.
Maybe you could recheck your budget for the wedding because no use starting out life broke!