30 Ways to Save

Think you have to bust your budget to get a gorgeous wedding? Think again.

You can afford what you want. Follow these tips to get your dream wedding at down-to-earth prices.

1. Remember that the early bird gets the worm (and the best deals). Line up vendors as early as you can. The best people are booked first (the average engagement is now 14 months long, so you can never start too soon!).
2. Shift the date. You'll get a better deal on a weekday in January than you will on a Saturday in June. The reason: vendors will be begging for your business, instead of you begging for their time. Even switching to a Friday night in late summer or early winter can save you cash.
3. Lose an hour. People will hardly notice that you reception is four hours long, rather than five.
4. Give yourself breathing room. Most brides go over budget. Allocate at least 10 percent of your total budget to unforeseen costs.
5. Shave the guest list of all but your best pals. Extra guests mean extra everything.
6. Pare down the party. You've got to add the cost of another bouquet or boutonniere and gift for each additional attendant.
7. Be a savvy shopper. Don't pay big bucks for poor service. Check out every vendor, and make sure every detail is spelled out in contracts. Otherwise, you'll have no recourse if things go awry. Check out our supplier site here
8. Ask—you might receive. If you've found a vendor you like, ask if they'll cut the bottom line. They may suggest changes to the package that will decrease the cost-or even lower the price without changing the service.
9. Borrow what you can. Drink from the toasting glasses your parents used, wear your mother's treasured pearls or your friend's veil. You'll love the sentimental touches—and the savings.
10. Use expensive touches sparingly. Dying for fancy linens you can't afford? Use them only on the cocktail tables or wedding-party table-you'll get the look you want at a much lower cost.
11. Do it yourself. Assembling bouquets the night before the wedding is not feasible, but you can make some wedding necessities yourself at a fraction of the cost, like programs or even a prettily decorated guest book.
12. Make sure you'll meet the count. Don't guarantee a minimum number of guests unless you're absolutely positive you'll meet it. Otherwise, you'll pay for 175 guests, even if only 150 show.
13. Serve simple foods. Beef and seafood entrees are the priciest, so serve an imaginative chicken or pasta.
14. Confirm the "deal." Before purchasing a dress that's a 'great buy', ask the salon to estimate the alteration charges. It may be cheaper to buy a dress that totally suits your taste.
15. Think simple. If you're not going for the whole cathedral-train drama, ask to see informal wedding dresses or a bridesmaid dress in white.
16. Get a band on a budget. With today's technology, you can hire three live musicians and still have a band without the huge price tag.
17. Go with a DJ. They will almost always be cheaper than hiring a band.
18. Find a gifted amateur. Can't afford professional photographers and musicians? Scout your local college's music and photo departments for talented students.
19. Don't buy the big package. Hire a photographer to take formal, ceremony and family pictures. Your friends can cover the reception with disposable cameras.
20. Snap up a real talent. If you want photojournalistic pictures, why not hire a real photojournalist from your local paper? A staffer may be looking to make extra cash, or they can refer you to a talented stringer.
21. Go easy on the inserts. Squeeze the reception info on your invitation to eliminate all but the most necessary inserts. You'll cut printing costs, and save on postage.
22. Toss the bouquets. Your attendants, mothers and grandmothers can carry a single, dramatic bloom wrapped in ribbon (calla lily, iris, etc.).
23. Stay loose. Simple, loose arrangements are much less labor-intensive—and much cheaper.
24. Be flexible. If you aren't too picky about your flowers, try a market buy. The florist finds the best bargains the week of your wedding in your colors, and uses them for your bouquets.
25. Let the season rule your choices. Don't ask for tulips in October, when they have to be shipped from around the globe. Ask your florist what flowers will be in season.
26. Take advantage of what's there. If the reception site is beautiful, don't gild the lily-just add a few small arrangements. Or, try a holiday wedding, when most sites deck their halls for the season (you won't have to).
27. Light up the night. Candles make great inexpensive centerpieces: try a few votives on a mirror, or a bunch of candles in different shapes and sizes massed in the center of the table.
28. Share the wealth. Split the bill for ceremony flowers with another bride getting married that day.
29. Ride in a little less luxury. If your dress will fit, a chauffeured luxury car will be a lot cheaper than a limo.
30. Skip the favors. No one will even notice.