1. Purchase a less expensive plain white dress and buy the applicas at a yardage shop by the yard to enhance the dress with simple stitches.

2. Expand the flowers for table décor with 2/3 greenery to 1/3 flowers.

3. Use mirror rounds under the flowers to expand their appearance on tables.

4. Have the bridesmaids carry one long-stemmed flower keyed into your wedding bouquet.

5. Selecting “in-season” flowers for your bouquets and décor can save a third of the costs.

6. Learn how to do your make-up prior to the event date and complete your own prior to putting on your gown.

7. Hiring an event coordinator will often save you time (time is money) and funds by selecting from his/her recommendations of experienced vendors and ways to save. Most specialize in cutting costs.

8. Take advantage of wine sales the months prior to the wedding day.

9. Event location fees can be less when you hold your event mid-week or on a Friday or Sunday.

10. When evaluating the funds available for the wedding and reception, take into consideration the people in your circle of family and friends who can do the vendor work as part of their gift to you.

11. Shop for a specific price per slice on your cake. This can range from $3. to 9. per slice.

12. A Band or a DJ is often countered with “a D.J. is only one or two meals extra, but a band can be 5 or 10 meals.” Negotiate to not feed the band a full meal, but a nice boxed lunch. Some will agree.

13. Have the photographer shoot only the formal shots. Have a qualified friend take the rest of the day with a HIGH resolution camera.

14. Go to discount houses for your wedding and attendant dresses.

15. Some tux formalwear companies give the tux free for the groom when they bring four or more men in to be fitted for a wedding.