The Simple Dollar provides the following 18 tips for reducing wedding costs.

  1. Avoid guest list bloat.
  2. Ask for wedding help instead of wedding gifts.
  3. Have the ceremony at home, or outdoors.
  4. Do the catering yourself, or hire a family-owned restaurant.
  5. Go minimal with the flowers.
  6. Choose very personal books for groomsmen/bridesmaid gifts.
  7. Make your own invitations.
  8. Use a good home stereo system for the reception music.
  9. Have “vendor cards” in exchange for reduced rates.
  10. Contact the local university for musical accompaniment needs.
  11. Patiently shop for any decoration needs.
  12. If you’re getting married in the church you’re a member of, ask the ladies’ auxiliary for help.
  13. Buy dresses together when a sale is on.
  14. Rent tuxedos as a group.
  15. Make a simple honeymoon, not an ostentatious one.
  16. Involve your closest friends and family in the preparation.
  17. Plan, plan, plan.
  18. Don’t stress.