1. Choose a wedding date that is not during peak season. The months of May through September tend to be the most sought-after months. You will have more bargaining options if you choose a date that falls outside of these months.
   
   
2. Check local wedding publications for current wedding coupons.
   
   
3. Opt out of the ever so popular "Save the Date" cards. Instead, give a quick call to those close friends and relatives whom you don't want to miss the big day. They would love to hear how your plans are coming anyway.
   
   
4. Talk to your photographer, and ask if he or she will throw in an engagement sitting with your booked package.
   
   
5. Instead of purchasing a headpiece and veil, borrow one from a recently married relative or friend. You will save and she will be honored that you asked.
   
   
6. Reduce your guest list by 10 guests. Think of all the money you will save when you don’t have to pay for 10 extra invitations, stamps, meals, beverages, place settings, pieces of cake, and favors. And don’t forget, 10 more guests will require an extra table, an extra set of linens, and an extra centerpiece. Extra guests make extra expenses.
   
   
7. Call your caterer and see if they can make a more kid-friendly meal for your younger guests at the reception. Usually, it isn’t a problem, and kids meals are usually half the cost or less.
   
   
8. Ask your florist to design a less expensive centerpiece for half of your tables. This will create variety while saving you money.
   
   
9. Choose a smaller tiered cake as well as sheet cakes for the reception. Sheet cakes are less expensive per piece and can be waiting in the kitchen to be served as soon as the bride and groom cut the main cake.
   
   
10. Instead of one large wedding cake, ask your baker to make an individual cake for each table. Your florist can create a small floral arrangement to place on top, and you’ve turned your cake into your centerpiece.
    

Good luck planning, and here’s wishing you great savings!