Keep it Small. This is the absolute best way to keep wedding costs to a minimum. Fewer guests mean less of everything. That includes invitations and postage, food, drinks, favors, centerpieces, and even fewer musicians needed in the band. A small guest list will also enable you to choose a less pricey reception venue such as a private dining room in a restaurant, which generally means no rental fees. A smaller wedding party will also help you keep additional expenses like bridesmaid gifts and ladies’ luncheon costs under control.

Shop Online. The chances are that you will be able to find the best deals on many of your wedding elements online. Things like bridal shoes, bridesmaid gifts, wedding favors, and even invitations can all be had at lower prices from Internet retailers than traditional bridal shops. If you are up for creating your own bouquets and centerpieces, you can even order your wedding flowers online. The one thing to avoid ordering online is a designer bridal gown, because no approved vendors will sell a fine bridal gown over the Internet. You can, however, find great wedding gowns online through more general retailers like J Crew.

Timing is Everything. One of the simplest ways to trim your wedding budget is to have a morning ceremony. A brunch reception will cost infinitely less than a reception which features a full cocktail hour followed by a seated dinner. If even brunch is a stretch on your budget, hold your ceremony in the early afternoon followed by a cake, champagne, and punch reception. In parts of the country where it is traditional to invite the entire congregation of the bride’s church to the wedding, a brief cake and punch reception in the church’s fellowship hall is the traditional post-ceremony gathering, and it can be quite lovely.

Plan a Wedding That is Out of Season (but use seasonal elements). You can dramatically lower your reception costs if you opt to have your wedding during the off-season where you live (normally the winter, excluding peak days like New Year’s Eve and Valentine’s Day). If you want a summer wedding, see if the venues you like offer discounts for Thursday evening weddings. And remember that by choosing flowers, food, and decorations which are in season, you will both save a considerable sum and have an event which celebrates the season.

Skip the Extras. When trying to keep your wedding under budget, it is important to differentiate between the basic necessities and the extras. A bouquet for the bride is a necessity; floral garlands on the church pews are an extra. Many things which are common at weddings are by no means necessary, nor will omitting them detract from the specialness of your day. It is fine to skip the limo, an aisle runner, wedding programs and menus, and a second dress for the reception. The one thing that a couple should never skimp on is hospitality. Specifically, a cash bar is not an acceptable way to cut your budget. Serve what you can afford with grace and you can be sure that everyone will remember your wedding as special and beautiful.