Here are some wedding cost cutters and other pointers:

-- Use the home or garden of a friend or relative for your ceremony or reception.

-- Write your invitations by hand on stationery.

-- Buy a ready to wear dress/tux. They can be purchased previously worn and are also available to rent.

-- When shopping for a tux/dress, go a size up rather than squeezing into a size down. You can always make alterations to a larger size.

-- Daytime receptions are less expensive than evening ones.

-- Serving fingerfoods and snacks will be less expensive than a full meal.

-- Use the same flowers for the ceremony and reception.

-- Get friends to help where possible: food preparation, musical entertainment, taking pictures, etc.

-- Consider getting married on a day other than Saturday. This will lower costs and make it easier to reserve vendors.