Save On Weddings

1.  Elope.  Don't laugh. This is the least expensive way to get married. The average cost of a wedding nationwide is up to $27,000. Think of what you could do with that much money. That's enough money to buy your first home, take a couple of honeymoons, furnish an apartment or fund a number of savings accounts.

2.  Pare down the guest list. The more people you invite, the more your wedding will cost. A good rule of thumb is to invite no more guests than you can spend one minute of time with. If you invite 300 guests, spending one minute with each one would take over 5 hours and that doesn't include the ceremony, eating or dancing.

3.  Frugal food costs. Food and drink is probably the biggest wedding expense. Forget about the sit-down, full meal deal. Instead, consider a buffet, a high tea, a dessert reception, a brunch or a luncheon.

4.  Low-cost locations. Many local or national parks and forest preserves charge nothing or only a small fee to host an affair. Your own back yard or that of a friends might also serve the same purpose. Schedule your wedding off-season. May through October are the busiest months, so any other time will lower your costs. Also, make your wedding day any day but Saturday to reduce expenses. You might want to consider an all-inclusive wedding package which can be had in many cases for under $10,000.

5.  Whittle down your wedding attire. Yes, you could spend thousands of dollars on wedding attire. If the men can rent their tuxedos, why can't the women rent their dresses. This makes economical sense for a one-time event. Other options are vintage gowns, a designer suit or a slightly used gown. Check out discount gown retailers, sample sales, Craigslist and online auctions.

6.  When it comes to flowers, KISS. Flowers can cost $5000 or more. They're not cheap, but there are ways to beat these high costs. Stage your wedding in a park or garden that is already lush and beautiful. Rent large potted plants to frame your ceremony instead of large flower arrangements. If you buy the, you can  use them in your home afterwards. Use carnations in abundance; packed together they can be striking. Large, pillar candles on top of rose petals can make an appealing table centerpiece. Make your own bridal bouquet. A dozen roses tied with a ribbon is simple and beautiful. Check out wholesale flowers online.

7.  Spreading the word. The computer has been a boon for so many things and wedding invitations are no exception. Print your own and save the money on the printing bill. Forget the inner envelope and blotter paper. Instead, ask guests to reply by phone or online. Saves on return postage.

8.  Music to my ears. You could hire a band -- expensive. A DJ and a turntable is less expensive. But a rock-bottom option is to set up a playlist on an MP3 player and rent an amplifier and speakers.

9.  The irreplaceable wedding photographs. You don't have to pay top dollar for photography and videography if you have a friend who is a photographer. Think about trading services in lieu of a wedding gift. Be sure you get a package that includes the negatives, or in the case of digital photography, photos on disc. If you don't have a friend, maybe someone you know has a photographer friend. Better yet, just get photos of the wedding party and leave disposable cameras on table and ask guests to take candid pictures. Collect the cameras and process.

10.  D.I.Y. If you don't elope, you're probably going to have a wedding party of friends and family. Decide how much of the preparation you can or are willing to do yourself in order to save money. Call upon the entire wedding party -- men, women and children -- to pitch in and help. Make a detailed list of what needs to be done and make assignments to the willing and able and adept.