A friend of mine saved a lot of money by walking down the aisle with one red rose instead of a bouquet of flowers. On the reception tables there were single flower vases with just one red rosebud in each. It was elegant, but also money-saving.

Another friend lost weight just so she could fit into her sisters wedding dress. It was her "something borrowed". She wore the dress of her dreams and only paid for dry cleaning.

My sister married a man whose father was one of 18 (yes - 18) borthers and sisters. The whole family made something to eat for the wedding reception. The buffet was huge (it had to be), but it cost less than a caterer.

My sister also wore a dress made by a friend. She paid for the material, pattern, thread, etc and the woman made it for my sister as her gift. Both of them saved money there.