No question about it - hosting a wedding costs money. Because no bride wants to sacrific elegance on her wedding day. Limit the guest list to save a bundle right off the bat. Avoid marrying near Mother's Day or Valentine's Day, when high demand drives up prices. Rent vases, urns, and candelabras instead of buying them.
Centerpieces made by clustering potted plants or flowering bulbs can double as guest favors.
Photography Hire the photographer and videographer on an hourly basis, to get the most important shots which occur during the ceremony and beginning of the reception. Food and Drink Consider having the cocktail hour last 30 minutes instead of 60 minutes. Offer passed hors d'oeuvres instead of food stations or a buffet table. If the crowd includes big drinkers, opt for an open bar. If not, pay on a per-drink basis.