Note: The reception is the largest expense of your wedding. Here 's where you will budget the majority of your wedding dollars and where you need to save the most money! If you do not keep within a rigid, self-imposed discipline, your reception will be out of control and you will experience financial hardship. I can't tell you how often I have heard, "I hope we make a lot of money at this reception or we're in big trouble." A little common sense and practical planning will prevent you from falling into this trap. Don't begin married life heartbroken - and broke.

The Elegant Wedding and Budget-Savvy Bride. Copyright © 1999 by Deborah McCoy. Reprinted with permission from Penguin Putnam Inc. All rights reserved.