Save on Food and Music

We had the wedding at 2pm, so instead of a sit-down dinner, we had it catered as a buffet, which cuts the cost per plate considerably. (My family hosted a dinner for the out-of-town guests later that night.)
-- mcdonrachel

Have a DJ instead of a live band. Hire your teenage cousin for even less!
-- mcdonrachel

We offered wine and beer only. We got it on sale over a holiday weekend. Total alcohol cost: $150.-- jlbarri

Use the talents of friends and family. I got my ceremony music for free because a man I work with is a concert pianist. We also had a free soloist -- the son of a friend.
-- mcdonrachel

Save on Invitations, Reception and Transportation

We held my wedding at the family farmhouse (no cost for a reception hall). We borrowed tables and chairs from local churches and businesses and rented several tents in case it
rained.-- mcdonrachel

Check with family members if they have special cars. My cousin-in-law owns a Rolls Royce. For our wedding, they hired a driver; the driver transported us in the Rolls Royce from the wedding to the reception and to the hotel.-- morgan1