Look at city sites. Fortunately, most sites run by municipal governments aren't trying to make a killing on weddings. Hence, city sites are the most affordable reception sites you can find. For example, in one town we researched, a nice city-owned clubhouse in a park that offered stunning skyline views was available to rent for just $125 for five hours. That's right -- $125 and you bring in your own caterer. Another similar-sized facility run by a private company in the same town cost $750 for four hours. Obviously, the ambiance of these city sites (clubhouses, recreation centers, parks, gardens) is different from a downtown hotel or catering hall, but, hey, they are great bargains.

Choose a site where you can bring in a caterer. In every city we've researched, there are always a handful of sites where you can rent the facility and then bring in an ''off-site'' caterer. Often, this is where the big savings are found.