Hire a wedding planner — They know the ins and outs of the business, how to cut corners without you even noticing and they also have relationships with vendors that help them get a better deal, says Tiffany Butler, an event planner with Let's Make Memories of St. Louis. Plus, they remove the stress factor, which can be invaluable.

Trim your guest list  The biggest expense from a wedding usually comes from the catering. The easiest way to trim it is to trim your guest list. You don't have to invite everyone from your work or all of your husband's third cousins. In these times, people understand a smaller guest list. Make your own wedding invitations  If you have skills (or know someone who does) with a design program, design your invitations and programs and take them to a printing shop for copies.

Consider having your wedding on another day — Because Saturdays book up for reception sites, florists and more, services on those days often cost more. Consider a Friday night wedding or a Sunday one. In addition, a morning wedding usually costs less. Plus, you often aren't expected to have a full bar; champagne will do (and will save you a ton of money).

Shop sample sales and the Internet for cheap dresses — If you wear a 6, 8 or 10, check out sample sales, which generally happen once a year, suggests About.com. It's a great opportunity to get a designer dress at rock-bottom prices. You can also look on eBay, Craigslist and other websites for deals on used wedding dresses, but remember you'll have to have it cleaned.

Find a site that's already decorated — You can spend thousands on flowers and greenery to decorate a church and reception hall. Consider a location that is already fully decorated, such as a backyard like the one at the Larimore Plantation House, a park such as Laumeier Sculpture Park or the Piper Palm House at Tower Grove Park. Borrow  You have to have something borrowed anyway, so why not borrow a friend's wedding jewelry or your mother's veil?