News, Tips & Offers delivered to your inbox.

It is possible to have a gorgeous celebration on a budget. Just use these clever cost-cutting tricks that won't compromise style—We Promise!

Like many engaged couples today, Christina and Brandon Aldan faced a tough challenge in planning their February 2002 wedding: how to throw an unforgettable party on a small budget. "We wanted our wedding to be personal and unique, but we just couldn't see spending money we didn't have," says Christina. So, what did this Cleveland Heights, Ohio, couple do? Elope? No—they simply got creative about trimming expenses. The result: a glorious celebration that ultimately cost about $6,500—amazing when you realize that weddings average $20,000 in the U.S.

How'd they do it? First, Christina and Brandon chose an elegant mansion on the Kent State University (Christina's alma mater) campus as their reception venue. There was no rental fee since they agreed to use the college's in-house caterer for about $30 per person. And, instead of hiring an expensive professional band to entertain guests, they found talented Kent State student musicians to perform at a fraction of the cost. They also rented silk bouquets for Christina and her bridesmaids instead of having a florist create pricey fresh ones, and asked their baker to create a lavish cardboard cake to display at the reception—the guests, who couldn't tell the cake wasn't real, feasted on inexpensive sheet cake.

Take a clue from the Aldans, who learned that you don't have to spend enormous sums of money to achieve the wedding of your dreams. Just use these excellent high-style, low-cost ideas.

Page    1  2  3  4  5