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We asked readers to share their secrets for keeping wedding expenses under control. Prepare to get inspired!

“I saved a substantial amount on flowers. The week before the wedding I went to a flower market and placed my order. On the morning before the wedding I picked up the flowers, and bought ribbons and other materials. My friends and I put together bouquets and corsages for six bridesmaids, seven groomsmen and other bridal party members. For our tables, I decided to do something simple with the hotel’s centerpieces, which consisted of mirrors and hurricane lamps. We made leafy-green wreaths to place around the lamps—guests enjoyed being able to see each other across the tables! We set a vase of roses on the sign-in table and moved it to the gift table during dinner. All of this cost us less than $250.” —Shari

“The most creative thing I’ve done so far is deciding to use an iPod for the reception music instead of hiring a band. Since I own an iPod and all the music we love is already on it, it doesn’t cost us a thing!” —Jen­­­­­

“If you are a college student with a valid ID, many places will give you a student discount. I found some frosted votive candles at a local shop, and they gave me a percentage off when I showed them my ID. I know that many restaurants will also give you about a 10% discount—great for a rehearsal dinner.”—Tiffany

“We saved on decorations by asking family and friends to bring things from home, like garden greenery, porcelain dolls, candles and lighting. I knew what everyone had, so I was sure I’d like whatever they contributed.”—Nikki

“I fired my caterer! I asked him to come up with a menu for a French country-style wedding. He presented me with a Mediterranean-style menu and insisted it was French country. I considered whether to just accept it, because we were very pressed for time. Instead, I said no, and hired a different caterer, who was much less expensive because she was new in our area. I got exactly the meal I’d envisioned.” —Jess

“The smartest thing I did was hit the post-holiday sales for bargains on things like candles, place mats, small picture frames and vases. I got as much as half off on most items. A friend of mine got to all the post-Easter sales and loaded up on pastel-colored candies for a candy buffet.” —Geri

“I chose a white-on-white color scheme, but then I suddenly decided I wanted color too. So I got an inexpensive sky-blue runner for the long dinner table and napkins in a slightly darker blue. Then I added dark- blue votives that I borrowed from a friend. It was a quick change, and it didn’t cost much either.” —Vicky

“For a fall wedding I collected lots of pinecones, acorns, twigs and faux colorful leaves. I bought large plastic transparent vases, filled them with my gatherings and arranged tealight candles—very cheap!—around each vase. I also filled bowls with apples, gourds and small pumpkins.” —Marcy

“At my daughter’s Florida wedding, we had a beach theme. For the chapel runner, we chose inexpensive straw mats. We set up beach umbrellas for the food stations, and served fun foods like cotton candy, popcorn, candy apples and chocolate-covered pretzels. If you’re on a tight budget, you have to be creative!” —Kathy

Write to budgettips@bridalguide.com to share your cost-cutting secrets.