Traditionally, peak wedding season is May through September. So why not schedule the event for winter or early spring? When all is quiet on the business front, vendors are just as eager to please, and apt to negotiate. The dance cards of your guests will not yet have been filled - generating lots of buzz and anticipation for your big day. The result will be an invigorated backdrop and a bundle of savings in rental costs.

The most memorable weddings are big, big, big on heart. When it comes to the guest list, grandiosity is not necessary. Resist the pressure-cooker and avoid inviting folks on your social periphery. If done courteously with a helping of Hepburn class, any aftermath will be little to zilch. Consider a destination wedding – balmy, breezy, and guaranteed to make for a close-knit affair.

The invitation is a paper-y delight in the palm of your hand. It can help unveil the entire tone of things to come to each gleefully giddy guest. Try creating your own by holding the ultimate scrapbooking party! Stop off at a local craft store for a template, supplies, and cutesy accents like dried flowers, crystals, and bows. Order some take-out, delegate the girls to glitter duty, and voilà - eye-catching and entirely fetching invites for only half the cost.

If you fear a cloud of dubious debt, have a jeweler replicate your ideal ring. Shop around and purchase the diamond separately. If you go to a reputable jeweler, you’re sure to end up sporting a thing of beauty. And what gal doesn’t like to hold the power? Selecting the diamond yourself gives you the opportunity to choose the precise color, cut and clarity, for a dream design that rings true to you.

Lighting is key to enhancing the majesty and mysticism of the night. It can also shed a hefty amount onto any bill. Think candles instead - a magical option, aglow with both convenience and character. Kitten-soft and oh-so easy on the eyes, candlelight is sure to provide you and your guests with an intimate and endearing atmosphere.

Students are a goldmine of economic savings and talent. On the cusp of the professional world, these young men and women are brimming with enthusiasm, flexibility, and innovation, not to mention they charge low-cost rates. Hire student florists, musicians, DJ’s, or photographers, but as with anyone you enlist, be sure to communicate what you want in full.

Tossing the bouquet is a timeless tradition, but it can be even sweeter if you know you’re not tossing away a pretty penny. Plump up your bouquet with silk flowers instead of pricey blooms. If you’re arts-and-crafts inclined, try your hand at creating origami blossoms. These bouquets can be made months in advance, and vow never to wilt or wither away.

Scattered petals add a sweeping touch of romance to aisles, alters, and table settings. But beware of unnecessary transportation charges. Request the lesser-expensive of roses - petals are, quite simply, petals. Then be sure to pencil in the time to pick them up from your local florist. That way, there’s no last-minute rush. Coin saved – check!

A personalized wedding album makes the ideal souvenir from a trip down the aisle. Many photographers are more than willing to supply you with your wedding photos on CD. Print the pictures yourself and include little handwritten captions and anecdotes alongside them. Software is also available to help you with layouts and templates. So sit back with a glass of chardonnay and let the creative juices flow!

If you felt like royalty donning your robe, then the wedding dress was worth every penny. But now the dress post-ceremony is ill-fated to sit for years to come, accumulating dust and precious closet space. You may want to keep the dress for sentimental reasons, but consider selling the garment and receive half, if not more, of the original price back. (A new, little-black-number, anyone?)