Where to Save Your Money

From the Anti-Bride Wedding Planner

Invitations
Order online because cost savings are significant. Look for complete packages-from invitations to a wedding Web site.

Calligrapher
Hire art students from a local college to address invitations and announcements. They need the money; you need the quality for less.

Flowers
Buy in-season flowers and only what you need. Allocate the bulk of the arrangements to the reception where guests spend the most time. If you plan far enough in advance, you can even harvest your own flowers.

Meal Choices
Choosing dishes like chicken, beef, salmon, and shrimp, and steering clear of pricier items like filet mignon, can save you a lot. Meals for a daytime wedding also cost considerably less than those for an evening one.

Dress
Beautiful alternatives are available in local boutiques or your favorite department store's eveningwear section. Some Web sites, like Indiebride.com, sponsor a dress swap.

Accessories
Vintage accessories can be funked up if you know the gal in the bead shop. Donna Davis of Forbeadin' takes apart Grandma's classics and adds glamour with semiprecious stones. She also makes tiaras that convert into necklaces after the event.

Next Week - Where to Spend