by Cheryl Galvez

During any economic time, but most especially now, it is good to pare down your wedding expenses as much as possible. The following ten cost-saving tips will help you trim the wedding budget fat and stretch your hard-earned dollar.

1). Purchase flowers that are local and in-season. Incorporating orchids into a winter wedding is going to cost you a pretty penny. Instead, visit your local flower market and select seasonal white Calla Lilies or deep red roses to form your bridal bouquets or table centerpieces.

2). Have your wedding favors double as your place cards or guest escort cards. Indicate the guest's name and table assignment on a label or hang tag and attach it to the favor box or bag. Place the wedding favors / place cards on a central table at the entrance of the reception room. Guests will learn of their assigned seats as they pick up their unique wedding favors.

3). Instead of couture bridesmaids' dresses, check out the clothing racks of popular mall retailers. By choosing a style and color that your gals can wear again, you increase the longevity of their dresses while stretching their hard-earned dollars. Best yet, your bridesmaids can shop at their convenience at their local retailer.

4). Consider a Friday evening or Sunday day wedding. This alone can save you tons of money.

5). Print your own wedding invitations. Many discount stores now offer stylish wedding invitations, thank-you cards, and wedding ceremony programs that you can print yourself in the comfort of your own home. It's never been so easy to purchase a box of affordable embossed wedding invitations as you shop for milk and eggs.

6). Have several family and friends arrange your bridal bouquet, bridal party bouquets and boutonnieres as well as table centerpieces. Beware: arrange flowers no later than the night before or else the flowers will wilt. If you have an eager and willing group of people who you trust and who understand your style, you can easily save hundreds of dollars by delegating these tasks.

7). If you have a family member or friend who would be willing to capture your wedding and portions of your reception on video, then you can nix the videographer.

8). Do not use an odd-shaped invitation which will increase your postage.

9). Consider doing your own hair and makeup.

10). Limit the size of your bridal party to family members and best of friends. Involve the others in other important tasks like passing out wedding ceremony programs or ushering guests to their seats at the ceremony.