Written by J. Witasick

1. Cut 10 guests from your guest list -- at $100 a head, that's a $1000 savings.

2. Hold the ceremony and reception in the same site. You'll save on flowers, decorations, site fees, transportation, and more.

3. If you book the reception space far ahead -- a year or more -- you may be able to negotiate a better price.

4. Fewer people get married in the winter (November through April -- December is an exception), so you'll generally get better deals during these months.

5. Consider certain holidays, such as Halloween, when sites aren't so sought after.

6. Consider a night other than Saturday. There will probably be better availability for Friday and Sunday (or even Thursday) dates, and you may be able to get a lower rate on the space.

7. Instead of a grand ballroom or banquet hall, think creative and less expensive like university- or publicly-owned buildings, community centers, the church or temple hall,
a photography studio, an art gallery, a friend's loft, a theater, a restaurant's private room. Note that you may have to purchase a permit to marry in a public place, and you might incur other expenses such as renting tables, dinnerware, etc.

8. Think off-peak hours and lunch/brunch/teatime. Rates will probably be reduced, and the food for these meals is often cheaper.

9. Borrow items like punch bowls, dishes, tables, glasses, and linens if you can.

10. Return all rental items on time, so you won't incur late charges.