Guest Author - Beth Helmstetter

Read on for 13 ways to save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars on the most expensive event you will ever plan.

1. Shop sample sales. Designer dresses can be marked down 30% or more at these clearance events. Sign up on your favorite designer’s websites or your local wedding boutique for details on upcoming sales.

2. Donate leftover flowers to an area church, nursing home or women’s center for a tax deduction.

3. Have a wedding brunch instead of dinner. Not only will you save on the food itself but light entertainment and less alcohol will save a few bucks as well.

4. Shave your guests list by 25 people. Doing this alone can save over $1000.

5. Serve beer, wine and a signature cocktail: A tried and true method to save on the bar bill.

6. Get double usage out of your flowers: Use your pew décor as centerpieces and your altar arrangements for the bar, buffet or guest book table.

7. One word: DIY. Do-it-yourself invitations, flowers and favors will save you a lot of cash and is a great way to put your crafty friends to good use.

8. Marry on a Friday or Sunday or even during the winter: Prime months and days can cost 25% more for the site, caterer, photographer, etc.

9. Buy your negatives. It may be a little challenging to find a photographer who will sell rights to reprint images, but if you can, it can save you hundreds of dollars after the wedding.

10. If possible, bring in your own wine and champagne. Most caterers or hotels charge a corkage fee, however it is usually less than it would be to purchase the beverages directly from the caterer.

11. Serve a half a glass of champagne or cider for the toast. Garnish the glass with a small flower in your color scheme. This is a great detail and a smart way to cut the toast expense in half.

12. Marry at a public venue such as a city park with a gazebo, museum or a great country club which a family member belongs. Sites that are not typically rented for weddings are always less expensive and will offer a unique setting for your event.

13. Schedule your reception formalities such as the first dance and toasts at the beginning of your reception. This will allow you to hire your photographer and videographer for less time. Unless you have a large budget, there is really no need for these vendors to stand around during the dinner hour.