You can still have the perfect wedding without starting your lives together in debt. Here a few quick and simple ways to cut down on wedding expenses without ruining your dream.

Research, Research, Research!

Don’t underestimate the power of shopping around for your wedding essentials. Flowers, reception costs and wedding favors all add up, so check out all the vendors in your area for the best deal. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family members to hook you up with their connections, either!

Honeymoon Locally

If you book your honeymoon within the United States, you can save a boatload of cash on airfare and still have a romantic adventure with your new husband. Plenty of US cities are brimming with personality and charm, and many hotels offer packages catering specifically to just-wed guests. Don’t be afraid to check out honeymoon packages within states that are close to you to save a lot of money and still have a wonderful time.

Have a Backyard Reception

Rather than booking a fancy hotel ballroom or a reception hall, why not throw your reception in a friend or family member’s spacious backyard? Promise you’ll take care of cleanup and everything else, and they’ll probably be happy to accomodate your request. This saves money and still offers a great place to host a wedding reception.