I publish a blog for a team of wedding planners who specialize in "Sweet and Simple Weddings". One of the best ways to think about saving money when planning a wedding is to make a list of all the categories of things you spend money on for a wedding -then further list the specific items within each category, decide carefully which of these items you feel are absolute musts, and strike others from the list - and the list of expenditures you will make.

Truly, the simplest way to save money on a wedding is to shorten your guest list. This tends to run counter to what most brides want, but it is absolutely true. It becomes clear when you go to price a reception. If you have 30 guests, you can host a reception for far less than if it's 300. The same is true for invitations, favors, etc.

Start with these ideas. Look carefully at your checklist of items for that might not be necessities. Then take an even closer look, and let time be your ally. The more you consider it, and the closer the date gets, the more clear it will become what you really need and do not.