Avoid the wedding bill blues.

Tips on cutting your matrimonial costs

When it comes to wedding costs, the buck no longer tops at the bride's parents. Nearly 70% of couples pay for their weddings, with the average cost being at least $16,000, according to Kathleen Kennedy, author of Priceless Weddings for Under $5,000 (Three Rivers Press, $14).

To cut corners, categorize your budget: invitations, music, flowers, clothes, church, reception, etc. Then cut costs in each. "Get married on a day other than Saturday and save money on wedding and reception venues," says Kennedy. You also can save if you opt for any month other than June, August, September, or October.

Once the date's set, "limit your guest list," says Kennedy. "If you invite too many people, not only will it cost more but you won't have time for everyone. For 300 people, you'd need five hours to spend just a minute with each." Also, skip fancy invitations with reply cards. If you insist on mailing them, you can print them yourself by using designer paper from Kinko's, Staples, or Paper Direct. Otherwise, save the postage and use voicemail for RSVPs. And post gift-registry information on the Internet through a free service such as WeddingChannel.com. Other useful Web wedding planning sites include theknot.com and USABride.com.

Other tightwad tips for wedding planning include substituting a white bridesmaid's dress for a wedding dress, using all-in-one catering halls, renting out a restaurant on a night it's normally closed, limiting alcoholic beverages to beer and wine, hosting a brunch or high tea rather than a dinner, and selecting a deejay over a band--or at the very least "hiring the local high school jazz band. They won't charge very much," says Kennedy.

Another trend is having company-sponsored weddings. For discount or complimentary items, the couple lists the sponsors in the program and/or announces sponsors at the reception. But, says Kennedy, "This takes a lot of work. You're basically selling your wedding."