I should probably clarify that we're all not saying elope bc we're anti-marriage. I think a lot of people spend a lot of money on a party that will make other people happy. Just think, you could splurge on a vacation for $5,000 and have a week or weekend you'll always remember, then do a low-key get together with family afterwards....then have some money left for a house or something. Won't work for everyone, but it's what I figure I'll end up doing. If you're committed to a traditional ceremony, save money on dessert by not getting a trumped up wedding cake. I've been to weddings that had donuts instead (awesome!) and a friend is considering cupcakes. If you can find a hotel that will be opening for the first time or remodeling, you can get a deal. A friend got married in St. Louis a few years ago - she booked the hotel when everything was under construction just betting that it would be great - by the time the wedding rolled around the place was beautiful. Or, you can find a location that's free or only has a very very small fee (public park, friend's beautiful land, etc).