5 Ways to Plan a Wedding for Less

Couples everywhere are getting ready to march down the aisle this summer, but the tab for the reception could be a reason to run the other way.

FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2009 file photo, Dr. Mary Fitzgerald, from New Brunswick, N.J., shows a...

FILE - In this Feb. 27, 2009 file photo, Dr. Mary Fitzgerald, from New Brunswick, N.J., shows a bridal gown to her parents Pat, center, and Sue Fitzgerald, from Utica, N.Y., during the "Running of the Brides" sale at Filene's Basement in New York. Scores of brides-to-be and their helpers searched through more than 2500 wedding gowns from famous bridal houses, hoping to find their dream dress at a fraction of the original price. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews, file)

(AP)

In 2008, an average wedding cost nearly $22,000, according to estimates from The Wedding Report, a wedding market research firm.

The easiest — and best — way to rein in spending is to trim down the guest list, experts say. But deciding not to invite a third cousin, or a family member's co-worker, can sometimes lead to a knockdown, drag-out, full-fledged family fight.

"You don't have to sacrifice quality when throwing a beautiful, elegant affair," said Bee Kim, the founder of WeddingBee.com. "You can still cut costs and have a beautiful wedding."

There are already signs that couples are taking steps to cut back because of the poor economy.

In the first quarter, the average wedding price tag dipped 12 percent to about $19,000, according to the research firm.

Want to get on board? Here are low-conflict tips to help save big bucks on your wedding — without looking cheap. Just remember that cutting costs can take extra work and require planning well in advance.

1. NEGOTIATE. Only an uninformed bride and groom pay full price. The price of almost everything — from renting a limo to hiring photographers and caterers — is negotiable if you're brave. And if you can't persuade someone to drop the price, haggle for freebies, like an extra half-hour from the DJ.

"You don't want to be unrealistic in your expectations, but if you tell a vendor that their prices don't fit with your budget, you'll find a lot of vendors in this economy are willing to work with you," Kim said. "You never know what's possible unless you ask."

2. GET CRAFTY. The sky's the limit in what you can do yourself. Make programs. Print invitations. Bake or make favors. You also can commission an artist on Etsy.com to make everything from crepe paper boutonnieres to a one-of-a-kind cake topper.