Wedding planning can be frustrating—especially as you see unexpected expenses start to accumulate. Why are wedding flowers so darn expensive? Do you really need a second shooter to capture those shots? Does there have to be a vegetarian dining option?

We spoke to some of the top vendors in Washington DC’s wedding community to ask them about creative ways to save money on your wedding… without feeling like you are sacrificing on your dream day or missing out on important traditions. Take the ideas you like, reimagine the ones that could work for you, and skip the ones that don’t apply to you.

Here are thirteen expert tips, wedding budgeting ideas, and insider hacks straight from the vendors who know wedding planning best.