If you and your soon-to-be spouse are like most couples, there’s a good chance that there’s something you’ve been dreaming about for your wedding day that might be just a teensy bit over your budget: A statement flower wall; not one, not two, but three stunning wedding outfits (à la Chrissy Teigen or Serena Williams); or, maybe a diamond tiara worthy of a princess. Here’s the thing: All that style gets really, really expensive. To help couples in the middle of the planning process, our editors teamed up with some of the top wedding professionals from coast to coast—florists, photographers, wedding planners, caterers, cake designers, you name it—to put together a comprehensive list of experience-driven advice and practical tips that will help you save money on your wedding.
From small swaps that can knock $500 off the price of your wedding dress to tips for shaving $3 off each slice of wedding cake (that’s $300 per 100 guests!), it’s safe to say that this list has advice that can help you come away with some serious savings. The best part? All of these tips will help you save money without forcing you to sacrifice an ounce of style or vision.