I'm cutting favors out completely though I don't think it saves that much.  I just would rather spend the money on good food, rather than junk they'll probably throw away.  I just couldn't cut out a convenient venue- includes food, ceremony, reception, set up, tables, linens for around 3k because I'm trying to get through grad school and not be completely overwhelmed by the wedding.... not really working tho lol

I bought my flowers through Sams Club. We spent less than $500, I had them delivered on Wednesday for a Saturday wedding. I most definitely recommend them!! I was more than pleased with the quality!!!! I DIYed them on Friday with my girls.. here are some PRO PICS: ( We had a mismatched vintagey wedding)

MY BOUQUET

**The thing I didn't skimp on was photography. That is what you have for the rest of your life!! I had my photographer use a 2nd shooter, & I'm really happy I did!! OUr pictures came out gorgeous!! We only had her for 6 hours, which was plenty of time because we had a dry reception. 

super cute!!!

The thing I'm cutting is a band/dj.  We're going to use cd's or an ipod.

Alcohol: I've got that covered. I work for a winery and I get a discount

Photography: I've got a friend who's looking to change careers and will be doing it for free

Flowers: I went minimal on the fresh flowers - bouquets, boutonnieres and a corsage, plus a couple for the cake

Favors: Our centerpieces double as favors

Invitations: I'm making/printing them myself

I'm skippng the tradtional wedding dress.  I did that the first time around & seeing as we want to have a surprise wedding I'm going to opt for a pretty coctail dress or 1920's inspried flappers dress instead.  Having the cermony & reception at my house will save money.  Having it on Dec 24th & FI & I both love Christmas the place will aready be decorated though I do plan on adding a few special touches.  No DJ or transportation cost for us.  We will not skimp on Photographer, Food or beverages. 

I cut the DJ and had an iPod reception.  My bro in law manned the playlists for me.

I skimped on photography, but I SERIOUSLY regret it!!!   My photog found me on Craigslist when I posted looking for wedding decor. She understood I was on a tight budget and offered to do my wedding, all pics on cd for $350.  She was a 'professional' and I saw some of her work.  She did a good job.  Sounded too good to be true, but I wasn't going to have a photographer because all the quotes I got were well over $1300, so...I went with it.  Now, she did get some nice shots, but she lied to me on more than one occasion, she was hard to get hold of, and when she FINALLY sent my pics, she had stopped editing halfway through the cd.  I was so pissed.  If you have the money, hire a real photographer!!!

flowers and wine.