24 Real Brides Share Their Best Money-Saving Tips

By Alexandra Leshner· 7/31/2015, 3:00 p.m.

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As the average cost of a wedding continues to rise, it only seems natural that couples are finding more and more ways to stretch their budgets and save a few bucks along the way. As we’ve said many times before (see here and here), there’s a fine line between cutting costs in a tasteful way and blatantly cutting corners—the key is to save money without sacrificing style or quality.

We’ve shared with you plenty of expert tips and tricks for avoiding wedding debt and staying within your budget, but it’s also helpful to hear advice from former brides who have been in your shoes before.

Here, 24 real brides share the money-saving tips that worked best for them while planning their own weddings. From hiring musicians from a local music school and using flowers that are in season to purchasing your own alcohol, this list has a ton of great suggestions.