Budget Style Weddings

Colin Cowie -- America's premier wedding planner -- shares his favorite cost-cutting tricks.

Wedding-planner-to-the-stars Colin Cowie has coordinated receptions for the likes of Charlie Sheen, Jerry Seinfeld, Lisa Kudrow and Hugh Hefner. But even with celebrity extravagance dripping from his résumé, he knows how to make a glam wedding affordable. "Money has nothing to do with style," says Cowie, who has authored "Weddings" and "For the Bride." "You may feel compelled to do a black-tie affair, but if you're a casual person, there's nothing wrong with a party that's casual and elegant." With spring a busy season for wedding planning, here are Cowie's tips for keeping it stylish and affordable.

WHEN AND WHERE Saturday night is the most expensive timeslot to book. If you're open to Friday or Sunday, you'll likely find a bargain. Then you could turn the reception into a Sunday brunch with mimosas (inexpensive because less champagne is used) or an afternoon tea (refined cocktails and finger sandwiches are not terribly pricey). Conserve even more cash by renting a restaurant instead of a hotel or country club. Restaurants usually will charge you just for the food, without an additional rental fee; on the other hand, many country clubs and hotels require a site fee or roll it into the per-head cost. Jazz up a characterless restaurant space with candles, pictures and colored tablecloths. For ambience, Cowie suggests replacing bright white light bulbs with skin-friendly pink or red.

FLOWER POWER You can save some serious green on your greens. Big tables look nice with multiple centerpieces: a small arrangement, votive candles and a bowl of fruit. "Big green apples would take up space and look lovely," Cowie says. "Or you could do tall vases with leaves, wheatgrass and different foliage for wonderful texture." Candles create a romantic atmosphere for as little as 50 cents apiece. "The more candles you use, the more glamorous and younger

everyone looks." A good way to achieve this: Fill a glass bowl with colored water, and add floating candles and roses. You'll have a dramatic presentation that doesn't break the bank.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MARRIED "You can have a limited bar but have it reek with style," Cowie insists. "Do a martini bar or serve spritzers instead of offering a full drink list." Dress up the cocktails with big sprigs of mint or other eye-catching garnishes. No one will realize you've gone for the less-expensive option. A wedding cake can be quite pricey, too. Instead, have a baker make 12-inch, 8-inch and 4-inch cakes, then stack them yourself, and embellish with

fresh flowers. Or you can skip the cake altogether. Another option: Present a selection of cupcakes, mini-tarts or pastries on graduated cake stands for a tiered-cake effect.

DRESSING THE PART Don't be tradition-bound. Instead of shopping at bridal boutiques, look for a stunning evening gown at a formal-wear shop. It'll have a more practical price tag but can be just as spectacular. Says Cowie: "There are no rules. There are only guidelines of good taste. If you're not offending anyone, go ahead and do it." Also, look online. Great deals on used and never-been-worn designer gowns abound on eBay.

SOUND OF MUSIC Cowie says disc jockeys (usually cheaper than bands) are a great option, because "today's DJs are tomorrow's rock stars." You'll get an even better price, whether with a band or a DJ, on a Friday or Sunday. Or take the matter into your own hands: Buy five or six hours' worth of songs online, then burn them onto CDs or create a lengthy playlist on an MP3 player. Hook it all up to a sound system, and ask a friend or relative to man the operations in case something needs attention (pay for his or her lodging as a thank-you).

PICTURES WORTH A THOUSAND VOWS User-friendly photo technology means you no longer have to hire a pricey photographer. Ask a shutterbug relative to take pictures with a digital camera, then easily organize them into an album with a program like iPhoto. For candid shots, disposable cameras can't be beat. Place one on each table, and your guests will provide you with affordable, yet priceless, snapshots.

ODDS AND ENDS Make invitations yourself; Google "wedding invitation template" to find a slew of sites with downloadable styles. What about wedding favors? Cowie declares them unnecessary. "The gift of the experience is enough," he says.

DRIVE OFF WITH YOUR SAVINGS: Today's average wedding costs $20,000. But you don't have to spend that much. Use Colin Cowie's money-saving tips, and you'll end up with enough in the bank to buy a brand-new (economy) car.*

Book a restaurant instead of renting a country club or hotel save	$2,500
Book a restaurant instead of renting a country club or hotel save	$2,500
Use your MP3 player instead of hiring a DJ or band save	$2,000
Rent venue at a time other than Saturday night save	$1,000
Use simple centerpieces save	$1,000
Find a dress on eBay save	$1,000
Rely on family/friends to take pictures save	$1,000
Skip the welcome gifts/wedding favors save	$1,000
Serve one or two cocktails instead of having a full bar save	$500
Skip the wedding cake save	$500
Make your own invitations save	$500
Total savings	$11,000