One way to have the wedding of your dreams at a price that fits your reality, is to think of workable alternatives.

 

For instance, do you need to have 250 people that you don't really know, or just 50 of your closest friends? Why not have a beautifully-crafted petite wedding cake for you and your man, and make your guests eat sheet cake?
 
Another smart solution—gaining popularity in the wedding industry and a favorite move of celebrities—is to have your wedding on a week day. So it's not traditional, but neither are you. A wedding on a Wednesday is a nice, mid-week break for your guests, and you can often get discounted or lower rates on rentals and other wedding services.
 
You may remember a young diva, whose name somewhat rhymes with fiancé, had her wedding on a Wednesday. Why can't you? 
 
How's this for an idea: have your wedding on Thursday that comes before a Friday holiday? People will have Friday off and will be ready to get their groove on. 
 
"Yes, that date is open."
Another advantage of a weekday wedding is that more of your favorite wedding professionals may be available. Often top photographers, caterers and florists are booked on Saturdays up to a year in advance. By having your celebration on an off-day you can nab the experts that you want.
 
RSVP-friendly
And lastly, more of your guests may be able to attend if you have a wedding on a Wednesday.

 

We both know that friends book their weekends months in advance. But by having your wedding on a Wednesday, people can often get cheaper flights, discounted rates on hotel rooms, and best of all, take the day (or a few days) off of work, giving them a mini-vacation.