Does anyone hear just one wedding bell? That’s right, even brides-to-be are reevaluating their budgets in this recession. About 25 percent of couples plan to slice their wedding budgets in half, and 1 in 10 intend to cut back costs by 75 percent, according to a nationwide survey recently released by retailer David’s Bridal. Does that mean open bar for just 20 minutes?

The “What’s on Brides’ Minds” poll also revealed that 53 percent do not plan to spend more than $25,000. The Association for Wedding Professionals estimates that in 2008 the average wedding cost $21,000 to $24,000, although the Association of Bridal Consultants puts the figure closer to $35,000. A significant 34 percent of brides-to-be have a much lower figure in mind, telling pollsters that they do not plan to spend more than $10,000 on a wedding.

The wedding industry always has had the brides by the veils when it comes to costs, but maybe the cake tables are turning? Clearly, the planners, DJs, caterers and florists also will have to make adjustments to meet the needs of couples on a budget.

“They’re offering more value instead of modifying their prices. For instance, a photographer recently added another album to a lower-priced package,” says Harmony Walton, founder of the Bridal Bar, a Los Angeles boutique. “I’m also seeing more invitation designers offering promo codes for 10 percent off.”

Over at SellMyWeddingDress.com, a used — once, presumably — Vera Wang size 8 gown of tulle and satin that sold originally for $4,800 is priced at $1,500. And there are alternate routes to outfitting. I spent a mere $175 on my vintage 1970s Mexican wedding dress. (My splurge was on Valentino platform peacock sandals instead.)

At the end of the big day, experts agree that cutting the head count is the best way to save money. Fewer fourth cousins means fewer tables, which means fewer peony centerpieces. Even the wedding planner becomes less expensive.

“Most consultants base their fee on how much a wedding costs,” says Jean Picard, California state coordinator for the Association of Wedding Consultants. “For some, it may not be the time to have dinner and dancing for 300 of your father’s business associates.”

And if a scaled-down wedding just doesn’t appeal, here’s a recession-proof proposal: “Honey, will you elope with me?”

source: tdn.com/articles/2009/02/03/this_day