Control Your Guest List ... You don't have to invite everyone you know. Stick with those people you are closest to. It's sometimes tough to do, but it's also the easiest way to control the cost (and the chaos).

Limit Reception Length ... You don't have to host a six hour reception to have a good time. In fact, a three-hour reception is not only plenty long, but you'll also increase the fun factor because you’ll have less down time, making the event seem bigger and more lively.

Pick a Non-Meal Timeframe ... If you have your reception during the dinner hour, people will expect dinner. Instead, plan your party in the afternoon or later in the evening when guests will expect lighter food offerings. Another popular trend is to host a brunch reception, where food and beverage costs are typically much lower than when serving dinner, but still very elegant.

Serve a Signature Cocktail ... A full bar can be expensive, and you may find yourself with a lot of leftover liquor. Instead, come up with an interesting signature cocktail or two – one for the bride and one for the groom – and serve only that cocktail with beer and wine. Add fun by making the cocktail station self-serve, with all the ingredients and instructions for guests to have fun helping themselves. You won’t need to hire a bartender, and it helps friends and families mingle.

Use What You Have ... Organic-themed weddings are very popular right now because it allows couples to use things from nature for their décor. Everything from leaves to branches to pine cones are fair game.

Case in point: we once had a wedding couple who enjoyed hiking, camping, and traveling. On each excursion, they had the tradition of collecting things from nature that they loved and keeping a diary about their adventures. For their wedding reception, they placed the items from each trip into tall glass cylinders and used them as centerpieces on each table. To really personalize the items, they took excerpts from their diary and put those on the table where guests could enjoy reading them. The name of each trip was used as the name of the table for their escort cards. This was a very beautiful, clever and ultimately, personal and romantic solution that many guests have never forgotten.

Think About Presentation ... Everything you do for your wedding should be a reflection of your style and personality, rather than an expression of how rich or poor you are. Make decisions that are meaningful to you and your relationship, and you’ll be amazed at the opportunities for cost savings that present themselves.

Remember WHY You're Doing This ... Over the years, I’ve seen many couples get so wrapped up in the planning of the wedding that they forget about the marriage. Remember why you are doing this and why your friends and family are coming. It’s not for the expectation of a big, lavish party – it’s to see YOU and celebrate your special day. Remember the spirit of your celebration and you’ll be able to make planning decisions that are not only cost-effective, but also make sense and are a reflection of your personal style. ◊

For more information contact Kimberly Kee, Owner of Party Stylings at 303-814-3159, www.partystylings.com