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Elegance. Accolades. A dream-day wedding for under $2500.

My husband and I did it and we had 100 guests. Our friends and family talked about how unique and lovely our wedding was for months afterwards. No, we didn't get married at home; we tied the knot at The Coveleigh Club, a gorgeous 19th century mansion overlooking the Sound in chi-chi Rye, New York.

How did we do it?

First, we didn't panic or succumb to "wedding fever" which typically involves "must have's" and "must do's." So throw out all the standard ideas of what makes a wedding day perfect, go with the flow and try some of these unique ideas that circumvent big ticket items that will send the cost of your wedding into the stratosphere.

1. I wore my mother's wedding gown.

-Initially, a friend of mine who designs women's clothes was going to make my dress. But when that wasn't possible (as I learned about a month before the
wedding) I wore my mother's vintage gown which had a Chantilly lace
train and a hand-beaded neckline. It turned out, the only alteration needed was a
hem.

-Ask family members and close friends if they have gowns they'd like to lend.
You'll have to clean it, return it and take care of it, but you may just
thrill an aunt or cousin or friend because you asked and she is so flattered.

2. We made our invitations.

-Sound tacky? Not at all, we silk screened them on high quality paper and they
were a huge hit. With the computer programming currently available you
can do incredible things.

3. We had a breakfast wedding.

-That's right: Breakfast. The country club was thrilled to schedule a third wedding that day at 9 am. We had magnificent table settings on a covered terrace overlooking the water. The menu included samplings of cheese and fruit, crepes
smoked salmon and bagels (taking the place of the traditional "cocktail hour").

-Breakfast consisted of omelets (made to order) and a selection of pancakes,
waffles, eggs benedict.

-Instead of a wedding cake, the desserts included Danish and popovers and a huge array of pastry.

-Because we were serving breakfast, our "open bar" provided white and red wine
and champagne. Again, at a fraction of the cost and our guests could consume
as much or as little as they chose. We made provisions that we'd be charged
by the bottle opened. Because it was early in the day, most people had a glass or
two of wine and the champagne toast. This allowed everyone to feel festive
and kept the bar tab way down.

-Since our reception was only about 3 hours long, we hired a trio of classical
musicians. The music was lush, elegant and truly beautiful. Check the Penny
Saver in your area. Call local radio stations for suggestions. Call local colleges;
students often play for much less than "established" bands.

Not every suggestion will work for every bride and groom, but will a little imagination, you can have the perfect wedding at a fraction of the cost.

Learn more about this author, Lisa Mannetti.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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