Reddit reviews Bridal Bargains, 9th Edition: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget (Bridal Bargains: Secrets to Throwing a Fantastic Wedding on a Realistic Budget)
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Headcount is the #1 driver of wedding expenses, so the first approach is to chop that guest list down. It's not always a popular decision, but one thing you can do is cut kids. Cut +1s. Consider having just immediate family only (parents, siblings). Or cut down on extended family (we're doing siblings, parents, grandparents, aunts + uncles, and cousins. If my dad were paying, we'd be inviting all of my great aunts/uncles and their kids as well.). You're going to have to make some tough decisions here, but since you're paying for the wedding, stick to your guns.
After that, food and booze are going to be your next biggest expense. Scrap the evening full dinner reception. What about brunch with mimosas instead of a full bar? Or a backyard picnic, as /u/waffleandbear suggests? City parks are also great places for picnics.
Finally, I really liked this book - http://www.amazon.com/Bridal-Bargains-9th-Edition-Fantastic/dp/1889392294/ref=cm_lmf_tit_17 and thought it was helpful in coming up with ideas about how to save.
I was anti-DB before (thanks to a fantastic article in this book) but as I got carried away with other projects I realized the only place that could get my bridesmaid dresses in time was...DB. I walked in and found my dream dress right in front, so I was screwed. Ladies, the good thing is that once your wedding day has passed the mail stops. I don't get any more calls, mail, or e-mail. It sucked for a while there though...
I found mine at a salon. It's an Alfred Angelo, so the quality is slightly better than David's. You should try finding cheaper designers first, and then the salons that carry them. I bought this book, and it helped me so much! Try googling these: Anjolique, Bonny, Casablanca bridal, Group USA, J Crew (all in the book listed as cheap dresses of good quality). They have so many tips too, to make sure you don't get swindled.