This next tip may be the biggest, and possibly the hardest of them all. Cut down on the guest list. You can do this a few different ways.  I once attended a wedding where they had quite a few people at the ceremony and only a few at dinner, but later opened it up to everyone again, for drinks and dancing. You could also have a very small, formal ceremony and reception dinner for very close family and friends and follow it with a very relaxed and informal pig roast and picnic the following day. Whatever suits you will be fine, but I have to admit through experience that this is the part that took the most discipline.

There are a few ways to save at the reception, you may consider finding a place to hold your reception that will allow you to bring your own liquor and then hire a few people to tend the bar. You may not wish to serve a three or four course meal. Buffets are very acceptable ways to keep your guests happy and still save a significant amount of money. Another nice thing to do is have a dessert only reception, or cater the whole thing yourself and have your families prepare their favorite dishes.