With average weddings costs increasing every year, paying for your big day can seem impossible. Don’t let the expense scare you away from getting married! If you’re willing to break from tradition a bit, Strictly Weddings shares some ways to cut wedding costs in the 21st century.

The Flowers

With so many options available today, there’s no need to spend hundreds to thousands on a professional florist. If you’re willing to put in a little work, you can order your flowers in bulk from online flower sellers and put together your own bouquets. Some stores even offer multiple pre-made bouquets to minimize work on your part. Plan your floral arrangements with the seasons to save even more. For a spring or summer wedding, collect wildflowers from the roadside (stay off of private property!). For a winter wedding, gather evergreen cuttings from your own trees belonging or try hitting up a local Christmas tree farm for scraps. If you’re a minimalist, opt for simple, pretty bouquets of baby’s breath.

The Decor

There are a lot of ways to buy decorations on the cheap. Check Pinterest for easy craft options to make your own or visit thrift stores for affordable decorations to fit any theme. Some ideas include old books to stack on tables; used vases, or jars; vintage teacups and kettles; chalkboards or mirrors; Christmas trees, garlands, or other seasonal decorations. If your venue allows candles, they can be bought inexpensively in bulk and are an easy way to add ambiance. Otherwise, try borrowing Christmas lights from relatives and friends for decorative lighting.

The Dress

Today, there are a lot of affordable options when it comes to a wedding gown. If your mother or grandmother still has her dress, try it on; you may even try having it altered to fit or to update the style. You can also try shopping sales at wedding boutiques, searching online marketplaces, or looking for used dresses at charity shops. Or buy a pretty white dress from any store you like; you can decide on the look of your wedding dress. If you’re not committed to keeping your wedding dress, borrow from a friend, or try a wedding dress rental service. Another creative option is to customize a simple dress with unique accessories, such as a decorative belt, stunning jewelry, or a lace overlay, to make it truly one-of-a-kind. While you’re planning your attire, it can also be fun to coordinate your dress with other elements of your special day, like floral arrangements or even the types of white wines for weddings that will be served at your reception. Remember, your wedding dress should reflect your personality and make you feel confident as you celebrate this unforgettable moment.

The Music

With the help of the internet, you can easily opt to forego a traditional DJ and simply make a playlist of your own. Use a service like Spotify (you can even use a 30-day free trial and drop it after the wedding) to play the music you both love. Find a volunteer among your family and friends to help with emcee tasks like announcing the cake-cutting. If your venue has a sound system, you’ll just need a compatible device. If not, borrow equipment from a friend, rent speakers, use portable mobile speakers, or buy a cheap PA system online and resell it later.

The Ring

The popularity of classic diamond rings is on the decline, and fewer people are subscribing to the tradition that a groom should spend three months of his salary on an engagement ring. Many brides opt for non-traditional stones like lab-created sapphires or opals, which are more affordable than diamonds. Or you can shop antique markets or online stores like Etsy for a vintage ring in your price range.

When it comes to weddings, there are a lot of ways to cut corners and keep some money in your wallet. Keep planning your wedding AND your dream honeymoon without anxiety!