In these belt tightening times should you have to down-size your dream wedding? If you are going to be a little cost conscious where should you start? For many couples, and in particular, brides-to be, years may have been spent dreaming about their Big Day. Now the big question has been asked and accepted, and you may wondering whether you should be tightening those bridal purse strings. However, you can still have your dream wedding without going totally overboard with your finances. Try some of these less obvious budgetary constraints:

Engagement rings. No-one wants to look at their engagement ring and be constantly reminded of that economic down turn. Do you or your fiancee have any inherited jewels that you could utilize? Your Great Aunt Ruby's diamond ring may look a bit tired as it is, but pop the diamond in a new setting, and hey presto! Custom jewelers can create masterpieces for you out of your family stone. Well known jewelers such as Verragio and Tacori provide semi-mount engagement rings, so you can select a setting you absolutely love, and then have your own diamond set. This can be a very cost effective approach to having your dream engagement ring.

Wedding rings. If you love the look of platinum wedding rings, but would prefer a less expensive metal, then perhaps palladium wedding rings could be right for you. Palladium is from the same metal family as platinum, and like platinum it is naturally shiny and hypoallergenic. While palladium wedding rings will be a little more expensive than white gold, they will be substantially less costly than platinum. Best of all, palladium never needs to be rhodium plated to maintain the luster.

Unusual venues. You may be able to find a more cost effective wedding location than a traditional reception venue. Do you know anyone who has a fabulous cottage in the country, or by a beach or lake? Take the time to check the costs of various catering companies. You will be astounded at the price differences.

Limit the cast of thousands. Do you really need to invite your third cousin who you haven't ever seen? Or your father's bank manager? Stick to close family and friends. Striking a few people off the invite list will quickly pay for other costs such as flowers, cake, and the photographer. Explain to anyone who is miffed that you felt awkward displaying conspicuous consumption in these times.