We are freaking genius!

I found this artical on AOL.com one day that gives 50 Genius Wedding Cost Cutters, so I decided it would be fun to go through all 50 and share the ones that Ron and I are already doing for wedding! (These are all copied and pasted straight from the artical)

1. Do a cocktails-and-dessert reception instead of springing for din-din.

2. With the exception of the holidays, dates from November through April are less coveted—so less pricey—than other times. Set on June vows? Book ‘em on an off-night, like Friday or Sunday. (Yes I know our wedding is on Leap Day but it isn't considered a holiday.)

3. Reduce rental costs by picking a site that’s already outfitted with tables, linens and chairs.

4. If you live in a city or on the coasts but grew up in Small Town, USA, consider throwing a wedding back home. Your family will appreciate it, urban guests will be grateful for the chance to get away, and the prices will be much, much friendlier. (No destination wedding!)

5. Spare yourself some major moolah by nixing a full bar and serving only wine, beer and soft drinks. Want a hit of hard liquor? Have the bartender concoct one delish mixed drink, and offer it as your signature cocktail. (Or just not have a bar all together!)

6. Be clear about what you can spend when you meet with vendors. It saves time and will spare you from browsing fancier options that may tempt you to spend above your means.

7. Cut down on the number of courses you serve. (No one’s going to miss that frisée-endive salad, trust us.) Bonus: Everyone will get way more time on the dance floor! (This falls right in with the first one but I'm still counting it!)

8. Little-known fact: Wedding cake slices are often left untouched. Ask your caterer to cut thin portions, which will allow you to reduce the size of your order by 10 to 15 percent. Another option: Order a small display cake to cut, and have the caterer serve guests from a sheet cake in the back.

9. Instead of printing up maps to enclose with your invitations, send guests to your wedding website for directions to your I DOs.

10. Many caterers offer to add flourishes to basic packages for a surcharge. Resist the urge to opt for those scallop appetizers that cost an additional eight dollars per person—for 125 guests, that comes to $1,000.

11. You’ll be amazed at how much cheaper veggie hors d’oeuvres are than beef, chicken, or fish apps, so fill those trays with hearty options like vegetable dumplings, bruschetta, and mini spinach pies.

12. Having a casual wedding? Instead of ordering a designer cake, ask some ambitious friends to make their best homemade pies, brownies or cheesecake. (We are having a lot of family and friends make goodies for our reception!)

13. Big bands cost big bucks, so consider a small (say, four-piece) band, or go even more cost-conscious with a DJ. The least pricey pick: blasting your own playlist via iPod. (You gotta love iPods and Google music!)

14. Photog won’t budge on his price? Ask him about working fewer hours for a reduced rate. Your friends will be happy to share any cool candids they snap during the dance party. (Again a huge shout out to Susie! She is amazing and will most likely be our forever photographer!)

15. Who’s going to score metallic-hued candles at half-price? You are! Shop post-holiday sales for color- or season-specific decor, like pastel napkins after Easter or red vases after Valentine’s Day.

16. Add blooms in high-traffic areas (entryways, patios). Don’t worry about barely visited spots like staircases and hallways.

17. Offset and digital printing cost far less than letterpress. Save even more by putting ceremony and reception deets on one card instead of two.

18. Present your dinner courses bistro-style on a few oversize chalkboards rather than on individual menus. DIYers can make them by covering old windows with chalkboard paint.

19. A hand-wired one can take a florist three hours to make, while a hand-tied posy can be created in about 30 minutes. Guess which costs less? (I'm making my own!)

20. Picking a space that’s already lush with flora—a botanical garden or a wooded grove, for example—makes elaborate arrangements unnecessary. (I love the Mesa Temple grounds for this reason!)

21. Instead of flowers, add drama with a cluster of glowing votives. (Of course you can't do real flame in the church but the fake tealights are awesome!)

22. Slash your costs by renting party gear rather than buying it. Coolers, tiki torches, potted plants, water fountains— a bride can (temporarily) get her hands on just about anything these days!

23. Rental vases often cost less than florists’ stock, so ask to make the swap. (Or stock GoodWill and get really, really cheap vases!)

24.Place your cake on a linen-covered 30-inch round table. The small size will highlight the cake, and you won’t have to shell out for extra table decor.

25. Get your hair and makeup done at a salon. It will cost way less than having stylists come to you, and you’ll still be treated like a princess. (Okay this one I'm spoiled on! I have two amazing hair dressers! One that will be coming to me in the morning and the other will be there at the Temple for me! And my most amazing bestie is coming to do my make-up!)

26. Save $0.15 per invite on postage by having your guests RSVP via postcard.
(Or save $0.15 and not have an RSVP card!)

27. Table assignments are a must to avoid a free-for-all at the reception. Seat assignments, on the other hand? Totally optional. Cut your stationery budget by saying no to place cards.

28. Ask a friend to officiate. Most ordinations are free, so you won’t have to pay the fee you would for a pro.

29. After the I DOs, have a loved one drop off your centerpieces at a nursing home or a shelter. (The gift is tax-deductible!)

30. Don’t want to spend beaucoup bucks for pricey French champagne? Opt for an affordable (and yummy) sparkling wine. (If Ron and I do anything it will be Sparkling cider that you can get in bundle packs at Costco!)

Yes! Over half of them are things we are doing or doing things close to them! Hehehehe I don't know why but this makes me all giddy!