Create a budget. Calculate a set amount to spend on food, decorations and the cake. Most people will have a basic idea of what they want to spend but if you are on a tight budget, you will want to calculate expenses exactly so as not to go over budget.

Look for a discount wedding dress. Many discount wedding dress companies have lower-cost dresses for the bride and bridesmaids. Borrow a dress from someone or check out thrift shops or vintage stores. If you buy a used dress, you can take it to a tailor to have it fitted and altered. Dress it up with accessories like pearls or lace.

Make the cake yourself red and white wedding dresses or find a discount bakery to make it. Craft stores often sell do-it-yourself cake forms, decorations, silk flowers and blank red and white wedding dresses

Shop your local dollar stores. Nearly every city has a discount 99-cent store or Family Dollar. These are good places to buy candles, balloons, gift bags and supplies to make your own party favors.

Plan the menu. Decide what food to serve and ask guests to bring a side dish brown bridesmaid dresses or salad. The main dish might be lasagna or chicken pasta. You can buy large family size pans to bake yourself and ask guests to bring a dish. Wine purchased by the case from a local supplier is an inexpensive alternative to brown bridesmaid dresses