How do you lower the costs of wedding expenses?

Here are a few ideas!
*Hold the wedding and the reception in the same venue.
* Find a place that lets you supply your own caterer and drinks.
*You could have an afternoon champagne and appetizer reception.
*Find a gently used wedding dress, or wear a vintage dress.
*Choose flowers that are in season.
*Save on table decorations by doing them yourself. A few fresh flowers plus candles can be simple and elegant.

What's the name of your blog?

What to do... Marzipan and YEEEEEhaww are pretty much a tie... tie breaker?

Whatever you spend, do not ask a friend to photograph your wedding unless your friend is highly experienced or a professional. The photos will increase in value to you, and will be the ONE lasting expenditure of your day (besides your marriage!). Ask to see examples and get references!
Adding some live flowers or leaves to silk ones makes all look real. Inexpensive or gently-used silk flowers save money.
If you want a traditional type wedding cake, instead of buying an expensive, manufactured cake top, try creating one yourself.
Skip the aisle runner.
Borrow a nice car from family or friend, detail it completely (ask one of the groomsmen?), and have one of your ushers chauffer you from the wedding to the reception. Saves on limo costs. Sorry, no open containers of alcohol, though.
Cash bar, or two free drinks per person then cash. The bartender can help with this.
If your wedding is not in a church or part of a church, consider having a family or friend officiate, saving clergy expenses. In SOME states, it is legal for a lay person to officiate at one marriage ceremony (per his/her lifetime). Definitely check your state's laws on this one.
Rented tuxes are a huge expense. Check with your groomsmen to see if they have similar style suites, then have them all wear matching shirts and/or ties.
Utilize your bridesmaids and groomsmen in ways that they can or will help - they'd love to have something to do besides just look pretty!
Above all, no matter the expenditures, remember what the day is all about and celebrate your love!