SAVANNAH, Ga. () — June is traditionally wedding season, but regardless of when you’ve picked your date, planning for the big day requires a lot of effort.

And a lot of money. According to MarketingScoop.com, the average wedding costs $33,900. That’s up from $28,000 pre-pandemic.

If you’re going to spend the money, you should get the most for it. Here are some affordable ways to keep your wedding costs manageable.

The reception:

To reduce expenses, many couples are choosing weekday ceremonies and avoiding romantic holidays like Valentine’s Day, when vendors might hike up their prices. Wedding planners suggest scouting for venues that offer package deals including catering. Don’t hesitate to negotiate prices as well.

The decor:

Consider whether you really need that extravagant ice sculpture of a swan. If it’s a must-have, go for it, but if your budget is tight, consider renting flowers or greenery instead. Displaying framed images of the bride, groom, and their families can also add a personal touch.

The flowers:

Consider renting flower arrangements and greenery for the church ceremony. Many churches have more than one wedding on the same day. You could contact the other brides and see if you can either keep their flowers for your wedding (and, of course, compensating them!) or you could offer your flowers (at a nice price) to the bride whose wedding is after yours. If that’s not possible, think about using the flower arrangements from your ceremony at the reception too. (Be sure to ask someone to handle transporting them for you.)

The guests:

Again, do you really need your cousin’s best friend’s sister’s babysitter at your wedding? Be judicious. Try this test: if you close your eyes to imagine your wedding and don’t see the person’s face you’re trying to decide on, move them to a backup list. You can always add them back in if your budget allows.

The menu:

If you want a formal dinner, that’s wonderful. If you can’t afford it, there are many classy alternatives. Check out your favorite restaurant’s catering menu. Many times their cost includes set up and clean up. (Of course, check with your venue first. Many have an existing list of caterers they will only work with.) And consider a buffet. Not only can it be more affordable, but it also ensures your guests will mingle and not just talk to the people at their table.

The bar:

Everyone wants to toast the bride and groom! But if a fully stocked bar and big cocktail selection aren’t a priority for the happy couple, consider sticking to wine and beer only. For variety, you could offer one or two signature cocktails.

The cake:

Your wedding cake can be extravagant or it can be understated. Either way, your it can be a showpiece without breaking the bank. Many couples choose a smaller cake to cut for pictures and then serve sheet cake slices or cupcakes to the guests. One sure way to keep the cake cost down is to opt for buttercream frosting instead of fondant.

It’s your special day. You don’t have to go broke to have the wedding of your dreams.