bridal favors : I DO’ WANT TO SAVE

Whether you’re richer or poorer, you and your mate can have an elegant wedding without breaking the bank. That’s the goal for Lori Marie Martin and Daniel Edward Leibbrand, who will take their vows later this month. “Cut a hundred dollars here and a hundred dollars there, and you end up saving a lot of money,” Martin says. “Lori spent a lot of time on the Internet, doing comparative shopping,” says her mom, Martha Martin. “She was very diligent, trying to find the best prices on things.” That’s because, as fun as weddings can be, it’s even more fun to have cash left over to put down on a house, buy a car or take a fabulous honeymoon. Say ‘I don’t’ to overspending •Invitations: Instead of mailing self-addressed, stamped envelopes, have people RSVP online. •Scheduling: June is a busy bridal month. Like anything else, competition drives rates up, so try another month. Also consider a mid-afternoon reception, serving hors d’oeuvres instead of an expensive, sit-down dinner. •Atmosphere: Instead of hiring a DJ, have a friend play your favorite CDs. Candles or flowers floating in glass containers covered in tulle and tied with ribbon make nice centerpieces or favors. Sugar-frosted fruit makes another simple, yet elegant, decoration. •Bridal wear: If you have the talent (or know someone who does), make your own wedding dress. Shop after big social events, like New Year’s Eve or prom, to find discounted formals that may work perfectly as bridesmaid dresses. •Know where to splurge: Lori Martin didn’t scrimp on photography. “For me, pictures are the most important thing,” she says, “much more so than the cake or decorations or other things that will only be around for that day.” •Do your own talent search: Sometimes the best decorator or coordinator is someone who already loves you. “Find out where your friends’ talents are, then plug them in where you need them,” Martin suggests. Some may be gardeners who can provide fresh flowers. Others may be great at doing hair. “Network and bring in people to help,” her mother, Martha, says. By CHERYL GOCHNAUER