Couples Look To Cut Wedding Costs During Recession

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (WUSA) - From the dress, to the flowers, to the food, a dream wedding can cost a bundle.

Bride to be Alison Noelker found one way to cut costs on the big day, a dessert reception. And the move can save a lot of money. She tells 9NEWS NOW "It depends on which caterer you speak to in the DC area, it can save you almost $100 a person."

And it's memorable. "My wedding is going to be different. And I like that. It isn't going to be some sort of cookie-cutter, D.C. wedding," says Noelker.

Nowadays happy couples are striving for an elegant and affordable affair. Catering company Windows Catering in Alexandria is working with a lot of budget-conscience couples. Alina Zhukovskaya, a vice president with Windows says "We're seeing people going away from filet mignon, lobster, fois gras and caviar. More towards comfort foods, more towards familiar foods. They're looking for chicken and fish."

A dessert reception is just one way brides and grooms can think creatively budget-wise so they don't say "I Do" to a lot of debt.

Debbie Beard, senior event planner at Windows says some other ways couple are cutting costs include "wedding cake. I think some brides are opting not to do wedding cake. And some brides are doing cutting cakes."

Noelker has found other ways to save money too, on the dress and the flowers.

And in the end, it's all about making memories.