Beating the $27,000 wedding

Kendal Perez, who got married six years ago, would like to point out that some wedding "traditions" are negotiable. She nixed a bridal shower, let her attendants choose their own dresses, decided against wedding favors, did her own makeup and drove to and from the ceremony in her own car rather than hire a limo.

The shopping-deal expert, who blogs at Hassle-Free Savings, is just as married as the folks who pay the $26,984 that the average wedding now costs (according to The Knot, which runs two wedding websites).

"No guest approached me with complaints about missing out on monogrammed matchbooks or pouches of customized M&Ms," she says. "No complaints from guests hoping to shell out even more cash (on shower gifts) to attend my big day."

You get to choose what your wedding does and doesn't have. Get creative about meeting your wedding needs, though. Make every available dollar work hard, and you'll be able to afford some wedding "wants," too.

Here's how some other couples did it.

Something old, something new
Go paperless. Digital invitations are increasingly popular. Some are free, according to Stephania Andrade, a San Diego reader who's helping her sister with a summer wedding. Look for sites such as SmileBox.com and PaperlessPost.com; choose one with an RSVP feature so you can keep track of attendees.

Cheaper paper. Don't like e-vites? By all means use paper invitations, but skip the paisley or multicolored models. "Simplicity screams 'elegance,'" notes April Masini, who writes Ask April, an online advice column.

Feeling lucky? Once you've set the date, enter every wedding-themed contest and sweepstakes you can find. Julie Vlahon recommends this strongly, having won several thousand dollars' worth of bridal supplies that way. Use this Facebook app to search, specifying keywords like "wedding," "bridal" or "honeymoon." Note: Start a new e-mail address for this because you will at least get e-mails from the sponsors and may even have your contact info sold; if a phone number is required, read the rules carefully to make sure you aren't also signing up for ringtones, texts or any other cell-related spam. (Post continues after video.)

Getting there
Travel costs. When Sara McKinniss' brother got married, the bride's mother donated frequent-flier miles to pay for a hotel and plane tickets to Hawaii. "It saved (the couple) thousands of dollars," McKinniss says.

• Bing: The origin of "something old, something new"

Playing your cards right. My daughter's engagement lasted two years. During that time she and I each got airline credit cards and earned enough miles for her honeymoon. Opening and later closing a card need not affect your credit scores, incidentally.

Wedding wheels. Consider skipping the luxury transportation, suggests wedding photographer Catherine Fiehn. "Rent a convertible or an exotic sports car," says Fiehn, who's based in Darien, Conn.

Keep it small. Speaking of transportation: Cristin Frank's minimalist approach to attendants -- a maid of honor and a best man -- meant the entire bridal party fit into a borrowed convertible. Photos were easy, too. "We could actually get close-ups of the four of us, instead of a group (shot) that looked like an eighth-grade graduation picture," says the Williamsville, N.Y., resident.

Watch for deals
Make an offer. Ask wedding planners and suppliers about canceled nuptials. Someone who's already paid for linens or lighting will want to get rid of these items. Texas reader Marjorie Asturias says she's "not superstitious" and had no qualms about getting the silver cake slicer that way. No qualms about the price either: $10. Don't think of it as profiting from another couple's misfortune; think of it as helping them get some of their money back.

Bid on it. Watch for charity or benefit auctions, which often feature goods or services suitable for weddings. You might find your florist or hairdresser that way. Michelle Baylin paid $800 for a fancy wedding venue that would have cost up to $4,000.

Hunt for discounts. Sites such as Dealnews and MyBargainBuddy.com may have just the right bridesmaid gift or trousseau item. Online coupon sites like RetailMeNot, Savings.com  and FatWallet.com can get you discounts on everything from wedding dresses to table linens.

Look everywhere. Mei-Ling Uliasz found decorations for her Halloween-themed wedding at thrift stores and yard sales. Many items were in "free" boxes "since many folks were wanting to get rid of them," she says. Don't rule out Craigslist; my daughter sold a lot of her wedding-related items that way. You might even luck out with The Freecycle Network.  

More frugal tactics
Budget booster. Most of the food and beverages for my daughter's wedding were covered by free gift cards from MyPoints. (Hint: Wal-Mart gift cards are accepted at Sam's Club.) Sign up for sites like MyPoints and Swagbucks as soon as you set the date. Ask family and friends to sign up, too.

Frugal feeds. If you're having a simple ceremony, a cake-and-punch reception might be the perfect capper. Or consider a potluck; Lauren Rathvon of Sarasota, Fla., asked each guest to bring a small dish, "something that was their specialty or one of their favorites." This not only resulted in a splendid variety, it also ensured that those on special diets (vegan, kosher, gluten-free) knew there'd be at least one dish they could eat.

Make it snappy. If you plan to marry within six months, a site called BrideRush specializes in discounted, date-specific deals on venues, photography, videography, DJs and other wedding needs. There's a "request" feature if you don't see the deal you want, and the site has a blog focusing on last-minute weddings.

Flash wedding. I just heard about a young man who invited friends to a surprise birthday party for his girlfriend. When everyone was there he announced the real surprise: They were getting married right there, right then. No bridal shower, no bachelor party, no worry about what to wear -- just the two young people, their families and their best friends. It worked.

Readers: Did you think outside the box for your wedding? Have any ideas to share?

More from MSN Money:

• Affordable places to get hitched
• Wedding feasts on the cheap
• Save a bundle on wedding flowers