The price tag for the fairytale wedding you've dreamed of can quickly spike outside your carefully-planned budget. But, before you get too discouraged, it's important to note that with an open mind (and a little extra effort) you can still pull off your dream day without breaking the bank. With a few simple substitutions you can literally save thousands of dollars on everything from your dress to your bouquet without sacrificing the style and the overall look of your wedding.

We know that you've been planning your big day for a long time, and there are certain elements that absolutely cannot be sacrificed. Rest assured that the following suggestions will not have you cancelling the champagne toast. Instead, you'll discover some great affordable alternatives for the ideas you've already fallen in love with.