Okay- maybe just the first two! Borrowing items for your big day can translate into big savings. Just imagine not having to pay for a whole aspect or detail of your wedding! Your first stop- recent brides. Ask any brides you know if you can borrow items leftover from their wedding. Many brides will love to help out- especially for items they really don't know what to do with after the big day. Vases, mason jars, candles, picture frames, and containers for a dessert bar are all good options.

Another possibility is to ask family and friends if you can borrow something from them (this may be where the begging comes in) and then put together a cool, eclectic mismatched collection. You could, for example, ask family members if you could borrow any table linens they have in a certain color. Or do something similar with lanterns or vases. This could help you save tons and will bring a fun personal vibe to your wedding! Just make sure to keep track of the borrowed items to return them after your big day.

And after the wedding is over- return the favor! Offer any leftover items (that you've purchased or made- not borrowed!)  that you don't need anymore to another bride-to-be to help her stretch her budget too!