It doesn’t take a trust fund to plan an unforgettable wedding. In fact, sometimes skimping on costs can make your day more unique. So why sacrifice style when you can make a big impression for small change?

The splurge: LIVE BAND

Better budget pick: Personalized playlist

Live music can add a festive vibe to your wedding—for a hefty fee. But every good band relies on requests, so you can save cash by cutting out the middleman. Ask guests to include a song request with their RSVP, then load everything onto an iPod playlist. “Make sure your music will last the length of your reception and coincide with the flow of the evening,” says Christine Paul, owner of Christine Paul Events in NYC. You can even burn a mix of the best tracks for your guests. Voilà—a favor they’ll actually save!

The splurge: OPEN BAR

Better budget pick: Custom cocktails

Paying for top-shelf liquor can add thousands to your budget, but a cash bar is an etiquette disaster. Instead, put a classy spin on the BYO bar option; design two or three bridal beverages and load up on the necessary accoutrements. It’s easier than stocking a full bar, and you can tailor the libations to your love story. Met at a local pub? Offer a shandy. Honeymooning in Hawaii? Mix your own mai tai. Then print a few drink menus for the bar, complete with the sentimental stories behind each concoction.

The splurge: PRICEY FAVORS

Better budget pick: Sweet charity

Choosing a memorable favor can be a quixotic task, so why not ditch the tchotchkes in favor of a heartfelt donation? “If you’ve got a wedding with 250 people, a $2 favor doesn’t get you a whole lot—but a $500 donation to a charity makes a difference,” says Mark Kingsdorf, owner of The Queen of Hearts Wedding Consultants in Philadelphia. Choose a charity that holds special meaning for your family or friends, and leave a framed note on the placecard table informing guests that a donation has been made in their name.

The splurge: STRETCH LIMO

Better budget pick: Rent-a-ride

No bride wants to roll up to the ceremony in the family sedan, but a stretch limo isn’t the only answer. Call local rent-a-car companies and check rates on their luxury rides—think “muscle car” for gearhead hubbies or “soft-top” for adventurous duos. You’ll make a memorable entrance for about ten percent of the price, plus you’ll have your wheels for the whole day. For bigger bridal parties, Kingsdorf suggests calling a local car club and asking if they’ll shuttle you around for the day. “They’re always up for showing off their cars,” he says.

The splurge: FLORAL CENTERPIECES

Better budget pick: Fun photos

No matter how lavish your table bouquets are, they’ll likely get pushed aside, knocked over, or swiped by sticky-fingered relatives. Give your décor more meaning by leaving framed photos on each table. “Find pictures that date back to college, your first Christmas together, and so on,” says Jenny Orsini, owner of Pampered Bride Weddings in Garwood, New Jersey. Find cute frames at the dollar store, and scatter votives for an elegant touch. “They add rich ambiance and are very inexpensive,” Paul says.

The splurge: VIENNESE TABLE

Better budget pick: Themed desserts

The wedding cake rarely makes a solo appearance these days—guests are tempted by Viennese tables, sundae stations, groom’s cakes, and more. But you can end your reception on a sweet note without splurging on pricey extras. “Brides often make the mistake of focusing on quantity rather than quality,” Orsini says. She recommends tailoring treats to the season, like offering caramel apples and take-home baggies of pumpkin bread at a fall wedding. She adds, “I assure you they will not leave wondering why there was no chocolate fountain.” If you’re still tempted to splurge, ask yourself what was most memorable about a recent wedding—was it the cheese platter, or the best man’s heartfelt toast? The thermographic invitations, or watching the bride’s grandmother do the Electric Slide? The unforgettable moments are rarely the most expensive, so when you’re trying to cut corners, go for meaningful personal touches instead. “Remember, your memories will last forever, Christine Paul says. “And that is priceless.”