Tamiko Lowry of Lithonia hasn't been shy about asking her bridesmaids and family to pitch in with wedding preparations. But they're not just spending money; they're using their time and creativity to help make Lowry's July 10 date memorable.

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ON THE WEB For information and links to more cost-saving tips, check out: • www.atlantaweddingideas.com • www.cheap-chic-weddings.com • Consumer Credit Counseling Service, www.cccsatl.org • www.theknot.com

"I have family members helping with the food for the reception, and the bridesmaids and I are making the favors and decorations," said Lowry. "We got a great deal on tulle and silk flowers in the clearance section of Party City."

She wants to keep the day's cost below $10,000, but Lowry isn't skimping on her gown or tuxes for the groom's party. She can do so without guilt, having saved a bundle by switching the reception from a hall with a caterer to the clubhouse of the subdivision where she and her fiancé, Craig Henry, recently bought a house.

"The first location we found was about $6,000; then we found out it was $75 to rent this nice clubhouse," said Lowry, who expects 60 to 100 guests. "It wasn't hard to switch."

Starting off married life with a mountain of debt isn't romantic or healthy, and it's certainly something that can be avoided — if couples are willing to be flexible and creative.

"Ideally, it's a once-in-a-lifetime event, and people don't want to skimp," said Todd Mark, a spokesman for the Consumer Credit Counseling Service in Atlanta. "But you have to prioritize to save money. . . . In the end, you're building a memory that will be special to you, and you probably won't be saying, 'I'll never forget the salted cashews and orchids on every table.' "

Here are some additional ways to cut costs:

• Consider an off-season honeymoon. One frequently overlooked expense comes after the rice is tossed. One way to keep the cost down is to pick a destination, find out when getting there is cheapest and book your wedding date appropriately. "You can have the same wedding in September as in May, but in the fall, your cruise will be 50 percent off. You can also hunt for package deals with airlines, hotel and meals if you shop around," Mark said.

• Be flexible about the day and time of the reception. "The traditional Saturday afternoon or evening is typically the busiest and most expensive time to have a wedding," said Mark. "But a wedding on Friday night or Saturday morning may be half or a third of the price. A morning wedding also lets you get away with a brunch, a light lunch or hors d'oeuvres, as opposed to a full dinner in the evening. You might even get away from having a bar completely; consider serving cake and champagne."

• Hire a professional. Busy wedding planners with connections to reception venues, caterers and florists can often snag a volume discount for their clients. And many are experienced in coming up with solutions to budget problems. For example, wedding consultant Darlene Treadwell of Norcross spends most of her time helping couples save on what she sees as the skyrocketing cost of getting married.

• Set realistic goals. Treadwell asks her clients to fill out a wish list of all the terrific things they've ever seen at weddings. Then she gets a second list of the things they really like and what they can do without. Then she gets brutally honest. "Cut out the ice sculpture and the cute little wedding cameras, and use floral pieces from the ceremony for centerpieces at the reception," Treadwell said. "And cut out the extra expense for special chair coverings; most people are eating and dancing and not noticing what they're sitting on. Don't obsess about perfection; just have a wonderful wedding and save some money that could be a down payment on a house or a nest egg for the future."

• Opt for a monetary donation. Many couples are coming up with the cash by forgoing traditional gift registries and asking for contributions to pay for flowers, invitations and incidentals. "People who already have dishes and household items might want help to fund the florist or photographer. That gets them through the day with as little debt as possible," Mark said.

CONSIDER THIS

Instead of costly sugar flowers, use silk or real ones to decorate the wedding cake. Have several smaller cakes instead of a single multitiered one. Whip up personalized cupcakes for each guest.

SUGGESTIONS FOR THE BUDGET-MINDED

• Attire: Shop consignment stores, the Web, eBay and discount bridal stores. Ask about purchasing a sample dress (the ones tried on in the bridal stores). Consider creating a family heirloom by altering a dress once worn by a mother, aunt or sister. And there's always the annual bridal gown bonanza at Filene's Basement.

For grooms and attendants, opt for a new suit with a tuxedo shirt that can be worn after the wedding. For bridesmaids, pick a color scheme and let each member of the party pick a figure-flattering dress in that shade that they can wear again.

• Entertainment: Bands are expensive, and a small combo or a single harpist can have the same romantic effect. Hire a DJ. Burn a CD of your favorite songs and play them at the reception.

• Flowers: Always select flowers that are in season. Substitute silk instead of fresh. Consider buying flowers in bulk and doing the bouquets and arrangements yourself. Opt for live plants as centerpieces that can go home and flourish with the guests. Also, consider scheduling your wedding around holidays, when many halls, hotels and venues are already lavishly decorated.

• Food: Have a buffet or food stations instead of a sit-down meal.

• Location: Instead of a traditional church and hall reception, consider getting married in an exotic locale. Focus the attention on the surroundings and pick appropriate wedding attire. For example, a sunset beach wedding need involve only casual clothes and a laid-back clambake.

• Photography: Assign someone to bring the digital camera. Ask a relative or reliable friend to be in charge of the videotaping. Ask them to tape guests offering personal messages to the bride and groom.

• Rings: Create an instant heirloom by having a stone reset from a grandmother's or mother's ring.

• Transportation: Rent a luxury car for the entire weekend instead of a by-the-hour limo. Borrow your uncle's new Mercedes for the day.

• Ultimate cost-cutter: Elope.