One wedding industry tracking group calculates the average wedding cost in 2009 was slightly under $22,000, not including the honeymoon or rings.

In a recent Post-Gazette article reporting how brides are planning smaller and less expensive weddings, our pal Herman Heyl helps make a point we've wanted to for a while:

Brides are opting to use more greenery and less expensive flowers, such as daisies and carnations. Smaller bouquets might save a little on price because fewer flowers are used, but the charge for labor is nearly the same as for a larger bouquet.

One great way to save money on your wedding centerpieces is to buy your own glassware and apply your own elbow grease.  If you're lucky enough to live near an Ikea, that's a great place to get inexpensive glassware, such as the rectangular vase below (much of their glassware is also available online at http://ikea.com):

One of our recent brides did just that--she purchased her own glassware, and some ribbon, and decorated the vases herself.  We then made simple arrangements of white hydrangea, orange spray roses and green hypericum berries, and delivered the final piece to the reception site, Greystone Fields.

Working together, we were able to create an elegant centerpiece that fill well within her budget.

Not every florist is cool with the idea of brides supplying glassware, so you may have to ask a couple to find one willing to work with you.  Remember to buy and decorate a few extra vases, just in case.