It's wedding season and many brides and grooms are tweaking their upcoming weddings to save money.

Experts say even if you're working with a limited budget you can still have the wedding of your dreams. It may only take some imagination and a little extra effort.

"When I first got engaged I was completely overwhelmed because there was so much to do but I just took it one step at a time," said Jackie Brayton, 26.

In an economy that's spinning downward, couples tying the knot are re-thinking expectations.

"It's looking for deals and it's a lot of work, but it's worth it not having to pay hundreds and hundreds of dollars more," Brayton said.

Brayton and her future groom, both of Antigo, have bartered with their reception hall, made their own invitations, and found mega deals on sentimental items online for their Oct. 3rd nuptials.

And they're not alone.

"They're looking for sales. We're having a sale right now because that's what brides are looking for," said Darlene Jansen, owner of Bridal & Formal Salon in Wausau.

Brides are pinching their pennies on the wedding gown of their dreams, along with everything else.

Except maybe the dinner and reception, which tends to carry the highest bill.

"It is one of the largest expenses is the reception, so we keep that in mind as we do our adjusting in pricing and such," said Corrie Merklein, event director for The Rose Garden in Wausau.

She says throughout the last year couples have become more budget conscious.

Though Brayton and her fiance, Bob Duchan, 29, have only been engaged since Christmas, they've been saving enough to make sure their wedding is just as they want it to be.

"Luckily our parents are helping us a lot and we've put in quite a bit of money also," she said.

Couples saying I do can also say I don't to over-the-top weddings.

Afterall, a brand new life together in debt is anything but a honeymoon.