For many couples, their wedding day is one of the most special days of their lives.

It can also be one of the most expensive.

But experts say it's possible to have a beautiful — and reasonably priced — wedding if couples are willing to plan ahead, create and stick to a budget, shop around and keep their plans flexible.

One of the most expensive parts of a wedding is buying the bride's dress.

Wedding planners say that's why it's so important to know what type of dress you want before you go into a store or shop.

"A lot is done through the Internet," says Kim Secino of Secino's Formal Wear in Fitchburg.

"Most girls find the styles they want online or in magazines, and match the product number to the product numbers of the dresses in the store. This makes finding dresses easier, instead of sifting through dress after dress on the racks."

It pays to shop around

Meg Leblanc of Pronuptia Bridals Inc. in Worcester says brides can get a great dress at a great price.

She suggests looking at dresses that are a little under the top of the line, and considering discontinued styles.

Mandy Richard of Fitchburg, who was married on Dec. 28, saved money when she went dress shopping.

"The floor model fit me," she said.

Buying dresses right off the rack, rather than custom-made dresses, is another way to save.

Experts also say bargains can be found in department stores.

"Most people carry the same dresses," said Nicole Kirrane of Fitchburg, who got married last June.

Often the same dress is available in a department store as in a specialty bridal shop.

Tuxes: Buy or rent?

Searching for the right tuxedo can be just as taxing as finding the right dress.

Experts say the prospective groom needs to decide first whether he wants to buy a tuxedo or rent one.

"If he's going to wear it three or more times a year, it's good to buy it," said Phil Jones of Mr. Tux in Leominster.

The advantage of buying a tuxedo as opposed to renting one is that "it will always fit you better," says Jones.

However, most grooms end up renting their tuxes.

One way to save money on the total bill is by having the groom, best man and ushers rent from the same store.

Receptions: Make plans early

Another crucial part of planning a wedding is choosing and reserving a reception hall.

Planning ahead and timing play a big role in deciding on how much it will cost to rent a room.

June is the most popular wedding month. Reception sites rent early for June — and at top dollar.

"June is booked solid," said Tom Worthy of the Knights of Columbus in Leominster.

More people are starting to schedule weddings in the late summer or fall.

To ensure the reception hall will be available on a given date, wedding planners suggest booking the room up to 18 months in advance.

It's also important to be flexible about the day of the wedding.

"Everybody is looking for a Saturday wedding," says Worthy.

Couples who don't plan far enough ahead may have to settle for a different day of the week.

Partying in style

In addition to picking a place for the wedding reception, many couples also hire firms to cater the event.

Prices vary, depending on what is needed from the catering company.

Buffet-style catering is generally cheaper, because guests serve themselves, and waiters are not needed for table service.

Couples can also save money by opting for paper tablecloths instead of cloth, or even providing their own table coverings.

Other options for the reception include booking a room in a restaurant or a hotel. Most have their own catering companies.

For a morning or afternoon reception, save money by serving brunch or lunch.