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Looking for ways to cut costs on your wedding but still have the event you've always dreamed about? You can save a great deal of money by hosting your ceremony outside in a beautiful park, at the beach, on a hilltop or even in your yard. (Of course, having the ceremony in your backyard is the cheapest - but not everyone has a yard big enough to accommodate today's hundred-plus guest lists). Here are five quick tips if you're thinking about an outdoor ceremony that can save you money all around.

* Choose an open public forum that does not generally have a great deal of people trying to access it, and remember to get the right permits beforehand. The less demand there is for a space, the cheaper it's likely to be (and easier to obtain).

* Opting for an ordained minister rather than a priest is often cheaper. Just be sure to check that whoever you choose can legally perform wedding ceremonies in your area.

* You can forego the chairs and have the guests standing as long as you host a short ceremony. A nice white or themed linen on the ground for guests to stand on is an elegant touch.

* When going with outdoor ceremony, people often opt for a portable arch because it is easy to transport and just as elegant as more permanent structures.

* Outdoor ceremonies open the door to many themes that can greatly reduce the cost of your wedding and reception. For example, Hawaiian themes and beach themes can help you save money on formal wear and decorations because people having an outdoor wedding are often casually or "island dressed." It makes the ceremony more comfortable for the guests as well, because they're also able to dress casually. And here's another plus: outdoor ceremonies can immediately switch from ceremony to reception without changing venues, which saves some extra money on travel fees such as limos, and eliminates the need to rent two venues. For example, the Hawaiian theme mentioned above would be a great way to have a luau or pig-roast reception. You might also want to consider a theme that lets you have a picnic for your reception party, or a beach party or bonfire - all of which are acceptable alternatives for the couple on a budget.

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