I think the best thing you can do for yourself when wedding planning is begin by writing a list of everything you want and at a later date, going back and looking at how you can save and what you can do without.
Like, what place does a boquet have in a Hindu wedding for us Hindu brides? Do we need one? Do our bridesmaids?
Instead of being carried in, can we walk into our ceremony?
Can we borrow nice cars (BMWs and Mercedes) from friends who own them and ride in those to our wedding and just pay for a nice car to leave with after the wedding, as a couple?
Can we forgo pricey flowers and stick with what's in season and doing our homework ahead of time to make the most out of the beautiful, fragrant flowers that won't destroy our budget?
Can we keep some ceremonies at home, like a mehndi night in your back yard or living room?
What did you guys decide to go without? What did you leave out of your big day that you initially were planning on.