This summer, Wedding Paper Divas teamed up with Beau-Coup to host a contest in which engaged couples submitted their best recession-friendly wedding planning ideas. We wanted to find real money-saving wedding tips from real couples, and we were overwhelmed by all of the great ideas you submitted. You can see them all at www.resourcefulbrides.com.

Elaine and Tyler won with the following tip:

“When looking for music for the ceremony I was shocked at the costs! I wanted ‘live music.’ Some nice string music. I researched and it was going to cost me at least $500 for a 3 piece string quartet to play for an hour. Crazy! So I contacted my local university and spoke to the program director for the music department. I asked him to pass the word to seniors only that I needed a cellist, violinist and either a harp player or a flute player. I offered them $50 each. A savings of $350. Use your local college students! They are hungry for money and willing to work hard.”

Congratulations, Elaine and Tyler! Thanks for the great tip. We wish you the best of luck with your wedding planning!