A survey from The Knot reported that the average wedding cost hit an all-time high in 2014 at $31,213 (and that doesn’t even include the honeymoon!). When you host a wedding, it’s all too easy to rack up a costly bill. Many feel a pressure to put on an event to remember, and that might mean a pricey destination, five-star cuisine, costly entertainment or all of the above.

Fortunately, despite the rising costs of weddings, a few other things have changed in the industry as well. More now than ever, age-old traditions are thrown out the window in favor of fresh, new ideas — many of which can be a lot less expensive. Take advantage of changing trends and skip the costs that you don’t really need; you might be surprised how much you can save.

Full Bar

Before you protest — I’m not suggesting you skip providing drinks altogether at your wedding. There are many different ways you can customize the bar at your event. A full open bar throughout the entire event can overwhelm your budget, so consider limiting what you offer. Select a few beer brands and a red and white option for wine. You can also offer a signature cocktail or two (many couples these days custom name the drinks) that only include one or two types of liquor.

Champagne Toast

Speaking of beverages, this is an expense you can skip altogether. When toasts are made, guests can easily just use the drinks they already have at their table. If you’re missing the bubbly, have a bottle chilling for you and your partner, or share a small toast with your wedding party before you enter the reception.

Expensive Wedding Cake

Here’s an area where you can cut back due to innovative trends in the industry. Tiered, elaborate cakes are no longer the only option for your wedding. Couples have offered cupcakes, cookies and dessert bars in lieu of a traditional cake. If a decorative cake is wanted for photo ops, get something small and serve it to immediate family; then opt for a sheet cake for the remainder of guests.

Fancy transportation

Depending on your wedding, you may need transportation to the ceremony, or from the ceremony to the reception. A limo can be fun for you and your wedding party, but it’s probably one of the first things you can skip if you’re looking to cut expenses from your budget. If you want to ride in style, run through your guest list for any car aficionados — the owner of a stylish convertible or a retro coupe might be willing to play chauffeur in place of a wedding gift. It will make for a much more memorable ride, anyway!

Pricey rehearsal dinner

Traditionally, the groom’s family hosts and pays for the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. But as we’ve already established, times are changing. No matter who is footing the bill, there’s no need for a rehearsal dinner to cost nearly as much as a wedding. A barbecue or dinner hosted at someone’s home works just as well for a gathering place before the wedding.

Programs

Ceremony programs can rack up quite a bill, especially if you’re having a large wedding. Instead, write the program out on one large display to sit near the entry and be done with it. As guests come in to the ceremony, they can read the details on the wedding party, officiant and readings. A quick search on Pinterest shows a variety of creative ideas, including decorative chalkboards and window panes.

Favors

Lastly, this is one item that many couples are hesitant to give up. Yet it’s also one thing that many regret spending so much money on, because guests often leave them behind. Instead of pricey favors, make a donation instead and share it with guests by leaving a note on the tables. Another alternative is small chocolates — which are much less likely to be left behind.

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Expenses You Can Skip on Your Wedding Day originally appeared on usnews.com