ATLANTA -- Stacy Freehill plans to get married July 25, but doesn't want to go broke celebrating the most important day of her life.

So Freehill, 25, of Atlanta, will do what an increasing number of couples-to-be are doing in this recession: Cut back on wedding expenses.

According to The Wedding Report, an Arizona-based research firm, the average amount couples spend on weddings is down about 10 percent this year.

Freehill pared back on her guest list, settling at 230 instead of 400. She made her own invitations; will use artificial instead of natural flowers; and have a less expensive meal at her reception. She'll also save money by having a cash bar instead of open bar.

"It's important to focus on the relationship itself and not so much on the ceremony," said Freehill, who has worked as a schoolteacher.

Dea Anderson, a bridal consultant in Stanford, where Freehill will hold her reception, said the average cost of a Bloomington-Normal wedding has dropped about $3,000, to $15,000.

The most significant reduction, Anderson said, comes from smaller guest lists.

"They need to create a ceremony but not take it over the top," said Anderson, who works with about 40 brides a year.

Janet Kletz, owner of Janet's Cakes & Catering, 504 Guido Circle, Bloomington, said she'd do the same if she were getting married in this economy.

The typical wedding cake is three-tiered, but brides are ordering more two-tiered cakes as well as cupcakes, said Kletz, adding her business hasn't been hurt because the cutbacks allow her to take on additional smaller orders.

Janice Nelson, manager and wedding coordinator of the New Lafayette Club & Banquet Hall, 1600 S. Main, Bloomington, also has noticed couples cutting back on reception food.

"Instead of a two-meat entrée, they're going to an appetizer menu," she said. The change saves about $3 per person.

Other couples opt to have a family member cook for and host the reception, Nelson said.

A typical reception now costs about $6,000, down about $2,000, she said, adding she's had three couples cancel receptions because of the poor economy.