Weddings On The Cheap

(CBS)  If you are planning a wedding, you know how expensive it can be. But there are some clever ways to save money.

The Early Show Consumer Correspondent Susan Koeppen shares the following ideas to help you save on your big day.

Wedding Dress:
If you've always dreamed of wearing a designer gown but have a bargain budget, consider renting the dress. Sites like OneNightAffair.com offer big savings. For example:

Vera Wang Gown

Rent: $995

Buy: $8,300

There's $5 fee for normal wear-and-tear damage. You can also have the dress altered to fit your body.


Jewelry:
The perfect jewelry to go with the gorgeous gown can be pricey, so why not save big bucks by renting exactly what you want. AdornBrides.com offers big savings on wedding bling. For example:

Stevenson Necklace

Rent: $1,500

Buy: $45,000

Ian Earrings

Rent: $100

Buy: $3,000

Lloyd Bangle

Rent: $290

Buy: $7,600

The company insures the jewelry during shipping, but in case something happens to it while in your posession, you'll have to purchase extra insurance. You can also check your homeowners insurance policy to see if you are covered.

Wedding Cake
You can have your dream cake -- and eat it, too! Real-looking fake cakes, like those available at CakeRental.com can save you thousands of dollars. For example:

Fake Cake

Rent a Fake: $175

Buy: $2,000

Koeppen says she did this at her wedding. Guests see the fake cake, which has a secret compartment in the back, allowing the couple to "cut the cake." The real cake (Koeppen had cheesecake) sits behind the fake.