Whether you're sifting through a registry, or on the hunt for attendant gifts, you don't want to bust your budget. Emily Pirkle and Michelle Zimmerman are two brides-to-be on a mission to save dollars on their big day.

"I've made all the centerpieces. We made the invitations. I actually found an amazing dress for $100 that I bought from a friend," Pirkle gave one example of her savings.

Zimmerman also did some work herself. "What we've done is make our save-the-dates. We're going to be making our menus, our programs."

Now they're hunting for attendant gifts. Sharon Stimpfle, who is with weddingchannel.com, said attendant gifts are now an expectation. Nearly 90% of brides and grooms give gifts to their wedding helpers.

"The average bride spends $81 per gift for each bridesmaid in her party. Groomsmen also receive gifts from the groom-to-be and that's an average of $71," Stimpfle said.

But you don't have to spend that much, said Stimpfle, who gave ideas of meaningful gifts on a budget.

"Personalization is a great movement right now, especially given the economy," she sugested. Engraved stationary is a nice personal thank you-- and sets start at $15.

For $30, you can personalize a canvas tote bag meant for a destination wedding.

"Fill it with tons of beach accessories. Depending on the items that you fill in that bag, you can really control the budget and the amount that you spend," Stimpfle said.

Bride-to-be Pirkle is going the do-it-yourself route, sewing her own tote bags for the girls. "I was going to stuff it full of pieces of jewelry and pieces of art that i've made, and I think it's going to be a good reflection of their relationship with me," she showed us.

For the guys, create a basket of barbecue goodies. Fill it with things like spices, sauces and tools. Or try your hand at a poker set for around $40.

Sharon Stimpfle showed us one example. "It comes in a great wooden cigar box. You can personalize the chips with their initials, or any other emblem that's special to them."

If you're a guest, go through the registry and look for bargains. Most couples select a wide variety of price points.

"Not everybody wants to be purchasing china. Some people can only afford, you know, a pizza stone, which we also have," Zimmerman said.

No matter what is spent, Michelle and Emily know their wedding day memories will be priceless.

"It's going to be one big party and we just are going to have a blast."