Brides seem determined to pull the country into economic recovery all by themselves. At a time of sluggish consumer spending, wives-to-be are apparently pulling out all the stops -- inviting more guests, choosing fancier menus and even splurging on pricier boutonnieres.

During the first half of 2010, the average wedding cost $23,867 nationwide, not including the honeymoon, according to market research firm The Wedding Report. That s a 22% increase from 2009 s average of $19,581. (From 2008 to 2009, spending dropped a little more than 10%.)

Many of the couples getting married today have been saving since before the recession, so they re feeling more comfortable spending and have a budget that reflects that, says Shane McMurray, the founder and chief executive of The Wedding Report. Spending on core expenses such as the ceremony location and wedding dress has remained relatively stable. But couples are inviting more guests -- an average 138, compared with last year s 128 which adds to the tab. They re also more willing to open up their wallets for small expenses that may have been left out during the recession, such as ceremony programs and rose petals to scatter along the aisle.

Although the dollar figure is higher, couples are being more frugal. The days of putting $10,000 on a credit card is over, says Alan Fields, the co-author of Bridal Bargains. Many couples married this year had been engaged -- and saving -- since before the 2008 crash. Family members are also likely to be pitching in to cover the costs, says Rebecca Dolgin, the executive editor of TheKnot.com, a wedding site.

Here are five expenses where spending has jumped for the first half of 2010 over 2009 -- and how brides and grooms on a budget can save:

Flowers

Couples spent 30% more on boutonnieres and corsages for a total $136. Bridesmaid bouquets are up 48%, to $184, while the bride s bouquet is 7% more expensive at $140. Other big jumps: ceremony flower arrangements (up 19%, to $295), flower girl flowers (up 17%, to $90) and flower petals (up 12%, to $92).

Decorative elements are one of those things that got thrown overboard first during the recession, Fields says. (In fact, ceremony decoration spending dropped another 8% this year, to $233.) Keep costs in check by opting for in-season, local blooms -- a single tulip costs $1 in season, versus $3 out of season, he says. For decorative arrangements at the ceremony, consider inexpensive blooms such as carnations, freesia or heather instead of expensive roses or orchids. From 75 feet away, all the guests can see is that it s a white flower, he says, They don t know whether it s a rose or a carnation.

Wedding Planner Services

Demand for planners is up. Couples paid 13% more (an average $787 total) for a day-of coordinator, 12% more for full-service planning ($2,264) and 84% more ($1,171) for a la carte planner services.

A full-service planner can cost roughly 10% of your wedding budget, but a good planner should also be able to save you at least that much by negotiating better vendor deals, Dolgin says. If you have the time to do the bulk of the planning yourself, a day-of planner may be the best value to help the big day run smoothly, she says. Read reviews from other brides on Weddingchannel.com -- and check complaints on BBB.org -- to find a planner that s worth the fee.

Reception Food

Couples paid 21% more for reception food service, or $4,222. Bar service fees rose a little more than 3%, to $2,122. Extra paid: $790

To make the most out of your budget, pick similarly-priced entrees, says Shayna Walker, the owner of Williamsburg Wedding Design in Virginia. Caterers set prices assuming guests will go for the most expensive choice. If you have lobster on the menu, you re paying as if everyone will order the lobster, she says, and honestly, they probably will. For alcohol, limit the selection at the open bar. At Harbour Club in Charleston, S.C., offering a basic selection for a five-hour open bar costs $45 per person, a savings of $6 to $15 per person compared with more premium offerings.

Bridal Party Gifts

Presents are flowing more freely among members of the bridal party. Spending on gifts for the couple s attendants is up 11%, for a total $287. Couples are spending 34% more on gifts for their parents, at $201. The couple is receiving more, too, with bridal party spending on the bride and groom up 53% (to $253) and 28% (to $230), respectively.

This is one of wedding expense where there s no right or wrong amount to spend, says Anna Post, a spokeswoman for The Emily Post Institute and the author of Do I Have to Wear White? You want to think about your relationship to the person and your own personal budget -- that s it, she says. Give something meaningful that you can afford.

Dance Lessons

Spending on a DJ, live band or musicians has dropped by up to 15%, but couples are spending 26% more, $483 total, on dance lessons.

Blame the viral wedding dance videos on YouTube.com. People think they now have to do a Glee -like performance, says Fields, in reference to the popular Fox show. Couples who want a choreographed routine without spending a fortune might look to nearby colleges dance departments for studio recommendations -- or even a talented student looking for extra income, he says. Of course, YouTube.com can also provide plenty of free inspiration.

Invitations and Paper Goods

Spending on invitations and reply cards is up 6% (to $248), but couples are shelling out plenty more for ceremony programs (up 18%, to $109), reception menus (46%, to $126), table place cards (31%, to $87) and save-the-date cards (up 18%, to $124).

A little do-it-yourself is a great way to put your personal stamp on a wedding, Dolgin says. While buying an all-in-one bundle from a stationer can be one way to save, couples can also cut costs by looking for creative alternatives to save-the-dates and limiting extras like reception menus and ceremony programs. Buying 200 photo save-the-dates at SnapFish.com costs 39 cents apiece, while the same quantity of the cheapest formal option at WeddingPaperDivas.com costs 80 cents each. You d save $82.