Planning a wedding in these tough economic times is a big challenge. But don’t panic! There are plenty of smart strategies that you can use to plan your dream wedding for half the price. Here are some tips from Sharon Naylor, author and Q&A specialist at iVillage Weddings.

1. Ask for add-ons

Wedding experts need to stay competitive in this economy, too, so many are happy to add on some extra elements to your wedding packages for free. All you have to do is ask — politely, of course — and you might get an extra station at your cocktail party, a free bridal bouquet, an extra dessert station, champagne service at the reception, an extra hour tacked on to your photography, videography or limousine packages. Wedding vendors want to make you happy so you’ll tell all of your friends how great they are, and they then might gain new bookings through your referral.

2. Negotiate extra charges

Take the time to read your vendors’ contracts carefully, and see if you discover some extra charges that you can ask to be eliminated. Some of these include cake-cutting fees (sometimes $2 per slice!), corkage fees (a few dollars for each bottle of wine the bartender uncorks), charges to have a red carpet rolled out from the limo door to the sidewalk (you can do without that!), and some jaw-dropping ones: charges for having the air conditioner turned on at the ceremony site, and charges for ice used at the reception. Ask to cut those fees out and save hundreds.

3. Borrow

Today’s biggest trend is a form of “recycling,” in which brides ask their recently married friends and relatives if they can borrow their veils, tiaras, bridal purses, wraps and shawls, gloves, ring pillows, aisle runners and other items for a savings of more than $700.

4. Visit consignment shops

You’ll find gowns, tiaras, veils, wraps and accessories for less than 30 percent of retail prices. Visitresaleshopping.com and thethriftshopper.com to find consignment shops near you, or save big at outlet stores: outletbound.com.

5. Enter contests

Brides are so lucky to be eligible for so many terrific contests during their engagement phase. At diamondlightperformance.com, for instance, you’ll find out how to enter for a $10,000 value prize package.