Something borrowed, something blue, something old and something … cheap?

Brides-to-be are assembling their own invitations, buying flowers in bulk and asking Uncle Tommy to snap pictures in a do-it-yourself frenzy that is saving them money and muffling cash registers in the once-booming bridal industry.

Nationally, the average wedding cost has fallen by 33 percent to $19,219 over the last two years, according to the Wedding Report, based in Tucson, Ariz.

Coordinating all the vendors and concocting all the extras yourself can be stressful and time-consuming, said Sacramento bride Danyelle Dufur, but she is reaping a personal touch that will make her big day on Aug. 8 even more meaningful.

"It's been stressful," she said. "But it brings family and friends together in celebration. And that's the nostalgia we had putting (everything) together … being able to share that wonderful moment with them."

She and her groom-to-be spent several late-night hours taping cards together while their 21-month-old son slept in another room. They attached frills and flipped through address books looking for friends and relatives.

"You don't realize how much time goes by when you don't see people," she said.

The process allowed them to reminisce about the fun times and funny stories they had shared with each person over the years, Dufur said.

While having the extra set of hands and her fiancé's fine penmanship was a huge help for Dufur, coordinating the wedding together has been challenging.

"When two titans clash, it's difficult," Dufur said, laughing. "But I'm grateful."

From the very beginning, the young family has been in it together. Their son, Tony, was just 3 months old when the couple first started planning. He has been there with them every step of the way – from the bridal fair to cake tastings. "Trying to keep your child out of cake is always a challenge," Dufur said. And playing "pass the baby" at various appointments has been entertaining.

Soon, they will tie the knot in front of 95 of their closest friends and relatives at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. However, balancing a full-time job, wedding preparations and a toddler has Dufur in "a ball of nerves."

"There are so many loose ends to tie up," she said.

The person who has supported her most is the same man who sat across from her at the kitchen table, tying ribbons to those little cards.

"He's definitely the one who has to deal with the good, the bad and the ugly," she said.

Wedding pros are nervous

While getting their hands dirty in all the nitty-gritty of planning their walk down the aisle has brought some couples closer, the DIY trend has left many bridal professionals empty-handed.

From photographers and florists to caterers and consultants, wedding professionals have been hit hard by brides who are walking down the discount aisle.

Brides are cutting back on products and services. They are looking to consolidate location, food, bar and rental expenses. And they are assembling not only their own invitations but also their centerpieces and favors.

In the past, brides were easily looking to spend $40,000, said Sacramento wedding consultant Lora Ward, who's been in business for more than 25 years.

But "if Dad's 401(k) goes down the toilet, he doesn't have the money to give them," she said.

This year, Ward is planning just eight weddings – a 50 percent drop from 2008, she said. Despite losses in revenue, it's not all doom and gloom in the bridal industry.

"I've done some fabulous weddings this year," she said. "There are those who have saved up, those who have more money, and there are those going into debt up to their eyeballs – but they're getting what they want."

Planning a wedding can be the most stressful part, but it seems many brides are opting to tie their own bridal knot.

After being quoted $1,000 to have a wedding coordinator at her ceremony, San Diego resident Brianna Bachman decided against it.

"It was like, 'You want $1,000 to just to be there?' … 'No, not feelin' it,' " said Bachman, who had seven months to plan a 200-person wedding at her parents' Dixon home.

Call The Bee's Nicole Williams, (916) 321-1045.