Hi what type of LCD is it? Alphanumeric i am guessing the hobbiest standard (hey if industry has one y can't we) is the HD44780 this is simple to use, has R/^W (8080) style interface.
This means u can save a pin if u don't need to read from the LCD, and do all the timing with NOP cycles, rather than poll'ing the chip.
If your useing a graphic controller, at the risk of been flamed a recomend the SED133x range.
Yeh i must admit i don't know y serial LCDs are so expensive i mean look at matrix orbital etc. they just seam to live to rip off the stupid modders of the world that can't figure out how to wire a potentiomiter in line with some wires from a parport!