Here Comes the Budget Bride: Beautiful but not Broke

Dress pictured is "Love Connection"

In these tough economic times,  look for more and more budget-conscious brides and grooms to l say “I Don’t” to lavish spending that pushes   the  typical price of a wedding in the U.S. to over a staggering $21,000.

Don’t be discouraged over the idea of spending less.  You can still have your dream wedding  – even  if money is tight and you cut costs.  

Start by making a wedding budget. Be sure to include every expense from the engagement ring to the ride home from the honeymoon. Then make a commitment to each other not to blow that budget.

Make planning an affordable wedding fun. When it comes to spending less on your wedding, more help is always better.
From the start, enlist family and friends - and bring in the bridal party -  to think of clever ways to keep the lid  on spending for the ceremony, reception and honeymoon.

Award prizes for the best ideas. Consider hosting a pot luck supper to get everyone involved in planning an affordable wedding.  

For a jump start,  here’s a short list of money-saving tips for  brides and grooms to tie the knot so they can avoid starting married life deep in debt:

• Think small: cut the guest list for a more intimate wedding
• Get out of town: plan a destination wedding or one like it but closer to home at a garden or beach
• Tap talent: ask family and friends to donate expensive service likes  calligraphy, flowers or photography
• Go green: email invitations with RSVPs online instead of pricey paper versions
• Bloom and bud: arrange your own fresh flowers using more greens than floral
• Something borrowed:  ask other brides to recycle pricey accessories like a wedding purse
• Behind the bar: limit choice of liquor to several selections  and still have a spirited reception
• Off peak: set the date for less popular months than June through October and pay much less
• Day over night: time the wedding for morning, midday  or afternoon to avoid pricey evening events
• Make the rounds: skip a sit-down meal in favor of a buffet, food station or cocktail reception
• Downsize dessert: serve cupcakes instead of an expensive tiered wedding cake 
• Honeymoon haven: book a resort for the Mr. and Mrs. that offers all-inclusive packages
• Dress down: buy a pretty bridesmaid dress in white or ivory instead of a traditional wedding gown