A Bride's Guide to the Affordable Wedding

Get creative and find ways that will make your wedding most memorable to you. When it comes down to it, you'll be the one thinking back on your wedding in the years to come, not your guests. Talk with married friends about their favorite vendors and be sure to do your research! Visit friendly sites such as www.theknot.com to take advantage of their resources.

2. BUILD YOUR BUDGET

Set a simple budget with estimated prices and actual prices once booked. The average American wedding is $24,000, but you can experience the same extravagance while staying on a budget. Splurge in areas that you think you'd remember most by cutting back on an area that doesn't appeal to you as much.

3. MEMORIES

Statistics show that most wedding guests remember the food and the bride's dress and hair the most at weddings. Build your wedding around what you remember most, not your guest. Most couples agree that their fondest memories of their wedding were dancing and mingling with their guests. FYI: if you're planning on giving out favors, skip it. They'll most likely end up in the trash less than a week later.

4. DRESS MYTH BUSTERS (say that ten times fast!)

If possible, buy your entire bridal party's dresses at the same place. You're almost guaranteed a discount that way and you'll rest assured that the materials and colors are to your liking. Tuxedo shops are also famous for offering the groom's tux free when you rent tuxes for the groomsmen. The best way to get a one-of-a-kind wedding gown is to visit your local tailor shops. Bring in clippings or photos from magazines of your favorite gowns, then let the seamstress draw one up for you. You'd be surprised at how inexpensive these designer knock-offs can be. Just make sure you try on several types of dresses before hand and know what looks best on you before you commit to a drawing.

5. SOMEWHERE THERE'S MUSIC

Search the local community college for musicians. Oftentimes, there are working quartettes that are sure to be available on your big day. Don't go with the typical string quartet or solo violinist. If your personality allows, a jazz trio or acoustic guitarist will do the trick. Be sure to audition or attend a recital/concert for musicians before hiring. Provide them with a song list or inquire as to what styles they plan on playing.

6. FLOWER POWER

If you're strapped for cash, forego all but the most needed flowers such as the groom's boutonniere and the bride's bouquet. The rest of the female party can carry a single flower wrapped in pretty ribbon. Instead of a full bouquet of flowers for your bridesmaids, have the florist adorn small purses with flowers for the bridesmaids to carry around. Not only will you save a bundle, you'll have an instant gift for your bridesmaids.

7. LET THEM EAT CAKE

Opt for a fake Styrofoam cake with white fondant to cut costs. Check with your local bakery for options. These display cakes stay beautiful throughout the reception and sheet cakes hidden in the kitchen will provide guests with a taste. Many brides choose to have a real layer at the top for cutting into during the "cutting of the cake" photo. Have your florist decorate to avoid paying for a cake topper you'll only use once.

8. RSVP

When it comes to invitations, you want to send something to guests that will catch their eye, not get lost amid refrigerator magnets. Again, scour your phone book for local graphic artists or printers who'd be willing to custom design your invitation. A company that does everything in-house will cut costs dramatically and you'll come out on top with something unique. Forego the save the date cards and meal response cards. Instead, ask guests to RSVP if necessary.

9. PHOTO OPP.

Photos are one area you may want to splurge a little. After all, these memories will last a lifetime. Ask your married friends who their favorite photographer is and find one who will cater their packages around your special day. Save some cash by asking a friend (not already involved in the wedding) to take candids during the reception so you don't have to pay the photographer for that time.

10. SAVE THE DATE

Some handy statistics: June tends to be the most popular month for weddings, then August, September, October, and May. 85% of traditional weddings are performed in a religious building (http://www.aweddingministers.com/index.html). Bottom line: Choose a different month for your big day and get creative when it comes to choosing your location. Try a golf course or a friend's backyard for an intimate setting. Most couples marry on a weekend; opt for a Wednesday or Thursday to cut costs as well.

11. DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

Hire a wedding consultant just for the big day to monitor details of your wedding. She need only be involved to supervise the ceremony and reception, in case vendors have questions. After all, you'd rather enjoy your celebration then instruct the florist on what flower goes in whose bouquet.