Get Married..Don't Go Broke - Weddings on a Budget Are a Reality

Summer is a wonderful time for weddings; the weather is nice, people normally have vacation time available, and all the younger friends and family are out of school and available to share your special day with you. But, just because it's your wedding day does not mean you have to spend a fortune on the event. Not everyone has thousands of dollars to spend on extravagancies, and yet still manage to make their wedding day the most memorable day of their lives. A few simple tips can help you to throw a beautiful wedding, save some money, and keep your sanity.

1. Plan ahead.It seem like common sense to plan such an important date ahead of time, but you'll be surprised at just how many people wait until the last minute to prepare for their wedding. Take some quiet time with your fiancé, sit down with a pad and paper, and make a list of all the things your are going to need; who you want to invite, which people you'll choose as your wedding party, dress, tuxedo, bridesmaids and groomsmen outfits, flower arrangements, food, a photographer, and a place to have the wedding are just a taste of the things you'll have to figure out. Make sure to note on the list any important details of your special day, so you don't forget them later. Making plans well in advance can save you a lot of money, as you're not rushing and paying a premium when time runs out.

2. Shop around for everything. Don't attempt to put all your eggs in one basket by shopping at one place. Make sure to compare prices on all your items. There are a good number of shops now that offer wholesale or discount prices, even for single wedding parties. Dress outlets often sell name brand, designer dresses at huge discounts, and there are selections to fit every taste. You can save on shoes too by shopping at shoe outlets. There's really no need to splurge on shoes, since for most brides, the shows stay well hidden beneath the dress anyway. Check online shops for your wedding too...you'd often be surprised at the deals you can find when you shop online.

3. Borrow What You Can. There is truly no need to go out any buy all new things for one day. Granted, you want your wedding day to be memorable, but friends and family often gave a good array of items they're more than willing to lend to you for your special day. Tables, chairs, electronics, jewelry; any little bit helps when you are trying to have the most affordable wedding possible.

4. Try Your Local Cooking School. Believe it or not, your local culinary academy is filled with knowledgeable cooks, whether they be the instructors or the students. Culinary classes teach the students to make a variety of wonderful high-end dishes, and they'll surely be willing to put their skills to the test for your wedding. In many of them, you can attend a couple of their classes, see their skills in action, and sample their dishes ahead to time, to make sure you are getting quality cooking. The same goes for your wedding cake, as most culinary schools have excellent pastry programs.

5. Make Your Own Flowers and Decorations. It's worlds cheaper to make your own floral arrangements, centerpieces, and party favors. Granted, it does take a bit of time to pull everything together, but you'll save in the long run, and have total control over them. Buying loose flowers directly from a florist or greenhouse is much more cost effective then having your arrangement professionally made. And with the help of the internet, you can find a wide variety of plans for all of your flower needs, from the wedding party to centerpiece designs. Craft stores carry all the supplies you could ever wish for, and inspiration abounds when you find items you really like. We saved well over $300 on decorations by making our own centerpieces, and greatly enjoyed the way they turned out. Don't let intimidation stop you...the possibilities are endless!

6. Enlist Help! Friends and family members will most likely be more than willing to help you out in preparing for your special day. Do as much as you can ahead of time with their help. You can decorate your chosen area most places the night before, so when you gather for your rehearsal, enlist the help of those attending to place tables and chairs, add the decorations, and prepare the room for your wedding. The same applies for post-wedding cleanup; most people would be happy to help you pick up after such a busy day. The more you can do yourself, the more you can save.

Your wedding day will truly be one of the most memorable days you will ever have. And you can have a wonderful day and not decimate your savings account to do so. With a little time, initiative, and hard work, you'll not only have a day to remember, but you'll have a little more spending money to start off your new life.