How to Have a Fantastic Wedding for a Fantastic Price

Planning your wedding day is an exciting experience. However, it seems as though the deeper you get into planning, the higher the stress level rises. You've been dreaming about your upcoming day since you were a little girl. Don't let dollar signs ruin the fun in anticipating your betrothal. Any bride on a budget has to weigh their options and decide where money needs to be splurged and where it needs to be saved. Here are some suggestions that are sure to save you a few dollars here and a lot of dollars there.

1. Be honest with you. Ok, you've been to seven weddings in the last year. If you were to be completely honest with yourself, could you remember exactly what the centerpieces looked like? Do you remember the two ice sculptures that were by the cake? Do you even remember the cake? When you're planning your reception, you may feel like you need to have all of the extravagancies that you can possibly incorporate. But the $100 for each of those sculptures plus the $500 for the chocolate fountain that you didn't even get to taste plus the extra $800 you spent on floral arrangements to decorate the bar--is that $1,500 really necessary? Will it really make or break your reception? Every time you find yourself saying that you have to have something, ask yourself what would go through your mind if you saw that particular something at someone else's reception. If your thoughts stop at, "Oh, that's nice," then you probably don't need it. Then you can add $1,500 to something else that you really do care about.

2. Prioritize. There's this local band that played the night you and your fiancé got together or got engaged. It's an absolute must that they play your reception. Great! Go for it! But just remember, where you take from your budget, something must give. So, go over all of the major purchases that you have to make and figure out what is most important. If you're really concerned about having a special band, but your cake isn't as big of a deal, splurge on the band and save on the cake.

3. Be realistic. A bridal gown can cost a pretty penny. Like mentioned before, think back at the weddings you've been to recently. What did the bride's dress look like? You probably remember that it was a full skirt instead of fitted or straight. You probably remember that it was a halter instead of strapless. But do you remember the intricacies of the beading? Do you remember exactly what the bodice looked like? Probably not. It's probably those very intricacies that added $500 or more to the cost of the dress. Maybe even thousands. Decide on a style...strapless or halter? Fitted or A-line? Satin or chiffon? Then try and find a dress that will allow you to shine through it. If you can nix the extra $500 or more on meticulous beading or trim, spend an extra $100 or so on hair and makeup, nails, or spa treatment. This way it will be you they all remember...not just a dress.

4. EBay! What a wonderful tool! EBay is a great way to fill in the cracks of wedding planning. Need a pillow for the ring bearer? EBay's got it. Need some decorating tulle? EBay's got it. Need rose petals for the flower girl? EBay's got it! I recently purchased 300 miniature plastic planting pots, brand new, for less than $60. I intend to use these as the favors for all of my guests. Another tip, after your wedding is over and you don't know what to do with that ring bearer's pillow? Re-eBay it! As long as it is still in good condition there's no reason not to help out another bride!

5. Ask for help. Have a friend that is a good singer? Have them do the ceremony. Have a cousin that's great at the piano? Have them play during the hors'dourves hour. Have an uncle that's handy with a video camera? Have them tape the ceremony. Chances are, if your uncle has even the slightest bit of talent with a camcorder, your video will end up being more personal and heartfelt than the videographer that will be asking for $2,000 in return for 6 hours of service. Just don't be afraid to ask those close to you for help. They love you and will most likely be delighted to be involved.

6. The guest list. I heard a friend say that the average American wedding costs over $22,000. That's nuts. Remember! This is just one day of your life! Yes, I know you want it to be special and unforgettable. But as long as your friends and family are there with you and your fiancé, how could you forget it? It's a safe bet that the biggest chunk of change you will spend will be on the reception dinner. Prices can range anywhere from $6.00 a head to $100 plus. Whether you're spending $15 or $50 a head, cutting down your guest list will most definitely save you some money. The best way to do cuts is to start by cutting out any friends that you haven't seen in the past five years or feel you won't see in the next five years. After those cuts, try to eliminate any children that aren't family. Yes, there may be some kids that you've known for their entire lives. But, ask yourself if they will really be able to appreciate what they are witnessing. It's no disrespect to them, but chances are, kids will get bored at the ceremony and maybe even the reception. Parents will also welcome a night of dinner and dancing with fellow adults without the kids. Finally, if you still need to trim the list, see if you can subtract any "and guests." If your guests will have parents at the wedding or lots of friends, it may not be necessary to offer the option for a guest.

7. Get crafty. There are a lot of ways that you can cut costs by just adding a bit of your own creativity. For instance, the sub $60 that I spent on planters off of eBay will be my favors. The only other things I will need to purchase will be a few cans of spray paint in my wedding colors and a few packs of seeds. Dirt is free! I will pot the 300 plants in my parents' basement in late July and have blooming flowers come mid-September! That's 300 wedding favors for about $80! And, they'll double as table decorations at the reception, adding color to the evening. You can also save some cash on self done invitations, menu cards, and ceremony bulletins. Don't be afraid to be creative!

These are just a few ways that you can save a dollar on your wedding. Don't forget that this is a happy time and try not to let money madness diminish your excitement!