Laughable Tips for Planning a Cheap Wedding

Yes, that's right. I said cheap wedding. Don't stand on ceremonies when it comes to saving money. Why spend humongous amounts of cash, refinance a home or use credit cards on a wedding that might not last for more than a week.

Today, the average American wedding can cost any where from $28,000.00 to $46,000.00, and that's just in New York City. If you have disposable income, then go ahead and plan that extravagant event. But if you are in a financial hole, and who isn't in this economy, you can still have a fabulous wedding without going into debt. Following are some ideas to help you plan that extraordinary and penny-pinching wedding. The extra cash you'll save can go towards putting a down-payment on a house, investing in stock and bonds or buying a certificate of deposit. At least you'll have some ready money for that rainy day.

Rather than have fancy and expensive invitations printed by a vendor, print the invitations yourself on plain 20 lb. paper, and don't include a self-addressed stamped envelope for your guests to RSVP. Chances are they will remove the postage stamp, never reply and still show up at your wedding.

You can save bundles of money and pain and suffering brought on by family, friends and future in-laws by going to City Hall and not having a reception.

If you must have that designer wedding dress, rent rather than purchase or ask to borrow a friend's or relative's dress.

Instead of having an elaborate reception at some exclusive catering hall, celebrate your union at McDonalds, Burger King or KFC, and let your guests pay at cost.

Use fake foliage instead of fresh flowers.

Forget the eight tier wedding cake. Serve animal crackers.

If you want to save money on food and drinks, have guests bring their own dish and/or liquor.

Instead of hiring a stretch limousine, use public transportation, roller skate, bike, walk or jog to your destinations.

For music, bring a radio and tune into a station that plays non-stop melodies.

Ask your guests to take photos and videos of your wedding ceremony. You will save a fortune. And chances are the photographer and/or videographer will end up taking lousy images, go out of business or disappear with all of your money.

For your honeymoon, rent a travel video of the place you would like to visit, and pretend you and your mate are there.

In lieu of gifts, ask for cash.

Well that's it. These tips may sound tacky, but think about it; your unforgettable wedding will be the chatter of your guests for years to come.

Source: Daily News, September 21, 2008