| Every year, people spend tens of thousands of | | | | Many people hire professional wedding planners to |
| dollars on a single day the wedding day. From | | | | handle the stress of orchestrating the big event |
| outrageous venues to opulent gowns, to gourmet | | | | (although it's doubtful a bride has ever gotten |
| food and free-flowing champagne, the average | | | | through it all stress free with or without the help |
| wedding costs anywhere between $10,000 and | | | | of a professional planner). But why pay a sizable |
| $20,000, if not much, much more. But for many | | | | retainer to have a stranger plan your wedding, |
| couples, the events of the day are far less | | | | when you can enlist the help and support of your |
| valuable than the end result being legally married | | | | family members and wedding party to bring |
| to the love of their lives. While outlandishly | | | | everything together. Organize your wedding party |
| expensive weddings seem to be the norm, in | | | | into a planning committee (remembering that, |
| reality, getting married on a reasonable budget is | | | | odds are, the ladies will take on most of the |
| by no means impossible. Follow these simple tips | | | | responsibilities let the men handle manual labor like |
| to get you started on your way to a beautiful | | | | setting up tables and chairs) and let them all |
| day that won't jeopardize your financial future. | | | | contribute to your blessed event. If they're close |
| 1. Skip the high-season | | | | enough to you to be in your wedding, odds are |
| Wedding season is typically considered to run | | | | they will be more than happy to help you make it |
| from April through September. You can avoid | | | | extra special. Have friends pitch in to take |
| peak prices and scheduling nightmares by planning | | | | pictures, too, for a more personal experience and |
| a wedding during the off season months (October | | | | big savings on photography. |
| through March). Not only will you have more | | | | 4. Don't stay married to tradition |
| resources available to you, and at better prices | | | | There's no need for tuxedos and floor-length |
| (peak prices are typically 25-50% higher than the | | | | formal gowns. Crisp black suits and |
| rest of the year, which can translate to big | | | | color-coordinated dresses are much easier to |
| savings), but all of your planning will likely be less | | | | manage, and they don't require as much of an |
| stressful, as you won't be competing for locations, | | | | expense, as most men will already own a suit |
| venues, officiates, and caterers with thousands of | | | | (and someone's own suit will always fit better |
| other couples. | | | | than a rented tux), and simpler, color-coordinated |
| 2. Always opt for simplicity | | | | dresses are more likely to be worn again |
| One of the quickest ways to blow your wedding | | | | (especially if you include your bridesmaids in the |
| budget is to invite everyone you've ever met. | | | | selection process). |
| Limit your guest list to close friends and family it's | | | | 5. Opt for lighter fare |
| hard, but the payoff is worth it. Stick to simplicity | | | | Skip a sit-down dinner in favor of heavy hors |
| when choosing a venue as well. Instead of renting | | | | doeuvres you'll save big on your overall budget, |
| the presidential ballroom at the swankiest hotel in | | | | and your guests will likely appreciate the more |
| town, opt for a wedding in a smaller, more | | | | casual atmosphere. And instead of a full bar, why |
| personal venue. Many parks and small community | | | | not offer a signature cocktail along with cheaper |
| churches are both beautiful and significantly less | | | | staples like beer and wine? Above all, your |
| expensive than the more opulent, standard | | | | wedding should reflect you as a couple, so keep |
| wedding venues. Or, if you're planning a wedding in | | | | that in mind throughout the planning process, and |
| your home town, use your childhood home, or | | | | you're sure to have a beautiful, memorable |
| the home of a close friend or relative for the | | | | wedding day, regardless of your budget. |
| occasion not only will the venue have more | | | | Ki helps buyers and sellers interested in Austin real |
| sentimental value, it will come with a much | | | | estate. His site provides information on mortgage |
| cheaper price tag. | | | | interest rates along with a free mortgage |
| 3. Enlist the help of your wedding party | | | | calculator. |