by C.E. Evans

Created on: May 30, 2008

You've just won $25,000! What will you do with it? You might invest or save, take a fabulous vacation or two, put a down payment on a home, buy a brand new car in cash, or you could pay for the average American wedding today.

This may seem like an extravagant figure to some who have not been in the market in recent years, but let's take a few figures into account. An average wedding dress will cost approximately $1000. Getting a photographer to shoot for the ceremony, and three hours of a reception and create a typical wedding album of the photos sets you back nearly $5000. Venue rental will cost $2000 on average, which doesn't include the cost of catering and alcohol, which will run in the neighborhood of $5,000 for a well stocked appetizer buffet and two hour open bar for 100 guests. So far we have a bill of $13,000, which doesn't include flowers, the groom's attire, the bride's accessories, the minister's fee, cake, or any incidentals and extras not mentioned.

Now you can see how easily the costs can add up. So what can we do about it?

Problem #1: Trying to keep up with the Joneses (or That Girl From the Hills).
We are flooded today with images of the celebrity weddings, platinum brides, and even bridezillas. If you have always dreamed of an ice sculpture of two swans creating a heart with their necks, then by all means, budget for that. If you want it because the blonde pop star of the moment had one at her wedding and you want everyone to think you're just as fabulous as she is, forget it. You'll end up with a dripping ice lump, a soggy tablecloth, and debt that may cost you more than one paycheck by the end of the night.

The Fix: Pick a Signature Element and Plan Around It.
Everyone wants something that makes their day special and memorable, so pick one or two of those things, and budget for them early on. You want a chocolate fountain, great! Try reusing some flowers from the ceremony site at the reception to save some dough elsewhere in the budget.

Problem #2: Blowing (or Ignoring) the Budget
You kept the caterer in check, talked the venue into cutting you a deal, and chose a great florist who is willing to give you options.and then the dress happened. Maybe you couldn't narrow your guest list, so you're paying for 200 plated dinners instead of 150. Everyone has the opportunity to splurge many times during the planning phase, and the temptation grows the closer you get to the big day.

The Fix: Make a Budget Together and Stick to It
Know early on what you

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