by Sarah V Reid

Created on: November 12, 2008   Last Updated: November 21, 2008

Your wedding day should be the happiest day of your life. It shouldn't be overshadowed by concerns about wedding costs.

There are obvious ways to keep control of costs, such as limiting the number of wedding guests and having a cash bar. However, there are other ways of making substantial savings without cutting corners.

By carrying out some of the work yourself, you can cut wedding costs without compromising on quality. This will give your wedding a more personal feel, making it more memorable for your guests.

Personalized wedding stationery can be very expensive, unless you make your own. You will find a selection of quality cardstock in your local craft store, together with an array of embellishments to create your design. The text can be designed on your home computer, and printed using the high quality print settings on your printer. If you aren't confident printing the stationery, a friend or family member who is a technological whiz-kid may be able to help, if you ask nicely. Alternatively, your local office print store will be to the printing, but they will charge. Not only will you have complete control over the design, but you will also have truly unique wedding stationery.

Wedding favors can be made by you for a fraction of the cost of buying them pre-prepared. These can be tailored to your own personality or tied into the theme of the wedding. Your choice here is limited only by your imagination. Again, many of the items for creating personalised favours can be found in your local craft store.

You may not want to compromise on your dress or the photographer, but smart shopping can keep costs down.

Online and outlet stores can offer massive savings on wedding dresses. Remember, if they have the dress of your dreams at the right price but the wrong size, it can probably be altered. Most dresses are designed with generous seam allowances, so a professional seamstress can alter them one size up or down.

Photography students can offer the same results as a professional photographer for a fraction of the price. Ask your local college about their more promising students, who would be grateful for the chance to add to their resumes, and would save you a fortune.

By following these few tips and using your imagination, you will have a day to remember without breaking the bank.

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