by Maria C Collins

Created on: November 23, 2009   Last Updated: February 19, 2011

Wedding costs are enormous. The traditional wedding has blossomed into a huge industry, and it all costs a fortune. The bridal industry would have you believe that you must have all the trimmings to make your wedding memorable. It's a fallacy; you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding day, without spending a king's ransom.

Consider eloping; elopement may be a much cheaper option, and it means the two of you can get married in a way that suits you and don't have to consider anyone else's feelings.

If elopement is not an option, then you have to decide what is important to you about your wedding. You do not have to have an elaborate wedding and, actually, the simple weddings are the ones that people remember. One wedding day consisted of a civil ceremony, followed by a budget buffet meal in an Indian restaurant followed by the whole wedding party enjoying an evening ten pin bowling at the local bowling rink. All of the guests, as well as the couple themselves, said that they could not remember when they had enjoyed a wedding so much. You can have a wedding day that is different to anyone else's, if that is what you prefer, you do not have to slavishly follow tradition because everyone else does. Stuff what anyone else thinks, a wedding day is about the couple.

If you still want a traditional wedding, do what you should do when shopping for any large purchase shop around. Find the cheapest means of achieving what you want.

Use the talents of your family and friends; it is surprising how many they have. A talented and experienced home dressmaker could make the Dream Dress and it can be totally unique. Someone, who is a great cook, might make the cake for you and ice it, or perhaps someone else is into sugar craft. A keen and experienced amateur photographer could take the photographs, or could lessen the amount of time that you need to hire a professional.

Bulk buying drinks and hiring a local bar person to man the bar is much cheaper than the alternatives.

Be flexible about venues the flashy hotel might appeal to you but consider that nice cheap little restaurant around the corner. The owner might be very pleased to hire his private room to you and cater for the wedding at a fraction of the cost of the flashy hotel.

A local disc jockey will be less expensive than hiring a group, and you can choose one who is used to catering for functions, such as weddings, where there is a huge age spread and wide musical tastes.

If you try to do things the cheapest way possible, you will not allow the budget to get out of control. Saving money on your wedding is only sensible, after all you do not want to begin married life with huge debts. You can still have a memorable and beautiful wedding day, and save money at the same time.

Learn more about this author, Maria C Collins.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.