by Marlin Bressi

Created on: November 23, 2009   Last Updated: May 19, 2010

Most women (and some men as well) dream of a large and extravagant wedding. Unfortunately, fairy tale weddings are impractical for most people. Expensive weddings are a great way to start your married life with a heaping pile of debt, but perhaps just as important, expensive weddings take most of the fun and creativity out of the event. Think back to some of the most romantic moments in your life. Chances are, the sweetest and most romantic gestures did not involve thousands of dollars worth of trained doves, horse-drawn carriages, exotic flowers, and designer dresses.

A low-budget wedding does not have to mean a low-romance wedding. In fact, some of the most romantic weddings are those which are simple and inexpensive. These cost-effective weddings are not only better because it allows the betrothed couple to be creative and save money, but because fewer expenses mean fewer things that can go wrong. The more elaborate the wedding, the greater the opportunity for unforeseen complications. Here are a few ways you can save money on a wedding while still maintaining a high level of romance.

1. Put your connections to good use. A well-planned wedding involves a large "cast of characters" with various specialized skills. Hairdressers, bakers, caterers, musicians, seamstresses, florists, printers, and photographers have roles in most wedding ceremonies and receptions. There is a good chance that you might know several people who can help volunteer their time and skills for your special day. A few friends who know how to style hair can trim hundreds of dollars off your wedding budget, and a few friends who are musicians or know how to sew or cook can save thousands more.

2. Bake the cake. Some of the most romantic moments shared by a couple take place in the kitchen. If you and your betrothed have a passion for cooking, baking and decorating your own wedding cake can be a fun project. Better yet, if you're planning a large wedding, why not have each guest contribute their own tier to the cake? Assemble each tier at the reception and you will have the most creative and outrageous cake your guests have ever seen!

3. Trim the fat. In nearly every aspect of wedding planning, it is possible to save money through substitution. For instance, a DJ costs less than a live band. Daisies cost less than orchids. Personalized hand-written invitations (while tedious) cost less than professionally printed invitations. It's even possible to save money on your hairstyle; down styles cost considerably less than a traditional updo.

4. Timing is everything. Just as planning a vacation in the off-season can save a small fortune, the same holds true for weddings. Vendors know that their business takes a dive during off months, so take advantage of this. If you have your heart set on a May or June wedding, begin the planning stages early. In the wedding business, things cost much more last minute.

5. Keep your eye on the prize. Weddings have become big business, and with all of the expenses and planning that goes into a wedding, it's very easy to lose sight of why you are getting married in the first place. If you are truly in love with your partner, it shouldn't make a lick of difference whether your wedding costs one thousand dollars or one million dollars.

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