Let’s face it: the expenses involved in putting together a wedding are often at the core of wedding-related stress. While most couples have an ideal version of their wedding in mind even before they start planning, few couples realize just how much their dream wedding costs in terms of cold, hard cash. With more and more couples starting out their marriages with student loan and credit card debts, incurring more debt from wedding expenses is far from ideal.

With a little planning, creativity and common sense, the twenty tips below can help stretch any wedding budget, so that your ideal wedding can be possible.

1. Keep Your Invitations ‘Thin”

Create a beautiful wedding invitation…and mail just that. Nowhere does it say that the only way to respond to a wedding invitation is on a fancy little card that bulks up your postage cost! Instead, include your email address and/or phone numbers for people to RSVP. If you want to have them mail something back, you could save postage by enclosing a postcard rather than an envelope. And don’t mail inserts about hotel information or directions—guide your guests to a web site where you can share all of that information. You can create a free wedding web site at lots of internet locations; go to www.ewedding.com or www.mywedding.com to get started.

2. Make a Smart Guest List

No where does it say that you have to invite every person who works in you and your fiancée’s offices and their dates to your wedding; nor does it say that your mother and mother-in-laws bridge and mahjong clubs need an invite. You can significantly cut the cost of your wedding by creating a guest list that includes the people who are truly significant in your life. This does not mean that you can instantly “diss” relatives you haven’t seen in years; family is family. But the acquaintances, colleagues and associates of your parents should only be included if you would like to have them there and can afford to have them there. You can explain (or have your parents explain) that you are having a small wedding and hope that people are sensible enough not to be insulted.

3. Simple Programs

With a decent desktop publishing program and laser printer, you can make a short, attractive looking wedding program that won’t cost you extra cash in design or printing fees. Include the basics—your processional listing with attendants and ceremony order, along with your thank-you's to keep your program to a simple one-page fold. (check out our free program cover templates in our DIY invitation suites)

4. Borrow What You Can

Remember—it’s the little things that add up to cost you lots of money. Which items won’t you ever need again after your wedding day? (a ring pillow, cake toppers and a flower girl basket are examples of a few). Use good common sense and don’t throw your money away on these items! Close friends probably have theirs in a box in the attic, collecting dust, and would be happy to share with you. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement – they feel happy to share and be part of your day and you end up saving big bucks!

5. Utilize Your Creative Friends

Make a list of all of your friends who have a special talent—from singing in a choir to web design to photography. Weddings are an occasion when people generally like to come forward and help the bride and groom, so reach out to your creative friends. Make sure to give your creative friends plenty of notice so that no one feels rushed or pressured –  just because a good buddy has played guitar for years, don’t assume that he can learn a new song in a week or two. And if friends decline to help out, don’t take it personally – it may just be a busy time for them. Be sure to mention everyone whose creative talents enhanced your wedding in your wedding program and let them know just how much their original contributions meant to you both.

6. Think Brunch, Lunch, Cocktails or Tea

Today’s weddings do not have to be a black-tie dinner. Choose an alternate time of day and plan a fantastic reception that is somewhat out-of-the box. Brunches with omelete and waffle stations can be a big hit, along with lunch parties, cocktail receptions and even afternoon teas.

7. BYOB: BUY Your Own Booze!

Look for a wedding reception site that allows you to purchase and bring your own liquor. When you purchase your own alcohol, you can estimate how much you think your guests will drink. Always buy a little extra, hold on to your receipts, and return any unopened bottles for a full refund. You’ll also save money by purchasing at liquor “super-stores” or by watching for sales at local shops. If you have a friend who’s into buying booze, ask them to keep an eye out for any good specials!

8. Off-Day Weddings

Who says your wedding has to be on a Saturday or Sunday? Plan it for an off-day and you can save money on reception site rentals. Your guests can actually save money, too—since airfare during the week is generally cheaper than for weekend travel.

9. Go with a DJ 

While live bands can be lots of fun, you’ll save money with a DJ and still have great music to party with. Hire a hip younger cousin or a college student who will charge you way less than a seasoned professional. Make up a playlist for your ipod, plug it into your speakers and your dance is on.

     
10. Simple, Elegant Floral Design 

Instead of spending tons of money on elaborate centerpieces, go with fresh cut flowers for a classy look with less expense. You can also make your own corsages (or ask a talented bridesmaid).

11. Whole-Sale vs. Retail: Worth Your Time to Investigate

From your wedding dress to gifts for your attendants to food for your Sunday brunch, take the time out to do some wholesale shopping. Bargains are out there to be found for those who put in the time. For example, many brides don’t realize that manufacturers sell sample dresses and patterns for just a fraction of the cost of a dress at a retail shop.

12. Keep the Day Simple 

Again—it is the “extras” in your wedding party that start to add up expenses. If you keep your event streamlined and simple, you can avoid spending extra cash. Have your ceremony and reception at one site for example—you won’t need flowers and decorations for two places and you won’t need to hire a limo to transport you, family and attendants. 

13. The Benefit Of Student Clergy 

If you and your partner are not a member of a church, synagogue or other house of worship and want a religious ceremony, you will need to hire a member of the clergy to officiate at your wedding. Honorariums for clergy vary but an average fee for marrying a couple is $500.

You can hire a divinity student – someone studying for the clergy – to conduct your wedding, and pay, on average, half of an ordained clergy’s fee. While you are getting a discount, you’re also giving a student a great opportunity to learn. And to your added benefit, students often have more time to give to you than an established clergy, so you can work with them to really create the wedding ceremony that you desire. A student brings a fresh approach to officiating at a wedding – as opposed to an older minister or rabbi who has already married hundreds, or even thousands, of couples.   

14. Hair/Nails/Make-up: A Wonderful Gift 

Getting your manicure, pedicure, waxing and hair done adds up to quite an expense—throw in a facial or two and you may be getting close to your paycheck! If your close girlfriends, mom or sister inquire about what to get you, let them know that it would be meaningful to have a gift certificate to your favorite salon. Your beautiful glow will always be remembered! 

15. Consider a Bridesmaid’s Gown

Many of the bridesmaid gowns in today’s collections are gorgeous enough to dress a bride! Bridesmaid gowns are generally only one quarter to one tenth of the cost of a bridal gown, costing on average about $200. They come in lengths and designs that flatter every figure. For brides getting married a second time and who may not want to wear white, bridesmaids gowns come in every palette of color.
   
16. Location: Small Town vs. Metropolitan Prices 

If you live in a small town or even mid-size city, you’re already at a great money-saving advantage if you plan to have a wedding there. The truth is, city prices are outrageous – everyone from caterers to photographers get away with charging a whole lot more than their country counterparts. If you don’t live in a small town, you may still want to consider having your wedding in one if there is one within driving distance of your home. Look for a B&B where you could have your ceremony and reception.
 
17. To Video Or Not To Video? 

Videotaping weddings is an industry unto itself nowadays and many videographers will try to sell you a slick, pricey package. If you really want to have a video, see if you can hire a college film student or a younger cousin and negotiate a fair price. Even if the video’s not top of the line, it will be a memory of your special day.
 
18. Make The Most Of Your Photographer

When you find a photographer you would like to work with, have them put in writing how much time they will spend taking pictures, and how they’ll charge for their time that day and for your proofs. Plan a schedule of what portraits you would like your photographer to take to maximize his/her time and let your friends/family know when they’ll be needed for photos so time is wasted chasing people down!

19. Memorable Home Made Favors

Favors for your wedding guests should be meaningful and do no need to be elaborate. If someone in your family makes a signature candy or cookie, that would make a great favor. Sew pretty fabric bags filled with flower seeds or make miniature dried flower wreaths. Homemade soaps or potpourri are also memorable gifts.

20. Honeymoons that Don’t Break the Bank

If you’ve been able to save money on your wedding, it’s not worth going into debt for your honeymoon. Go camping, find a reasonably priced cruise, take off for a B &B in the country or wait and take your honeymoon during off season travel time. The main thing is that you and your partner will finally have tied the knot and will be ready to enjoy some well-deserved down time together.