Eight Ways To Save Money On Your Wedding:

1. Plan Ahead

Give Yourself Time to plan your wedding. It will not only save you money in the long run but it will allow you to make better decisions (and change your mind if needed). When planning a Wedding you typically have either time or money but rarely will you have both. Start planning at least a year in advance. The extra time will also allow you to spread out your spending. Get everything researched, planned and done and then relax and enjoy the day with your family and friends!

2. Set a Budget

Let me say it again. Set a budget for your wedding. It is not a dirty word. This should be a natural outcome of the planning process. A budget will help you to keep track of how much you are spending on your wedding. Without a budget your costs can spiral out of control and you won't even know until it i too late. Nothing spoils a wedding like that feeling of being broke at your own party.

3. Trim Your Wedding Guest List

This isn't always easy but keeping your guest list down is the best way to control your costs. Think of it. Every person you trim from that list is saving a meal, drinks, favors, rentals, center pieces, invitations and on and on. The trick is to be firm. If you say no kids - mean no kids. Don't feel compelled to invite work collegues or friends that you haven't seen in ten years. Obviously it is a very personal choice but make the choice - don't just make you guest list from a list of everyone you've ever known.

4. Wake Up! Keep It Simple

You may have been dreaming of this day your entire life but when it comes to the planning stage, stay awake to unneccessary waste. Do you really need that $1500 Swan rental so that you have one picture with a white bird in it? Simplicity is key. You should spend your wedding day enjoying your self and not worrying about complicated details.

5. Pay Cash

Very few couples figure the cost of financing their wedding. You can save thousands by simply paying cash and avoiding high credit card or line of credit interest charges. At very least, take out a personal loan at a much lower rate of interest. Keep a careful record of your cash purchases and check them against your budget.

6. Use The Internet, Coupons and Discounts

You knew that we'd include this one... At least we put it down the list. The Internet is an amazing source of ideas, research and of course, cost comparison and savings. Use it wisely. It can be over whelming but leave yourself plenty of time and plan your purchases wisely.

7. Avoid People With Attitudes

The Bridal industry used to be able to get away with that old school snotty "I'm better than you" attitude but let me tell you it has changed. The Wedding industry is now a cut-throat business and the old attitudes have been replaced by a whole new breed of merchants who know that their clients are much better informed and looking for a deal. If you get an attitude, you are probably not getting the best price. Move on to their competition. You have the power.

8. Share The Cost

Ask family and friends for help. Have a friend make your cake as a wedding gift. Get your family to buy your wedding dress as a gift. These are practical and meaningful gestures. Feel free to request that guests not buy gifts but contribute money towards the wedding reception.

There are many ways to save money on your big day. Not all of them will be for you but try to keep an open mind.

By the way - Congratulations on your big day!