Plan Your Wedding and Keep Your Sanity and Your Budget

So, you're getting married. Congratulations! As you think about your wedding, do you get depressed, because you think that you can't afford a nice wedding because yours or your parent's budget is too tight?
Don't worry :(, be happy :)

Here are a few tips that might just get you through it.  Once you start reading, I think you will be able to tailor this to your own needs or tastes. Keep smiling.  Help is on the way.

Budget
Make a budget and try to stay as close to it as possible. If you go over on one item, try to see what you can negotiate on. Keep that budget with you.  One suggestion is to keep everything in a 3 ring binder; when you need any information at all, it's in one spot. Start planning; the sooner the better. This will allow you start looking for sales.

Invitations
Try making your own invitations on your computer or someone else's
To make yours stand out, use different paper or something unique to you and your fiance`. Also, decide if you really need to have return RSVP. Do many people really respond?

Decorations
If you decorate according to the season of your wedding you will be able to find seasonal items easier, and more available.  Also try the dollar stores, second hand stores, discount shops,etc.  It's amazing what little items you can find to put together.  Remember to keep taking advantage of sale items.  And even clearance items. Inexpensive can be very cute.

Flowers
If it's real flowers you want, think about having just one or two flowers tied with a ribbon for you and your attendants.  Also use your throw away bouquet for the bridal table center piece at the reception.  Other wise make your own flowers.  Go online or find a book, or ask someone to help you.  Have a get together for those that have offered to help. Make it fun. Ask the groom's mother to help if she can. She may enjoy it. Use balloons to decorate as well. Or anything that's something simple and de stressing.

The dress
If you can't afford an expensive dress, think of your options;
buy last years models at bridal shop; any style is in
choose simpler style
buy used one
borrow one
They are only worn for a few hours anyway

Reception
Make it simple. From the cake to food. If someone offers to help, let them. Punch flavored kool-aid and ginger ale make a very good drink.

Pictures
If photographers are out of budget, have someone with a nice camera do it. If others are taking pictures, share, so you still have a picture album. Have a friend video tape through out the day.

Dance
 If you choose to have a dance, invite people to bring their favorite songs and ask someone to be the DJ.

Put things in perspective; your wedding is the beginning of a whole new life together.  Enjoy it!