Your wedding is undoubtedly a very special day. Most couples start out by wanting way more than their budgets will allow. Whether you’re paying for your own wedding or have help, there are things you can do to keep your spending on track and ensure that you don’t finish up in debt.

A) Create a Budget
A realistic budget is critical. Calculate your total monies available. Now allocate it according to these well-established guidelines:
50%: the reception
10%: flowers and décor
10%: photography
10%:  clothing (bridal gown, tux)
10%:  honeymoon
5-7%: invitations, fees to minister, unexpected incidentals, etc.
3-5%: transportation (limo, etc.)

B) Stick to the budget
You can do it. You may have to scale down the lavish reception to a cocktails and canapé party. Or simply serve superb wine and wonderful cheese and snacks. What about a brunch or afternoon tea? Just serve champagne for the toast or Mimosas (champagne and orange juice).

C) What are you spending
Get quotes on paper. That way there’s no question of, “But, you said!” Track every dollar by writing down everything you spend and saving receipts. It’s tempting to toss those $20 and $50 receipts away; they’re small in the light of the overall budget. But they quickly add up. Get an accordion folder (you can always re-use it for your household bills later) and create categories: reception, flowers, etc. Put their written quotes and your receipts into the right pockets and add them up regularly.

D) Don’t forget the honeymoon
Many a bride and groom have skimped on the honeymoon to pay for the wedding. After the stress of a wedding, you will need downtime. Put money aside for the perfect relaxing honeymoon for yourselves. Don’t wait to “see how much we have left after the wedding expenses.” Frankly, there may be nothing. So put it into your budget.

E) Consult each other
Take the time on a regular basis to discuss arrangements and track spending. Ensure each of you has clear responsibilities and are keeping within your budget. If both of you work on the principle that ‘it’s only a few dollars more,’ it doesn’t take long for the budget to balloon out of control. Make it a rule: no extra dollars without consultation.

F) Ask for advice
Don’t be afraid to ask your florist or decorator or even the venue operator for advice on how to economize. They are experienced and can provide ideas you may not have considered. Another great source for tips and advice are bridal shows where there are many different vendors all in one spot. An afternoon spent at the show may glean you several great alternatives to more expensive options.