Tips for A Budget-Conscious Wedding

Since the original request was pretty big, I thought I'd narrow the focus of this response, at least, and talk about ways to have an inexpensive yet memorable wedding. On the way, I'm sure I'll throw in a few tips on how to make it unique!

I should mention that my husband Alex and I managed to get married in early 2001 for less than $1,600 -- and that included the rings.

The first thing you have to do is decide what your priorities are -- this list will tell you where you can cut financial corners, and where you can't.

The Dress -- do you absolutely, positively have your heart set on wearing a brand new wedding dress that will cost anywhere from $400 to $1000? If you had a friend or family member marry recently, and you really loved her dress, why not ask if you can borrow it? Search vintage clothing stores for wedding dresses from "bygone eras."

Do you really need a long white dress, or would something fancy that you could wear for special occasions be easier on your heart -- and your budget?

Do you know someone who can sew and would be willing to make your dress for much less than you'd pay at a bridal shop?

My wedding dress was $230 -- total. I bought the dress and matching lace-up bodice at a local Renaissance Faire, made an underskirt, and if the look in Alex's eyes was any indication, I looked GOOD!

Menswear -- If you choose not to wear the traditional white dress, your groom really doesn't need to rent a tuxedo. If he already has a really nice suit, you're in luck! If he doesn't, buy him one -- the initial financial outlay will be higher than tuxedo rental, but in the long run, he'll have a suit he can wear for years! My husband Alex got married in a greatkilt, which is basically 9 yards of pleated-on-the-spot plaid fabric. I made his Renaissance shirt, and bought him some kilt socks for about $15. He looked awesome!

Number of Guests -- More guests mean more money. Period. Your co-workers, third cousins on your mother's side, and your fiance's softball team will understand if you tell them you're keeping the wedding small for financial reasons and won't be inviting them. Think about inviting them to a celebratory pot-luck barbecue a month or so after the Big Day, if you want to try to salve their feelings. Which leads to...

Reception -- Open bars are horrifically expensive. Don't have one, or make the guests pay for anything they drink besides Coke, Sprite, etc.

Cakes are also pricey. There are some wedding cake folk who now offer a fake cake for show and serve the guests white sheet cake that's been cut out of sight of the reception. This idea is saving brides and grooms hundreds of dollars.

If you're having a summer wedding, think about having a potluck or semi-catered barbecue (meat is provided) instead of the formal sit-down reception. Your guests will probably have a lot more fun!

Our January reception cost about $40 -- the price of two turkeys we roasted. Yes, our reception was a potluck in our home (the wedding was small enough), pets included, and it was just fine. We did the cake-cutting, the toasts, everything. And my mother, my grandmother, and my sister-in-law all made their specialty cakes (spice, German chocolate, and cheesecake), so there was plenty of dessert!

I could be shot in some circles for saying what I'm about to say, but weddings really aren't all that important -- the marriage the wedding launches is what the two of you should be focusing on. I've heard of couples who spent more on their wedding than I did on my house. Frankly, I'd rather have the house and no wedding debt and a happy marriage. Wouldn't you?