Planning for a wedding is not an easy task.

It could be an extremely stressful, and trying time, especially as the big day approaches. When couples worry about coordinating all of the details of the wedding, just to make sure everything goes according to plan.

Probably, one of the most important details of the wedding that a couple has to decide on is the actual date of the wedding. This is usually the detail that is taken care of first. Factors in choosing a date include: the availability of the venue where the wedding will take place. Availability of friends and family on the assigned date.

Some venues where weddings are held offer discounts on days when traditionally, weddings are not held. Also, the time the wedding takes place also become a factor in the expense. For example, mornings, and afternoon receptions are somewhat more cheaper that receptions held at nighttime.

It is also advisable to set a budget, even before a couple start to make plans. This way they’d be able to organize the details according to the budget they could afford.

Once you’ve done this, you can now choose a venue for the wedding. Some places offer discounts, depending on the time of year. Just after the holidays, would be a good time to hold a wedding, if you are considering the cost. This time is not considered a ‘peak time’, therefore the price tend to be less expensive.

For couples who are about to get married, it is important to talk about the size of wedding they both have in mind. The dream wedding of one person might not be that of the other. So it is necessary for couples to discuss details regarding the arrangement of the wedding, such as: the location of the venue/reception, the number of people who get invited to the wedding reception, and the choice of entertainment.

It is important to reach an agreement pertaining to the guest list and the entourage. Whether you want to keep the wedding an intimate affair, in which case the bride and groom will just invite their family and friends; or  maybe, they’d want to make this affair, into the wedding of the century. In which case, the bride and groom get to invite the whole neighborhood, long lost relatives, high school buddies, etc., in  addition to their friends and family. When making the guest list, consider the space capacity of your chosen venue.

Hire a professional to capture this momentous occasion. Sure you friends can take good pictures, and most of them own a camcorder. But for this special occasion, you would want something special, lasting, and visually presentable. So you’d have something to remember this occasion by. This way you could also share them with your friends and family.
Don’t forget the cake! It’s best to have a tasting first, before settling on a cake. Invite your family and friends, for the cake tasting. This way, this task becomes fun for everyone!

Order wedding invitations. If you want to get creative, you can always print your own invites. This way, you can customize them, and add a more personal touch to the invitation.

Don’t forget to start looking for a wedding gown months before the wedding. This way, the bride has plenty of time to make a selection. Also, the groom should make arrangement to rent or buy a tuxedo, preferably in advance also. Just in case you encounter some trouble with the fitting, you’d have some time to make other arrangements.
Couples who don’t have enough time on their hands, or just find the preparations that go into planning a wedding too overwhelming, can always just hire a wedding planner! This way, everything gets organized and coordinated for them.

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You may heard that the average cost of a single wedding is around $27,000.

Now get ready for this one.

Can you believe that the average cost of a SECOND  wedding is around $12,000?

In other words, the first timers (probably without any experience) spend more than twice of what the second timers spend.

That tells me that having experience can save you more than $10,000.

Of course, there may be other factors like number of guests and wedding qualities. But I guarantee that experience and know-how’s are the main factors.

If you want to know how you can save $1,000’s or even $10,000’s for your wedding, I strongly recommend that you read Erica Yoon’s Amazing Wedding Planning guide. She has saved over $10,000 on her wedding and reveals just exactly how she did it.

And she will also layout the process in easy to follow step-by-step so you can duplicate the process.

For more information… visit her website

You choose whether you want to spend $27,000 or $12,000.

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Okay, the point of this blog is to save you money. In my professional, I recommend ways to avoid expenses, whys to cut back on expenses, even ways to get the same for less - but I very rarely recommend purchasing something you would not have on your list already. This is an exception.

Nearly two years ago, I subscribed to the Fire Your Wedding Planner newsletter, mostly because, as a wedding planner who tries to save her brides money, I think a wedding planner is essential for saving money! Over the months, I have been amazed at the emails that cross my desk. THIS GIRL KNOWS HER STUFF!!! She is out there helping brides avoid those wedding planners and vendors who are out there sucking every penny they can out of every bride! She is helping brides discover that they aren’t stupid - and the wedding planner is not the be all and end all - Speak Up and Reap the Benefits!

So, I recommend that you visit her site, sign up for her free newsletter, and download a FREE trail copy of her book!!! I think you will agree that the book is a worthy investment - and if not, well you don’t lose anything!

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In every couple’s life the wedding is one of the most important and emotional events, but it can also be a heavy burden when it comes to worrying about the budget. Whatever you do it will stay a meaningful outlay, but there are many ways in which you can significantly lower the costs without making this day a less exciting and special event. Planning a wedding on a tight budget is not so unachievable as it seems, you just have to plan ahead and be creative. No one ever announced that you have to invite enough guests to fill up a small town or provide the entertainment of the year to have the perfect and most remembered wedding day. In fact, depending on a smaller budget can help you aim your choices on quality, originality and to focus on the things you most care for in this special day, making your life a lot easier if you are properly disposed.

Here are a few main guiding lines for the small budget-wedding planner. One of the first choices is to decide on the location of the event, initially selecting an indoor or outdoor celebration. This will help you narrow your choices and guide you towards a particular type of decorations and arrangements. Once you have this settled down, many other details can be arranged according with your budget. If you decide to have your wedding outdoors you can already save a lot of money, and accordingly create a simple but charming atmosphere suitable for any gossip magazine. Use good taste and imagination to make the best out of your site. Choosing the right colors for the decorations, flower arrangements and even to match the wedding participants’ attire can have a great impact on the effect of the ceremony.

Styling is an art, and you can also accept the help of a few of your tasteful acquaintances to create a magical atmosphere without draining out your wallet. Here step in your innovative skills. Think deeper, use your imagination. You can easily find cheaper way than the conventional ones to deliver your needs, friends you can ask for professional help or advice, new ways to manufacture wedding favors or invitations, making them unique but not especially more expensive. Surely you have one or two friends who have artistic skills which can assist you in your wedding planning, and they will doubtlessly be glad to back you up and at the same time get a free advertisement for their work.

Even in planning this occasionally burdensome event you can settle down for a simpler but much more unique and memorable experience by simply putting your own charm in it. No need for a grandiose and extravagant wedding day to make it well remembered. With just a bit of planning ahead, spirit and good taste this special day can become a day to be remembered, but not by your wallet.

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Article submitted by our guest writer,  planning professional Igal of Weddings 4 U. Igal offers a wonderful online wedding planning guide and wedding planning software that can help you get organized, plan effectively and save money.

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So - you just got engaged, and now you to plan an affordable yet beautiful wedding but you have no idea were to start. Believe me, you are not along - wedding planning is overwhelming and most brides have no idea were to start.

The FIRST thing you should do it get organized and get your resources together. Here are the things I recommend to all brides:

1. Sign up for your Free Online Wedding Planner - it is amazing and will help keep everything in order.

2. Sign up for Stephi’s free newsletter at Fire Your Wedding Planner - it is always full of very valuable advise for an affordable wedding. She also has a very good ebook you might want to consider.

3. I also recommend purchasing the eBook Dream Weddings On A Budget (not written by me) It is one of the best out there and definitly worth the $12 price tag - it will save your hundreds if not thousands.

4. You will also need to get a notebook and pen to carry with you all the time so you can jot down ideas and take notes when your computer isn’t handy. It’s really great if you can get one with pockets so you can hold fabric samples, invitation samples, and whatever else you may pick up along the way.

Once you have those resources together, the next thing you need to do is BUDGET. You will need to set a tentative date before you begin so that you have an idea of how much time you have to save money. Then, plan a meeting with all parties involved in financing the wedding, either as a group or one on one depending on the situation - figure out how much each person can contribute - and put that together to determine what you budget will be.

After your budget has been determined, you need to set a list of priorities. What things are most important to you? Would you rather have a steak and lobster dinner with close family, or is it more important to you to have everyone there even if it means going with a cake and punch reception? Pick out the things that are really important to you first, then you can start researching ideas to sae money on the rest.

SO - you’ve got your resources, your date and your budget - what next?? Now you need to start researching venues and vendors for the best possible deal. Some things that need to be booked early include:

- locations

- caterer if you are having one

- photographer/video

- musicians/dj

- officiant

- any rentals

Well, I hope that gives you a good starting point. Enjoy the process, it does not have to be stressful, just take it one day at a time:)

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