As much as you need finances to pull off a wedding, it is possible to do so within your financial means.

Take the time to ask yourself...

1) Why am I getting married?

• a) I've found my soul mate
• b) I strive for the attention
• c) I need to furnish my new house

2) What do I plan to gain from my wedding day?

• a) A life long journey with the one I love
• b) The party
• c) The gifts

3) What am I looking forward to the most on my wedding day?

• a) The moment we say "I do"
• b) The reception
• c) The honeymoon

If you answered "a" for all 3 questions you're getting married for the right reasons. A small intimate ceremony and celebration within your budget is all you need.

Don't get me wrong, everyone deserves the day of their dreams but if it's financially out of reach, you're setting yourself up for stress which ultimately leads to an unhappy experience. The only overwhelming feeling you should experience on your wedding day is the love you feel for each other.

Establish a solid budget and work with it! Plan ahead! Pay as you plan!

As a business owner, I personally would prefer to know that my customers are making choices and purchases they can live with financially rather than have them choose not to get married because they feel they can't afford it. A little bit is always better than nothing at all.

Before making any purchasing decisions, make it a habit of asking yourselves...

"Is this a necessity?"

"Do I really need this to make my wedding day complete?"

Here are a few suggestions I commonly make for keeping a wedding budget in balance.

Bridal Gown

          There are many dresses that are of designer quality at affordable prices

          Most every bridal store has a sale rack

          Watch for promotions

          Make payments, most places only require a deposit to place an order and you have until the dress arrives to pay off the balance.

Wedding Party

          There are several inexpensive bridesmaid dresses available and they usually have the option to pay a      deposit to get them ordered.

          In most cases the groom's tuxedo is free. If you're concerned about cost for the rest of your wedding party, choose a tux package that's affordable.

Cut back on attendants, you're only required to have 2 witnesses. With that said the maid of honor could easily find a dress off the rack and the groom and best man has the option to purchase a nice suit.

          If you're faced with the dilemma of having a large family and many friends all of whom you'd planned to take part in your wedding, consider making them honorary attendants and list them in the church program as such. Who knows, they may be grateful not to have the expense.

Ceremony and Celebration

          You're standing at the altar with your floral bouquet in hand, significant other at your side and witnesses, what more do you need?

          Cut back on your guest list. Send invitations to your immediate family and closest friends and after the wedding send an announcement to others you may have invited.

          Years ago the reception consisted of a pot luck meal in the church basement.

Floral and Decorations

          Keep it simple, less is always best.

    Ask reliable family and friends to take care of the decorating.

          Resource and recycle, if you know someone who purchased decorations for their wedding and they have them in boxes collecting dust, ask to borrow them. Everything can be personalized.

Photos and Videos

          Everyone needs photos and a video is a wonderful way to see what you may have missed, but do you really need to buy the largest package?

Always know that every situation has a solution, every budget can be balanced and every wedding is ultimately what you make of it.

The Perfect Wedding - Knowing you're starting the rest of your life with the one you love and that you have family and friends there to support you and share in your joy