A Solid Beginning
Starting your Marriage Debt Free!

Setting a budget for your wedding can be daunting to say the least.  Today's weddings can be
so complex and the expenses can soar!  The best gift a couple can give themselves is
to start their new marriage debt free! (or almost debt free)

So before you begin to buy and spend for your wedding sit down and make a plan.
 

Income - money you have available
vs
Expenses - money you will spend

Income
Start first by figuring out how much income you are going to have available to spend. 
Don't include the amounts that "you think" you might receive as gifts.

 Talk to your parents - ask them how much they will contribute. If your a traditionalist
click here for a list as to who pays for what.

 Don't depend on your credit card unless you can pay for the bill when it comes in. 
Interest rates are extremely higher and will take longer to pay off.  Consider a loan or line of credit that can
be managed and paid off in a timely manner.  If your getting married a year from this point
start a savings plan of your own and set aside a fix amount that you can afford.

Once you have the Income figure firmly in place, then you can move on to the Expenses side
of the Planner.  Keep in mind what you have available and tighten the purse strings when temptation strikes.

Expenses

There are a couple of expenses that are fixed that you usually don't have any control over
1 - marriage license, 2 - your clergy or officiant

The next important step is to decide where you will be holding your reception. The dinner and meal will take up a huge amount of your budget.

Once you have set the when and where and the costs that are involved you can see how much available income you will have remaining.

Prioritize what's important to you then you can make adjustments elsewhere.  There are many ways to "cut costs" in wedding planning.

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO SAVE

Reduce the number of people in your wedding party
Bye off the rack for Bridesmaid gowns or buy sample wedding gowns.
A backyard reception can be fun - save lots of renting space. 
Hold the wedding and reception at the same location.
Flowers - Have a friend create you wedding flowers and bouquets - you can do it yourself. Choose flowers that are in season.

Invitations -  Rather than having a reply card, ask guests to reply online or by the telephone. Not only will you save money from the printer bill, it should also reduce your postage expense.
Another savings is to print your own invitations.  You can buy beautiful papers at your local office supply store and design your own.
If your saving for a house - a honeymoon can wait, or travel close to home and stay at a bed and breakfast.
Transportation - find a friend with a nice car.

Caterer - buffet may cost less than seated, consider a brunch, luncheon, or hors d'oeuvres reception that costs less than a dinner.

Music:  DJ's tend to be less expensive than live bands.
Guests:  Does Aunt Jo Jo really have to be invited - you haven't seen her in 20 years!  Cutting down the guest list will cut your expenses.
Photographer and/or videographer:  Don't skimp - the memories are priceless!