Wedding Planning, Part II

So, you've found that perfect location for your wedding, huh? Great! Next, you need to think about the budget. Let's be honest here – if you put off setting the budget, you'll just end up spending all your money on flowers. And then, you'll have to settle for a bargain basement dress and a wedding ring made from one of those twist ties you get off a loaf of sliced bread... So set your budget now and avoid the disappointment of having to serve your dinner guests SPAM salad sandwiches and day-old doughnuts, later.

And when you're setting your budget, there are several things to keep in mind. First, be realistic. Did you know that the average American couple spends between $18,000 and $30,000 on their wedding? Well... they do. And though there are certainly ways to shave that number down, it is still very important to think realistically. Your wedding is going to be an expensive day. So plan ahead. Determine who is contributing money to the wedding (you, your fiance, your parents, your future divorce attorneys, etc.), how much each person can contribute, and if you will need to take out a small personal loan to make up for any financial shortfalls.

Second, once you have set the number for your budget, immediately decide which of your wedding day hopes and dreams need to be cut. (Think of it like removing a Bandaid – one quick rip and the pain is all over.) For example, you probably will need a pair of rings. And since those rings will most likely be with you for a while, I suggest you spend the extra money to purchase something you like. But you probably can live without the flocking white doves. And I think you certainly will survive without that gilded crystal, champagne-spouting fountain you've dreamt of since childhood. So strike those extravagances immediately, and then focus on how to spend your budget wisely. It's all about getting the most out of every wedding dollar.

And third, you can really cut down on the cost of a wedding by using slave labor. (And by slave labor I mean – volunteering your friends and family members to perform certain wedding ceremony jobs for free.) For instance, instead of hiring a band or DJ, why not ask your cousin Elmer to bring his iPod? That'll save you some money. And a wedding cake prepared by your mother will not only look as beautiful, but it will also be cheaper and perhaps even taste that little bit better. So recruit as many friends and family members to help as possible, and save yourself some dough.

Until next week, I wish you good luck planning your wedding.