How To Avoid Wedding Bell Blues

Did you know that August was one of the top months for weddings? It may be too late to save for a wedding that is only weeks away, but for those of you who are planning a wedding in another year or two, it's never too late to start planning and saving. Whether your are planning a wedding on a grand scale or having an intimate backyard affair, weddings can cost a bundle and send you into stress mode real fast. While you and your fiance are basking in the after glow of love, don't be blinded by that diamond. Make sure you sit down and talk realistically about what you can afford and who will pay for what. It's not unrealistic for couples to chip in now for their own wedding and that both sets of parents share expenses what with the rising cost of weddings. When polled, 37% of couples were planning on contributing to their wedding financially which is a good thing since the average wedding (150 people) will cost around $25,000 and even higher in urban areas. If you don't have that kind of cash and neither do your parents and you don't want to spend the first five years of your marriage paying off that debt, consider cutting costs whereever and whenever you can. You can easily cut costs on things like wedding favors, flowers, attendants' gifts, table linens and invitations. Don't be afraid to ask your friends for ideas too. Networking and making connections may be a really good way to cut costs on these and other things as well like the wedding dress and tuxedo rentals. If you really don't have enough money, then don't be afraid to think outside the box. You may end up with a totally unique experience fo you and your guests, while saving yourself a bundle. Whatever you do, make sure you both agree on these things so you can get your marriage off to a good start.