He's popped the question. And you said "Yes!" Congratulations on your upcoming wedding, one of the most anticipated and important days of your entire life. You want it to be a one-of-kind, Cinderella-like, unforgettable and memorable occasion for both you and your guests. So now the planning begins. With literally a thousand things to arrange before the big day, this is going to take some real decision making. Where do you start in planning for the "perfect" wedding? As with everything else that involves marriage, it is vitally important that you discuss the event with your future spouse. Communication between partners is absolutely vital for a strong and enduring marriage. It is important to get your life as a married couple off to a good start and talking with your partner about the upcoming wedding is an excellent place to begin.

No doubt, weddings can be expensive. The average cost of a wedding today is near $25,000 and the wedding industry makes $25.3 billion a year. But your wedding need not bankrupt you or your parents in order for it to be as unique and special as you want it to be. With a little guidance, a few tips and some recommendations we can fulfill your fantasy wedding dreams without starting married life in serious financial difficulty.

First, talk to your partner about expectations. How do you see the wedding? Do you want a formal wedding in a grand cathedral or something more casual? Will it be a large wedding or a small, intimate ceremony with family and a few friends? Indoor ceremony or outdoors? Next, begin to budget for the items the two of you have agreed upon.

Determining when you get married can actually affect your wedding budget. According to TheKnot.com, June, August and September are the most popular months for marriages. The more popular your wedding month, the less choice you'll have about the date, the site, cake makers, flowers, photographers, etc. The most popular day of the week is Saturday, so you can save money by having your nuptials on Friday night or a Sunday.

To save additional money, up to $500 in most cases, you can print the invitations yourself; simply Google "wedding invitation template" and locate scores of sites with downloadable invitation styles. With the newer technology (copiers and printers) your personally crafted invitations will be as stylish as they come.

The reception is where the wedding costs can truly get out of hand. Statistics show that an average of 189 guests attend a wedding. A large number. To limit expenses, try to keep your guest list to a minimum. You don't need to invite every person you have met since high school. Instead of a three course meal, why not choose a hot and cold buffet. Instead of using an expensive hotel suite for the reception, why not consider having it at someone's home, private club or even book a restaurant. Keep an open bar to a minimum.

Weddings can be expensive if you want them to be. However, there are many cost-cutting ideas that would allow you keep some money aside for a romantic honeymoon or a down payment on your new house. With a little imagination and some help from family and friends, you can have a luxurious wedding for much less money.

About the Author
Larry Denton is a retired history teacher having taught 33 years at Hobson High in Hobson, Montana. He is currently V.P. of Elfin Enterprises, Inc., an Internet business providing useful and valuable information on a variety of timely topics. For a chapel full of cost-savings tips and advice about your perfect wedding, visit http://www.WeddingWalk.com