Recently engaged couples are some of the happiest people on the planet. Unfortunately, their bliss often starts to fade under the enormous pressures of wedding planning. If you want to keep your wedding as simple and inexpensive as possible, consider the following tips.

Just Keep it Simple

You may be dreaming of the perfect, fairytale wedding. However, if you do not have the time and money needed to create such a wedding, trying to do so will only cause financial hardship and unneeded stress. So, if you have lots of money to spare and can afford a wedding planner and all the other luxuries, then go ahead. Otherwise, you will need to keep the wedding small and simple so that you and your friends and family can take care of the various arrangements yourself. Even a simple wedding will provide you with plenty of memories to cherish for a life time.

Location, Location, Location

If you know anything about real estate, then you understand the importance of location. Many restaurants, hotels, and other luxury sites offer wedding receptions, but if you only look at places that advertise themselves as perfect for wedding receptions, you will come up with a very pricy list. Instead, try looking for parks. Although not all city and state parks advertise it, most can be rented out for private use at a very low fee. Parks are usually both beautiful and spacious, and they often have inside areas that are available to rent as well.

Even better, if you own a large backyard, consider hosting the wedding reception there. If you do not personally own the necessary property, you may be able to use the backyard of a close friend or relative. If the yard is not in the best condition, you may need to perform some renovation. Although this will require some time and money, it will probably still cost less than it would to rent a site. Plus, the renovations will be appreciated long after the wedding is over. If you are hosting the wedding at a friend’s or relative’s place, consider the renovations a thank you for their kindness.

Catering

Of course, parks and private homes will not include catering. If you want to offer a full meal to your guest, shop around until you find the best deal. Also consider a simple champagne and dessert reception. These receptions are perfect for a casual mid-afternoon wedding, and they are a lot less expensive that receptions with full meals. And who doesn’t love champagne and dessert? If you want to keep costs to a bare minimum, you can serve champagne and cake only. If you want to offer a little bit more, you can also serve other types beverages and some cookie, cheese, and fruit platters.

Simple receptions like these can be catered, but this really is not necessary. The cake can be purchased through almost any bakery; grocery store bakeries often offer fairly inexpensive wedding cakes. The cheese, fruit, and cookies can also be purchased at a grocery store. You can buy pre-made platters, or you can save a little additionally money by arranging the platters yourself.

Keep It Small

No matter what you decide to feed your guests, the cost of a wedding reception is still directly related to the number of guests attending. Although you may want to share your bliss with half the world, it just is not practical to invite half the world to your reception. And, if you are holding the wedding at a small park or in a private backyard, there simply will not be room for a large number of people.

When creating your guest list, try to invite only the people to whom you are very close. If acquaintances nosily ask why they are not invited, just be honest and tell them that although you would love to have them at the reception, you simply cannot afford it.

Photographers

Although you will probably want a wedding photographer, you do not have to spend a lot of money on an experienced professional. Many photography students already have portfolios attesting to the quality of their work. Additionally, they need the experience and are usually willing to work for a fraction of the price that professionals with just a little more experience, and quite possibly no more talent, would charge. Try advertising your need of a wedding photographer at the art schools in your area.

Instead of hiring a photographer, some people simply supply their guests with disposable cameras. The guests have fun taking pictures, and the bride and groom get to keep some of the prints. This is an increasingly popular trend that you should consider.

The Perfect Dress

No wedding is complete without the perfect wedding dress. However, the wedding dress is often the most expensive part of the wedding. Although a beautiful dress is important, it should not compromise the financial future of a couple. Start looking for your dress as soon as possible; this will give you time to wait for it to go on sale. Also consider buying your dress online. Many of the dresses that you will find in the store are also available through the Internet at a considerably reduced price. Many women find the perfect dress at a store, try it one, and then look for it online.

If All Else Fails

Even if you follow all of these tips, the cost of a wedding can still add up. If you simply cannot afford a wedding ceremony and reception, consider eloping. After all, the wedding is supposed to be your day, not the guest’s day. So whatever you need to do to make sure that you have a good time, even if that means eloping. If a courthouse wedding does not appeal to you, you may be able to get married on your honeymoon; Las Vegas is always an option. Once you return home, you can have a more casual party with friends and family to celebrate. In the future, when you are more financially stable, you can renew your vows with a bigger ceremony and reception.