How I did it:

I spent months researching locations, decorations and unique ideas for my once-in-a-lifetime celebration. Almost on the verge of full-blown bridezilla, I read The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big after a friend raved about the how-to-guide. The book broke up the wedding planning process into manageable tasks and provided useful checklists. In the end, I decided to hire wedding planner—a godsend and worth every penny—I really think this book is all you need to pull off a fantastic affair if there is no room in your budget for to hire a planner.

Lessons & tips:   

•  Create a special wedding savings account and either deposit an earmarked sum or divert part of your paycheck to the account monthly.
• Survey the special talents of friends, co-workers and people in your extended network and barter with them (offer to pay their hotel room and travel expenses for DJ services). Having your friends involved will make the day extra special and save you money.
• Forget about trying to please everyone. Faraway relatives will complain about the travel costs, finicky eaters will likely hate the entree choices, bridesmaids will scowl at the dress options and parents will raise their eyebrows at every decision and dollar amount. Find a way to politely ignore such opinions.
•  If possible reduce your working hours, or stop working, 1-3 weeks before the wedding to take care of last minute to-dos and out-of-town guests.
• Choose as a couple to splurge on important items (we spent more than average on photography) and skimp on details that you and guests won't notice (we scaled back the floral and ceremony decorations)
• Don't buy every bridal magazine on the newsstand or you'll go crazy trying to recreate a Martha Stewart wedding without breaking the bank. Instead read articles or Web sites for tips or designs from local vendors, which are far more attainable.
• Designate a friend to be the master of ceremonies for the reception to introduce speakers and make announcements such as the cake cutting and first dance. 
• If you don't hire a wedding planner, ask a friend to serve as coordinator for the day to serve as your liaison with vendors.

Resources:

The Wedding Book: The Big Book for Your Big Day
True Colors Events
Brides.com
Seattle Metropolitan Bride & Groom
The Knot

Nov 03, 2008, 08:21PM PST | 2 comments | 4 cheers