Weddings are important events for both the couple being married and their families. A lot of people think weddings have to be expensive, but that is not so. You can have a beautiful wedding without debt. All it takes is a little inspiration, a few ingenious measures, and the ability to do so without sending yourself to the poorhouse.

If you plan on doing the catering yourself, then you need to visit wholesale food stores. When shopping wholesale, you can get large amounts of food for cheaper than you could if you did not wholesale shop. Ask friends to help on food, too.

Purchasing a wedding gown online may save you several hundred dollars initially. For example, you may purchase your dress for $100, but you need to spend an additional $200 on alterations. Include this additional cost when you plan for your budget.

Make sure that you listen to all the speeches before the big day so you can remove anything that is inappropriate. Certain jokes or comments might not sit well with certain age groups.

Include elements that tell about you, your spouse and the relationship. Find a theme or topic that reflects your time as a couple.

If the thought of a cake that costs thousands of dollars and packs on thousands of calories ruins your appetite, check with local and specialty bakers and inquire about individually sized portions. Many bakeries offer small tarts or mini-cakes that come in healthier options, like fresh fruit-filled, gluten-free or vegan options.

For any stylish and fashion forward bride, there is always the option to add some flare to a bouquet with a splash of diamonds, rhinestones or Swarovski crystals. You can achieve this look by using heat-fixed or adhesive crystals or small pieces of costume jewelry. Consistency is important in regards to stone sizes, cuts and the colors that sparkle, as all this needs to coordinate with your overall ensemble.

Give your guests a schedule of events in order for all of your guests, including those from out-of-town, will know what events they should make time for and attend. Give them clear direction, times to be there and what they need to bring, so that things go smoothly.

If you are planning on serving multiple courses, keep guests entertained during serving with tiny portions of sweet appetizers near each guest. Consider sugar roses which match the wedding colors.

Since they take such a huge chunk of your wedding budget, make good choices when planning your centerpieces. Avoid large and complicated centerpieces; choose simple, elegant ones instead. People will find it easier to converse across the table without a huge centerpiece getting in their way.

As an example, you might want to try a menu that includes popular contemporary fusion dishes. Add a little twist with ethnic drinks, desserts or wedding favors that are edible.

Maximize your first session with a planner by doing some research first. Take a tip from stylists and fashion designers. Create a look book and/or a mood board of inspirational tidbits, imagery and fabric swatches that will help you envision the big day. Use clippings from magazines or pictures and even lyrics to songs to let your planner know what you want.

While a lot of effort may go into planning a beautiful wedding, just remember that it does not have to be extravagantly expensive. These ideas will help to make your special day memorable.