Your engagement is a happy time, but the expenses and expectations of a wedding that is getting out of control can cause many problems. There are numerous steps that you can take to keep within your wedding budget. As you begin preparing, follow through and apply as many of the below tips as needed to see what kind of funds you can save up behind the scenes.

Typically, a wedding dress costs a lot of money. If you are not looking for a traditional, princess type ballgown, consider looking into other types of dresses. You should check out the selection of bridesmaid dresses at the bridal store. One could fit your style at only a fraction of the cost. Even if the dress needs alterations, it could still be cheaper than an actual wedding dress.

Of course, the focus of your wedding should be on the person whom you plan to marry. Don’t make this choice in a hurry. Think about this person and what things will drive you crazy, along with what you can’t live without.

Look to renting diamonds for your special day if you are on a strict budget but still want to have that special look. This helps you turn heads during the ceremony without turning your bank balance into a bunch of zeroes.

Make sure that you carefully consider what to include in your vows, as they will be something that your future spouse remembers forever. Understand that marriage requires an endless commitment from both parties and that sacrifices often have to be made. Your vows should fully capture your feelings and dedication to your partner.

If you’re terrified at the thought of spending a fortune on a wedding cake loaded with calories, talk to local bakeries about something with a smaller portion size. Some specialty bakeries also ship fresh, low-cal cupcakes and healthy fare, like gluten-free options if you so desire.

Aim for a mid-day reception. You can cut down on bar costs when you have a reception during the day, when people tend to drink less. Furthermore, lunch receptions are often less expensive than dinner receptions. This allows you to add more to your menu or use the savings elsewhere.

The lighting in your venue should be able to be dimmed. You may not think about it in advance, but you may want the lights turned down a bit during some dances or for the cake cutting. Verify this with the venue, before signing your contract.

When you are planning table seating, try to set guests in pairs, so you can ensure every table has an even number of those sitting at it. It’s also a good idea to have people of similar ages all at one table because they will tend to have more in common.

A piece of fabric that matches your cake can be placed on a table and function as the focal point. Good options include designer prints, novelty fabrics or special occasion fabrics like satin, velvet or silk.

If one of your friends or relatives becomes ordained over the Internet, he or she can preside over your wedding ceremony. This adds a personal touch to your ceremony, and also saves you on the costs of an officiant. However, be sure to check all the required legalities before you opt for this.

You can have a wonderful wedding without going overboard. It is possible to have your dream wedding and keep your wallet full by choosing to follow the advice from this article.