Weddings are a very complex gathering to plan and execute. First, there's picking out a location, selecting a theme or color scheme, getting the cake, ordering catering, inviting everyone in both families, and the list goes on and on. The biggest and most over looked aspect of a wedding, however, is most certainly the budget.

Everyone wants to have the perfect wedding. Some times it's because the bride is the "princess" or daddy's little girl. Other times, the couple together just have expensive taste. Either way if the budget isn't kept in check it will be one expensive wedding.

Now keeping a budget doesn't mean you can't spend money. Certainly, a wedding is a special event for everyone involved and a gathering this large simply isn't going to be cheap. I'm not saying to drastically cut corners either. Bad food and entertainment will upset company, a bad location could disrupt the joyful mood and not having enough bear would certainly upset the portion of the family you'd rather not have come.

What I want you to do is save money on stuff that mostly doesn't matter. Take any sort of ribbon, bow or streamer. These things don't need to be made of silk! Obviously, silk looks really nice but a cheaper replacement could easily be found at a dollar store or a hobby shop like Michaels. You'd be surprised at the savings found at hobby shops.

To take it up a notch further make your own decorations. Recruit your mom, mother-in-law, that sister that owes you one, and any other family members. Bring them together and design and craft your own centerpieces, or floral arrangements. Know someone who loves to sew? Buy plenty of clean, white cloth at a store and have someone sew them together to create table cloths.

Take advantage of any gardeners you know and ask them to make simple floral centerpieces. Get some similar vases at a thrift shop or on Ebay and you have some cheap, yet beautiful, centerpieces.

I realize a lot of my suggestions result in a lot of work but nothing comes for free. If you want someone else to take this load on for you then go ahead pay someone to do it. However, if you're on a tight budget and have some resourceful friends and family, don't be afraid to take advantage of it. You may owe some favors but, in the end, you'll save money on your wedding and be closer to everyone you love. What's not to like there?