Ways to save your money! Reasons too!

Like you really need one but seriously some people really think it isn't possible to have a wedding under $2000! I have seen people do it and yes you may not get a chariot of horses with a golden monogram but what you do get is the satisfaction that you have no surprise bills, no credit card debt and no secret fees that will suck you dry. Here are my tips which I will constantly go over in my blog. In fact you may see this exact article again like every three months cus its that important!!! so lets do it, shall we?!

• First Question is how much do people in your area spend on their weddings? Check out http://www.costofwedding.com/ to see whats going on your area. Its all ridiculous if you ask me.

• What should your wedding budget look like if you are to SAVE your money. (esp. if your wedding is going to be under $2000!) here's a look:

I generally think that a wedding of 50 or less people can be any where from $1,500 to $3,000 if done on a budget. From 50 or more people can be done from $5,000 to 10,000 if done on a budget. I plan on 50 or less. maybe 60.

Here's a basic chart: Your Wedding Budget Worksheet

My Total Budget ___________ Expenses % of total budget Ceremony Location fee, officiant fee, marriage license, musician's fees, ring pillows = 3% or less Reception Reception Site, Food, Drinks, Rentals, Cake, Favors should be= 48% or less Attire Dress, Headpiece/veil, undergarments and hosiery, shoes, accessories, jewelry, hair and makeup, Groom's Tuxedo or Suit, shoes, bow tie, cuff links, studs, suspenders =10% or less Flowers Ceremony, bride's bouquet, maid-of-honor and bridesmaid bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, centerpieces, flower-girl basket =8% or less Music Ceremony Musicians, Band and/or DJ, cocktail hour musicians, sound system rental =8% or less Photography Photographer and Videographer's fees, albums, additional prints, disposable cameras for candids =12% or less Transportation Transportation for wedding party, guest shuttle and/or parking attendants =2% or less Stationery Invitations, response cards, thank you notes, postage, calligraphy, guest book =3% or less

Gifts Bridesmaid and groomsmen, parents, welcome baskets for out-of-town guests. 3% or less

I didnt include rings either. Now after seeing this you may be tempted to pull out your credit card. Dont you even dare. Credit card debt is a serious issue. If you do use credit cards make sure you can pay it back with in two weeks! Forget about a loan. A $5000 loan at only 14% interest will take 49 months to payoff with $500 a month payments. If you miss a payment you will get a higher interest rate (normally 27% which will take 55 months!)

• The next question is "how do you save money?"

So how do you do it? By living within or below your means. And adding to your income. Instead of buying lunch, bring it in a brown paper bag. Try taking the train instead of driving, pay less gas. There are many ways to save money, just look at your bank statement and ask yourself: "where is my money going?" I found out I eat too much. Also, do you bake? Bake cakes for the holidays and sell them! Can you knit? Well then, get the knitting girl! Can you get another job like a parttime job? During the holidays alot of retail stores need the extra help. Whatever you can do to add more to your savings pot, do it.

• Dealing with the C word: Cheap! (Which really means cost effective)

And dont feel bad about saving money when you see others doing whatever. You dont know what their financial commitments are. Also you are not alone, Check this out:

Watch more ClipSyndicate videos on AOL Video

Here's a link: http://wcbstv.com/video/?id=99982@wcbs.dayport.com

The crunch will be worth it when you are walking down the aisle to your beloved. You can have an elegant wedding with out the price tag if you can be realistic with your expectations. love ya thanks!