| Weddings these days are far from cheap. The | | | | left over by however many months there are until |
| average wedding in the U.S. is estimated to cost | | | | your wedding. This is what you reasonably can expect |
| $20,000, and a wedding in a large city can cost almost | | | | to save. If it doesn't seem like enough, take another |
| double that amount. In addition, couples are often | | | | look at your expenditures and see if there are any |
| foregoing traditional means of paying for their | | | | areas where you can make some cuts. Common |
| weddings (like asking parents for support) in order to | | | | areas here are on gas and on luxury items like movies, |
| prove that they can do it on their own. | | | | cigarettes, and going out to eat. |
| With this in mind, many companies are popping up | | | | * Shop Around - It can be very tempting to go out and |
| around the world that offer financing for weddings. | | | | take the first deal you are offered on the different |
| There are special loans that can be taken out for | | | | services you will need for your wedding, but don't. |
| weddings as well as the old stalwart, the credit card. | | | | Remember that shopping for your wedding services is |
| All of these alternative finance options, however, have | | | | the same as any other shopping trip; if you look hard |
| several disadvantages. To start with, many of them | | | | enough, you are bound to get some good deals. Make |
| charge interest the moment you borrow the cash. | | | | sure that what you purchase fits into your budget. |
| Loans are generally lower interest than credit cards, | | | | One way a couple can save significant amounts of |
| but in either case, a couple must ask themselves if | | | | money is by scheduling their wedding outside of the |
| they really want to start out their married lives in debt. | | | | busy season. The early months of summer means |
| Believe me, money will come up enough in your | | | | that weddings compete not only with other |
| marriage as a stress factor; you don't want to start | | | | ceremonies but also with college, university, and high |
| out with this as the groundwork! | | | | school graduations. Most wedding vendors also cater |
| In order to avoid going into debt for your wedding, | | | | to graduations, so prices will be at a premium. Try and |
| there are a number of things you can do. | | | | schedule your wedding during the off season; many |
| * Plan Ahead - Nothing is worse than waiting, but in the | | | | vendors are looking to make some unforeseen money |
| case of a wedding, time between the engagement | | | | during a time of the year when they are traditionally |
| and the wedding day is all time to save money. A year | | | | slow, so the chances are that you will receive much |
| is pretty good, but you should try for anywhere from a | | | | better rates. |
| year to eighteen months. Anything longer will probably | | | | The expensive prospect of a wedding does not mean |
| prove unbearable. | | | | that you need to go into debt. It is much better if you |
| * Budget! - Make a budget right away, and stick to it. | | | | do not start your new life out in a financial hole. |
| First, take a look at your monthly financial situation. | | | | Planning ahead is key to making sure that your |
| Remember to include all of your regular expenses as | | | | wedding can fit into your financial picture. |
| well as money for emergencies. Multiply whatever is | | | | |