It is really important to start your marriage on the right foot, united emotionally, and without huge debt. The secret is to know what are your must-haves and what you simply do not need and will not miss. Check out these ideas to guide you save money for your wedding:

• • Start putting aside some extra savings as soon as  you get engaged. Can you challenge yourself to 50% of your income?

• • Set up a separate wedding account so you can easily track your expenditure.

• • Attack the small stuff. After a year, it will really add up. For example – make your  lunch at home and take into the office. Instead of splurging on take-out dessert, make one in the office kitchen or take from home. Instead of your pricey gym membership, why not go for a run, walk or hike? The extra cash you will save will pay for so much more at the end of the day. Besides, you may even enjoy these changes!

• • Don’t get married on a Saturday! Plenty of venues offer a discount on days which are less busy.

• • Get married at the end of the off-season. Chances are the weather will be fine and it is always much cheaper.

• • Have your ceremony and reception at the same place.

• • Find a venue which can be flexible with the vendor requirements.

• • Rent a hotel or a place that can triple as a wedding venue, housing for out-of-city wedding party participants, and secluded honeymoon venue the following week.

• • Get married at the courthouse, then put those savings into the reception.

• • Don’t feel that you must have the traditional sit-down dinner reception, consider generous cocktail food selections.

• • Do not feel you need to have endless alcohol options.

• • Choose a venue that needs little decor. Eg. garden venues.