Weddings are big business. According to theknot.com, somewhere around 2.4 million couples marry each year, spending anywhere from hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars on each ceremony. As you begin to make your plans, you'll quickly find out how costs can add up.  A budget should be one of your first priorities, because determining your bottom line will help you decide what style of wedding you'll have-informal, formal, large, small, etc.

Use the following basic budget planner to get an idea of what your expenses will be. How-to books or bridal magazines will help you think of every possible expense that could come up. Be as complete as possible in figuring your budget, and you'll avoid last-minute unexpected costs.

Wedding Budget

If you've compared the potential expenses with what you can afford and things look tight, there are many ways to cut costs. You may want to forego the limousine, have the ceremony flowers transferred to the reception, have a family member take photographs and videos, or serve a buffet-style dinner. Also, many couples are skipping the big wedding altogether and getting combined marriage/honeymoon packages. If getting married on the beach and starting your honeymoon as soon as you say "I do" sounds appealing, this cost-effective approach may be right for you.

Finally, talk over who will cover the costs. In the past, the bride's parents paid for most of the wedding. Today, there are no rules. Both the bride and the groom may contribute, and the groom's family may foot some of the costs. A word to the wise, however: Lots of folks think a contribution entitles them to offer an opinion. So if you're accepting money, be prepared-and be gracious-if it is accompanied by advice.