• Wedding cake doesn't have to break the bank.wedding cake image by cherie from Fotolia.com
  
  A wedding is one of the biggest days of a couple's life. There are childhood dreams to play out, dresses in store windows to lust after, and friends you haven't seen in ages who you hope will celebrate your union with you. It's important, it's going to be lovely, but it doesn't have to be (all that) expensive.
  
  

Invitation List

• candles at the sides of arched way image by L. Shat from Fotolia.com
  
  A wedding is such a joyous time. Some couples want to go through their phone books and invite everyone. After all, the more the merrier! However, if you are trying to keep costs low, you need to prune your list. Sure, Aunt Martha will want to come, but Aunt Martha's cousins that are not directly related to you don't need to. Same thing with work--you don't have to invite everybody; in fact, you don't have to invite anyone from work. You can explain it's a small reception, family only.
  
  

Wedding Cake

• While cakes can be very expensive, in the $1,000+ range, they don't have to be. If you're on a budget, you have a few options. One is getting a small, tiered cake and having sheet cakes behind the scenes that you can cut for guests. Cupcakes are another option, one you can bake at home. Perhaps a friend or neighbor could bake a pretty, home-baked cake as a wedding gift to you.
  
  

Wedding Clothes

• Check with your mom to see if she still has her dress. You may have to alter and update it, but it's an honor for her to see you in her dress. If that's not an option, check a thrift store. Most stores have a rack of wedding dresses people. They too, can be altered for fit and style. Off the rack you can find pretty white or off-white dresses. They are usually significantly cheaper than the dresses you'd find at a bridal store.
  
  You don't need a lot of bridesmaids. If you have one, let her know your colors and allow her to make a choice. Be specific about what you want and don't want.