Plan Your Wedding on a Budget

Olga's Tips:

Get creative when looking for entertainment: "To save money, consider hiring students to play music during your ceremony. I found a music school where I hired a string quartet for considerably less than what a professional group would have charged."

Why buy what you can rent?: "If you want to wear a fabulous designer wedding gown without paying the big price, consider renting your dress. Rental prices are usually much lower than retail. When I rented my gown, the price also included alterations, the veil, and borrowing any jewelry they had in-store. The rental gown is steamed and pressed before you wear it on your wedding day, so it's fresh and beautiful for your big day."

Soak in the day: "Often couples don't get to enjoy the ceremony as it's happening. Once you're at the altar, you're facing forward most of the time. You might want to take a moment to turn around and face the guests, soaking in everything that you see. While my cousin sang a song of dedication, my husband and I turned to face our guests and take in the setting. It was beautiful! Also, don't rush off right after the ceremony to take photos, instead take a moment for yourselves. Go to a private room, sip some champagne, and enjoy the first few minutes as a married couple with only each other."