You want your wedding to be a beautiful and special day and the good news is, it is possible to have the day of your dreams on a tight budget. Here are a few tips for doing just that-

• Cut down your guest list to just close family and friends. It's almost impossible to invite everyone anyway so at least you can honestly say it was close family and friends only if you encounter some disgruntled would-be guests.
• Hand-make your invitations, place cards and so on. You can also make your own wedding favors!
• Delivery your invitations by hand if possible and if not, try emailing an invite instead. There are hundreds of amazing and animated wedding invitations available on the internet and your guests will be able to RSVP too.
• Your wedding dress is of course very important but it doesn't have to cost the earth. Thousands of brides find their perfect dress at online auction sites such as eBay. You can get a brand new, beautifully designed dress for what equates to a few dollars if you really search.
• Try to have your wedding on a weekday rather than a Saturday. Your guests may have to book a day off work but it's unlikely that they'll mind! Mid-week wedding ceremonies are a lot cheaper - and more available - than Saturday weddings.
• For the venue of your ceremony, instead of dozens of flower arrangements as decorations, consider having candles instead. Properly arranged candles look stunning and are just as pretty as floral arrangements.
• Get your family and friends to assume certain roles in your wedding. For instance, you might have a friend who is a talented photographer or you may know someone who can play a musical instrument or is in a band and who would play at your reception.
• If you are using a caterer, tell them that you don't want to compromise on quality but you would like them to make use of cheaper menu items such as pasta dishes. Ask too if you can supply the alcohol yourself as it may well be cheaper to buy beer and wine somewhere else in bulk.
• Don't be afraid to ask people for money instead of gifts. Most people are happy to do this and it saves you ending up with ten toasters.

There are hundreds of ways to cut back on your wedding expenses and you shouldn't be afraid to try them. Your day will still be wonderful and you won't be as hard hit financially.