Your first assumption may be that a wedding planner is out of the question. In many cases this is true. But don't rule them out until you have talked with a few of them. He or she may be able to give some great suggestions on how you can stick to your budget. Once you start your planning, you will quickly see that it can be a little overwhelming. There are literally hundreds of photographers, pastry chefs, and florists in every city. It may help you to work with someone that knows the ropes and can help you find the companies with the highest quality work, at the most reasonable prices.

Another thing that will help you pinch pennies is to plan your wedding during the off-season. The most popular months for weddings are May through October. Most venues will lower their prices during the months that are slower, so they can fill their calendars. Ask for the price list for the entire year and also find out the dates they have open so you know what you have to work with. It is never good news to set your heart on a date, only to find out that it's booked.