Did you know that the average wedding costs over $23,000? While there is no shame in spending more or less than this, the averaged wedding costs can still add up quickly. Most brides overshoot their wedding budget goals by as much as 15%! To avoid breaking the bank with your wedding planning, here are some budget-friendly tips for brides-to-be!

Wedding Budget Tip 1:  Avoid The Busy Season

The majority of weddings occur between May and October. In fact, October is the new June. Late fall weddings and winter weddings are beautiful and allow brides to reduce costs by catching vendors and wedding supplies when they're not in great demand!

Also, consider marrying on a Friday or throughout the week. Marrying on a weekday may be less traditional, but it's a fun and unique way to make your ceremony special (and save money!). Weekend weddings are great but reception halls charge the most for Saturday evening weddings. By marrying on a Friday, you'll be able to save on the reception costs, enjoy great options for the ceremony location, and spend a three day weekend with your groom!

Wedding Budget Tip 2:  Pass Up The Dessert Tray

Wedding cakes are a huge reception expense. Since this is the most important piece at the reception, no bride wants to cut it out completely. Instead, opt for a smaller wedding cake. Also consider a cupcake wedding cake. This tasty trend allows guests to enjoy a small portion of the same great flavor. The biggest treat for you? Cupcake cakes usually run about $60 compared to hundreds for a traditional wedding cake.

If a smaller version of your dream cake won't feed everyone, consider having a sheet cake of the same flavor along with your wedding cake. An evening of dancing, drinks and good food doesn't leave much room for dessert. Consider passing up extra dessert options which quickly add up (on the hips as well)!

Wedding Budget Tip 3:  Go Green With The Wedding Flowers

Opt for more greenery in the reception arrangements. Most guests won't know which flowers are in or out of season so trim the cost of your wedding flowers by using more greenery. The wedding ceremony flowers are a beautiful addition to the ceremony but remember that this is where guests spend the least amount of time. Most spend more time at the reception so consider putting the budget emphasis on your wedding reception flowers instead.

Wedding Budget Tip 4: Go Green With The Wedding Invitations

In the age of technology and conservation, eco-friendly wedding invitations are a big perk. If you want to send standard wedding invitations, consider replacing the RSVP cards with a note on the invitation that asks guests to RSVP at your wedding website. Wedding websites will save a ton on less important wedding stationery. (Oh, and invitation liners are unnecessary. You're breaking no etiquette by opting out on these.)

Wedding Budget Tip 5:  Double Up With Wedding Favors

Wedding favors are a must-have for most brides according to traditional wedding etiquette. Wedding favors can be practical and functional though! Consider favors that double as place cards or serve a purpose after the wedding. Personalized bottles of bubbles serves as wedding favors and can be used instead of tossing rice or bird seed after the ceremony.

Wedding Budget Tip 6:  Opt For A Cocktail Reception

This is a good way to glam up your reception without spending lots of money on food and decorations. Waiters carrying trays of hor d'oeuvres is a glamorous look and a frugal choice for brides. Many wedding caterers have their own wait staff, so consider hiring a local caterer with wait staff for a glamorous but easy-on-the-wallet reception.

Wedding Budget Tip 7:  Buy The Music, Not The Band

A band at the wedding is always fun, but consider a single musician or a dj instead. Going this route with wedding reception entertainment will save costs simply because you're paying for one person instead of multiple people.

Wedding Budget Tip 8:  Share The Menus

Instead of giving each guest a menu at the reception, opt for one or two per table. These can look elegant when placed between beautiful table settings or when stood on either side of the table's centerpice. This saves paper and printing costs plus adds to the decor of the table.

Ideally, we would all have our weddings run smoothly without complications or snaffoos. (What a fun word!) However, this is rarely the case. Many prepared brides or their maids of honor come to the ceremony equipped with a bridal emergency kit. These kits help to quickly tame any wild issues that may arise so that the bride can have an unspoiled, wonderful wedding ceremony.

"What goes into a bridal emergency kit?" This is the question on everyone's mind. There are many items that can calm a range of situations. Here is a list of our favorite items to carry with you on your wedding day: Read the rest of What To Have In Your Bridal Emergency Kit »

When planning a wedding—whether large, small or in-between—a great wedding planning tip is to have an organizer to keep track of all the details—and I’m not talking about your wedding planner. Although even If you’re working with a wedding planner, it’s important to keep your own record of what you discuss and agree upon. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have it all in your head and can remember all the details. The true is as the big day approaches and the stress builds, some of those "little" details may slip out of Read the rest of Organize Your Big Day to Keep Stress Away »

Sometimes creating a wedding registry can seem like a daunting task but it really doesn't have to be. In fact, it can be one of the most enjoyable activities that you have when planning a wedding. Selecting the items that will help the bride- and groom-to-be create a happy home should be a fun and exciting event enjoyed as a couple. It is often the first activity that the newly betrothed couple makes as a couple and is a great time to spend some extra time with the person that you love. To make sure that the items that you want are on your wedding registry, here are a few (15) things to know when creating your registry. Read the rest of How To Create The Perfect Wedding Registry »

There are so many options when it comes to planning your perfect wedding in Philadelphia. Your wedding –and every detail of it—should reflect the two of you and your personalities, styles and preferences.

When deciding on your wedding ceremony site, keep in mind the overall feel you want your wedding to have. The lavish Talamore Country Club, the award-winning formal gardens of The Radnor Hotel, the natural elegance of The French Manor or the outdoor simplicity of The Wedding Chapel are all great venues, Read the rest of Tips for the Perfect Philadelphia Wedding »

Ask The Expert:

Jackie in Bushnell, Florida asks:

• Not sure what the difference is between a coordinator and a planner is?
• Is the fee for the coordinator/planner included in the budget?
• What is the going rate for that?

Wedding and Party Network:

The difference between a wedding coordinator and wedding planner/consultant is more involved than you might think. Typically a consultant/planner is involved in Read the rest of What's The Difference Between A Wedding Coordinator And Planner? »

Having a wedding in Miami, Florida means having the ability to choose from a multitude of fantastic options. If you want a simple, yet spectacular wedding on the beach, a sophisticated event in the midst of an ever-growing city, or a multicultural celebration to reflect the merging of heritages, it can all be accomplished by hiring a wedding planner!

Wedding planners in Miami, Florida have the versatility to give couples the wedding of their dreams. Diversity is key in this melting-pot city, and Miami wedding planners are prepared for anything! Whether you’re following a traditional path for your wedding plans or picking-and-choosing for an event that is Read the rest of Miami Wedding Planners: The Key To Spectacular Weddings »

It means so much to have your closest friends stand up with you on your wedding day. They will be with you through so much of the planning experience and most importantly they will be with you on your wedding day. Your bridesmaids add so much to your ceremony from support and love to most importantly their friendship. And it will mean so much to them to stand up with you.

It is an honor to be part of the wedding party, and most are very pleased to be asked. But how do you put together your wedding party without stepping on any toes; or how do you pick bridesmaids who will really be there for you through the entire process? With some thought and care you can avoid offending anyone and will end up with a happy wedding party. Read the rest of Choosing Your Wedding Attendants »

Don't wait until the last minute to consult a florist about your wedding flowers. Read the rest of When And How To Plan Wedding Flowers »