It's easy to believe that every wedding costs tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, after flipping through the channels. Brides dripping with diamonds, grooms riding in luxury cars, as easy as it is to get swept way into the money-madness, it's important to note that you can have your dream wedding without going broke. In other words: you can have your cake and eat it too!

There are countless wedding tips and tricks on how to save cash when tying the not, everything from making your own wedding invitations to buying a second-hand gown. However, let's talk about the big things, the things that will make your wedding the stuff of your dreams.

To start, think of what is most important to you. Did you always dream of a wedding by the beach? Do you want a sit-down meal?

Once you and your fiance have decided on one or two non-negotiables, figure out how much making that a reality will cost. Don't be afraid to get creative. If you have a favorite hotel that you want to get married in, try to schedule your event in the off-season or strike a deal, such as renting a minimum number of rooms to get a break on the ballroom. Same goes for destination weddings. It's a bit of a risk, but it could save you thousands. In addition, by hosting your event in a unique or lavish location, you have all but eliminated the need for extensive (and expensive!) decor. A few flowers here, a few candles there, and voila!

Once you have your non-negotiable, do your best not to sweat the small stuff, because it is, in fact, small stuff. Spend money on the things that mean the most to you and your family. Only you know what they love. Focus on the big things and forget the rest. If you have money left in your wedding budget, you can add the extra items later.

Just remember, at the end of the day, it's about you marrying the person you love. Keep your eyes on the big picture, spend on the big stuff and work your way down to the tiny details.

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.

Ask The Wedding Guide: My parents want to help pay for the wedding so that my fiancee and I can have a nicer ceremony. We really appreciate the help but aren't sure what to ask them to pay. We don't want to step on toes or ask too much to we thought about asking them to buy the wedding flowers. Is that appropriate? ~ Jesse J. from Fountain, Colorado.

The Wedding Guide: Jesse, great question! I love discussing wedding etiquette so I was thrilled when I came across your question. The simplest answer is that it is fine to ask your parents if they would like to provide the wedding flowers. It's not uncommon in modern weddings for many different people to have a hand in payment. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when the wedding is being paid for by more than just the couple.

First, consider your parents temperament. I say this first because of your concern for stepping on toes. It's easy to do even by accident in matters this large. You know your parents well and very likely know how to best approach them with this subject. Simply be respectful when the subject is brought up. Understand that you and your bride may have to forgo certain features in favor of compromise.

If they ask to pay for more than the wedding flowers, discuss it with your fiancee before agreeing or declining. Then again, your parents may not want to foot more than the wedding flowers. It's always a good idea to discuss this with your bride first. If you want to know about some other options, here is a recent blog about whose family pays for what under traditional wedding etiquette standards. Not to bead a dead horse or bore you with a longer answer, you may also enjoy this checklist about the roles of brides, grooms, bridesmaids and ushers in paying for the wedding.

I hope you figure out a compromise. I'm sure you'll walk the aisle of a great wedding ceremony! Don't forget to let me know how it turns out. Thanks Jesse!

I get tons of questions asking me who pays for what regarding the wedding. Does the bride pay for this? Can I pay for that? Can I ask someone to pay for this? Is it ok that the bride's family isn't paying for the wedding? Though a small novella would answer all of these questions, here is a simple checklist to let you know the traditional roles in paying for the wedding. Thank you, Emily Post.

Who Pays For What? — Traditional Expenses of The Bride or Bride's Family

• The wedding consultant (wedding planner or wedding coordinator)
• Wedding invitations, enclosure cards, announcements (all wedding stationery)
• Wedding flowers which includes the bridesmaids bouquets, wedding bouquets, and any floral decorations for the ceremony and reception.
• Wedding photographer and photographs
• Wedding videographer and video
• Any music used during the ceremony and reception
• The entire reception (yup, this is the bride's responsibility in full)
• Bridesmaids gifts and attendants gifts
• The groom's wedding ring
• Carpet for the aisle, rental of awnings, etc.
• Cost of soloists and other wedding ceremony musicians/entertainment
• A traffic officer if necessary
• The bridal party's transportation to the reception
• Transportation and lodging for officiant if invited by the bride's family
• Any accommodations (lodging, fees) for the bridesmaids and attendants
• Sexton fees

Who Pays For What? — Wedding Expenses of The Groom or Groom's Family

• The marriage license
• Grooms gift to his bride
• Gifts for groomsmen, ushers, etc.
• Formal wear accessories for groomsmen if not part of the clothing rental package
• In some regions, the bridal bouquet
• The bride's going-away corsage
• Boutonnieres for the groomsmen, ushers, etc.
• Officiant's fee or donation (this is always a groom's fee and is different than accommodations)
• Transportation for groom and best man to and from the ceremony
• The honeymoon package and expenses(yup, bride gets the reception, groom gets the honeymoon)
• The rehearsal dinner
• Accommodations for groomsmen, ushers, etc.
• Bachelor dinner if one is being held
• Transportation and lodging for groom's immediate family
• Corsages for immediate members of both families unless bride includes these in her wedding flowers package
• The bride's engagement ring and wedding ring

Who Pays For What? — Wedding Expenses of the Bridesmaids or Honor Attendants

• Apparel and all accessories
• Transportation to and from the city where the wedding is being held
• Contribution to a group gift from the bridesmaids to the bride if being given
• An individual gift to the couple if given (being in the wedding may be considered one)
• A shower or luncheon for the bride if held

Who Pays For What? — Traditional Expenses of the Best Man or Ushers

• Individual wedding attire rental
• Transportation to and from the city where the wedding is being held
• Contribution to a group gift from the groomsmen to the groom
• An individual gift to the couple if given
• A bachelor dinner or luncheon if held

Who Pays For What? — Traditional Expenses of Out Of Town Guests

• Transportation to and from the wedding
• Lodging expenses
• Wedding gift

This may seem like a lot to absorb at one time. Don't worry about it! Print this list off and keep it for later. I hope this is helpful when you're creating the budget for your wedding. It's always nice to know who pays for what!

Many people still remember the popular tradition of having the bride's family pay for the wedding. Modern brides and couples, however, often pay for much of the wedding ceremony and reception. With such a shift in roles, it can often be confusing to know who is "supposed" to pay for many of the items in your wedding budget. Another great wedding checklist, this quick breakdown of today's accepted practices will help clear up any confusion.

The family of the bride is typically responsible for:

• All of the reception costs including the reception location, food, decorations, entertainment, etc.
• Bridesmaids bouquets and wedding flowers
• Wedding ceremony music
• Wedding photographer and photographs, wedding videographer and videos
• The bridal gown and accessories
• Transportation and parking expenses (validation) for the wedding ceremony and reception
• Wedding invitations, stationery, etc.
• The groom's wedding gift and wedding ring

The family of the groom is typically responsible for:

• The marriage license
• Officiant's fee, officiant's tip
• The bride's wedding gift and wedding ring
• All groomsmen gifts
• The bridal bouquet and corsage
• Mother, grandmother corsages
• Boutonnieres for the groomsmen and groom's party
• All of the rehearsal dinner costs including location, entertainment, caterer and food, etc.
• The honeymoon
• Ties and gloves for the groomsmen and groom's party