Planning a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner on a Budget

The rehearsal dinner allows you to thank your wedding party for helping to make your big day special. Typically the groom's family pays for the rehearsal dinner. However, not everyone understands this protocol (my in-laws didn't). If your in-laws aren't forthcoming about whether they will pay for the rehearsal dinner, proceed under the assumption that they aren't. It's not worth creating drama over (weddings usually cause enough drama to go around!). Plan your own rehearsal dinner and consider these budget friendly options.  Planning a Wedding Rehearsal Dinner on a Budget 

How We Got Cheap Wedding Rings for Bride and Groom Under $200

When we got married, my husband and I paid for our wedding and reception. To cut costs, we looked for cheap wedding rings. For less than $200 we bought a diamond engagement ring, woman's wedding ring and man's wedding ring. 25 years later we're still wearing those wedding bands. Here's how we saved. How We Got Cheap Wedding Rings Under $200

My Cheap Wedding Reception Under $800

 My husband and I paid for our own wedding and reception. We paid everything off in advance, incurred no debt and charged nothing. Our cheap wedding reception cost under $800 for 150 people, including food, cake, decorations, music, flowers, equipment and hall rental. This was 25 years ago, but I could still do it today and so can you. Just follow our frugal lead.  My Cheap Wedding Reception Under $800 

Cheap Wedding Dresses Under $100--New and Used

There's an insidious and unfair misnomer that you can't have a cheap wedding that's nice. Saving money on weddings doesn't mean you have to sacrifice quality. Planning a budget wedding? Good girl--you're smart. You're doubtless looking for cheap wedding dresses. I'm the bargain-minded bride's go-to gal for bridal gowns under $100. Some online vendors offer free shipping, too. Check these sources for a cheap wedding dress.  Where to Find Cheap Wedding Dresses Under $100 

How We Paid Off Our Wedding Without Incurring Debt

My husband and I are celebrating 25 years of wedded bliss this year. When we got married, we paid for the wedding, honeymoon and most of the reception ourselves. We came back from our honeymoon debt-free and I'm glad we did. Money woes are major relationship-killers. We have friends who were in divorce court before their wedding was paid off. Here are ways to avoid wedding debt.

* Prioritize. Pick which wedding elements are important to you. Cake, attire, alcohol, location, accommodations, flowers, food, music, decorations--decide which of these you want to splurge on and go light with the rest. If you want it all, set a manageable budget for each aspect and don't deviate from it. Read more at  How We Paid Off Our Wedding Without Incurring Debt