As young people in these rough economic times, it’s difficult entering the job market.  On top of that, try planning a wedding when you don’t have a job!  Even if you do have a job, weddings can be pricey.  Can you still have a fabulous wedding on a small (or even miniscule) budget? Of course!  Here are a few ways to help you pinch those pennies.

Book off-season. 
If you’ve already starting planning a wedding, you’ve probably discovered this little “secret.”  Back in the day, summer months were the months for weddings.  Today, that’s not so much the case.  Nevertheless, some venues and vendors still have “off-seasons” where their schedules aren’t as busy.  They may offer lower prices during this time, so figure out when the off-season is in your area (hint: they still tend to be the cooler months).

Book off-day. 
Similar to the suggestion above, booking your wedding on a non-traditional wedding day like Thursday or Friday can save you mega bucks.  Often, venues aren’t booked and other vendors aren’t as busy on these days so they may offer discounted rates.  The only downside?  Your guests may have to take a day or two off of work in order to attend.  Don’t be offended if they can’t come because they are unable to take the day off.

Follow blogs and find deals online. 
Wedding blogs are a huge resource for a couple planning a wedding (though I admit, I’m a bit biased).  Not only can you find everything from DIY ideas to inspiration, but many offer tons of giveaways and coupon codes for their readers.  Beware – once you enter the wedding blogosphere, it’s hard to get out!

Break tradition.   
Instead of feeling the need to have a plated or buffet dinner for all of your guests, get a little more creative.  Have a cocktail and hors d'oeuvres reception or drinks and dancing alongside a dessert bar.  Not only do options like these cut down on food costs, they can help you save on things like centerpieces and rentals you would otherwise need for dinner and seated guests.

DIY.   
If you’re a crafty chick, the “Do It Yourself” option might be good for you.  There are a number of wedding necessities you can create yourself like invitations, programs, favors, or even your veil.  You can also purchase simple, less expensive items and dress them up yourself.  For example, you can buy a simple white dress and add some fabric flowers around the neckline and appliqué a custom design along the train.

Recycle and reuse.
There are so many pieces of a wedding that you do not have to buy new.  Love the shabby chic look? Hunt through vintage and antique shops to find old items to sprinkle on your tables – vases and urns, coffee and tea tins, the possibilities are endless.  Sentimental? Consider having your mom’s dress altered to both fit you and reflect your style.  Will you have an extra set of hands to help you out on Wedding Day?  Consider reusing your ceremony decorations for the reception, too.  Just have your helper do the behind the scenes work while guests transport themselves to the reception space. 

Keep it simple.
If you’re a minimalist at heart, or love the modern look, consider styling your wedding this way.  A few simple decorations can make big statements.  Consider using huge tropical leaves in water-filled cylinders instead of large flower-packed arrangements.  Use groupings of votive candles to create mood – they are inexpensive, simple, and have a great lighting effect.  Pick a bold pattern (like damask) to incorporate into your wedding elements – you don’t need much to attract the eyes.  

Pick a unique spot.  
to have the wedding and reception.  Historical and public places can often be beautiful and more affordable. Museums, parks and gardens often have absolutely beautiful settings. Just be aware that if you chose this option, your venues may not be used to holding weddings and may not have all the things you need (chairs, tables, etc.). Another point to note – if it’s a public spot, it usually has to remain that way – they won’t be able to close down a park as you walk down the aisle.

Keep the guest count low.  
I’ll leave you with this obvious but sometimes hard to accept option.  Lots of ladies dream about a huge wedding with tons of people, but in the end, the bigger the guest list the bigger the price tag.  You can have an ultra lavish wedding with amazing food, incredible drinks, and fabulous favors if you only have to provide them for a few people.  

Bottom line:
Figure out what’s most important to you and your fiancé and allocate the most money to that area.  Skimp on the things that aren’t necessary or don’t require a lot of money.  Most of all – get creative!