Planning: Budget

Of Marriage and Money

For better or worse, money is always an issue when two lives come together. Here are some common problems that may arise and how to tactfully manage them

Tiers of Joy

Customizing the wedding cake isn't always for the faint of heart. Follow these expert guidelines to find the sweet of your dreams

Getting Organized

Suggestions for finding the best book to help you plan your ideal wedding

Simple Tips for Stunning Events

From the day-of venue to the day-after brunch, experts share their secrets for chic, stress-free celebrations

Fashionable, Affordable Maids Dresses

Money’s on everyone’s mind, which is why designers are creating chic bridesmaid dresses fit for any budget

Stationery with a Designer Touch

Take your invites from everyday to extraordinary with the latest designer styles

The Budget-Friendly Bar

Here’s how to make the alcohol you serve at your wedding more affordable

Once, Twice, Three Times a Wedding Dress

Thousands for a one-and-done gown? Not for budget-savvy brides, who are turning toward pre-owned dresses

Blooms Fit for Any Budget

Tips for gorgeous greenery that won’t break the bank

Worthwhile – and Economical – Wedding Favors

Give your guests the gift of something they will really use

Weekend Wedding Coordination

If you’re not feeling a full-on commitment to a wedding planner, considering hiring a hand for just the big day

Keep Quality in Mind

Put down the calculator and slowly walk away! You want to keep expenses down, sure, but certain costs are necessary evils. Here's what you should think twice about cutting

Debt Adviser: Know fiance's finances before saying 'I do'

Am I responsible for his medical bills as well or only if he doesn't pay them? Will the creditors go after me to pay his bills even if I'm laid off at the moment?

Ask Carley: Travel, lodging could reduce number of wedding guests

Q: My fiance and I want to get married where we live, but that would mean most of our family and friends would have to travel and book hotels. Should we feel guilty about this given the economy?

Bad money habits can cause a marriage to fail

While love conquers all in romance novels and movies, when money problems rear their ugly heads in marriage, Cupid doesn't always stand a fighting chance.

Internet Invitations

Paper's still the go-to medium for the big event, but for pre-wedding events, the Web seems to work

Bridal Fashions on a Budget

Faviana rolls out a new line of gowns perfectly tailored for the recessionista bride

Be Careful With Credit Tips for keeping charges under control

Racking up credit-card debt is not the way to start your marriage.

Ask Carley: Alternatives to a groom's cake

Q. My groom wants a groom's cake, but I don't think we can fit it in our budget. What other ways can we compromise?

Travel the World Close To Home

A “shadow” honeymoon destination offers a reasonable facsimile of a more exotic locale, at far less cost

Fashion Police

Brides can get dresses anywhere, so it pays to keep an eye out for knockoff gowns

Fresh Summer-Food Ideas

For the tastiest warm-weather nosh, think local

This Old Dress

Wearing mom’s or grandma’s old gown? Here’s what you need to know about caring for it or crafting it into something new

The Waiting Game

With tighter budgets, couples are taking their time committing to big-day needs

What to Do When Your Venue is !%$&^#

If disaster strikes your location, what options do you have?

Up & Down Spending

Wedding costs aren’t diminishing in every category

From 'Fair' to Fabulous

Celeb party planner David Tutera shows how to easily and affordably up the wow-factor of your wedding

Tips on creating your floral fantasy on a budget

It's easy to get caught up in pre-wedding daydreams: hundreds of flowers draped over chairs and pews, sprouting from napkin rings, cascading off buffet tables, and filling the arms of the bride and bridesmaids.

High and Low of the Food Chain

You want exotic fare for your wedding, but your budget is more plain-jane. Here's how to get the effect you want for a fraction of the cost

What's Love Got to Do with It?

In these financially precarious times, could some people actually be sprinting to the altar in order in hopes of hitching themselves to their partner's insurance plan?

How to throw a shower on any budget

When you hear the words "bridal shower," do you immediately hide under the bed? Feel a sudden cold coming on? Cling to your shrinking wallet?

Stick with Your Budget - and Your Dreams

So you can't afford the horse-drawn carriage you dreamed of since age five. Keep your chin up, kiss the groom and call the finest cab in town.

To the 'Moon on a Budget

Author Suze Oreman says a great honeymoon isn't about how much you spend, it's about how much fun you have.

Budget guidelines for $25,000 wedding

Ready to dig into planning? One of the first tasks you'll want to tackle is your budget.

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