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Are you putting off planning your wedding because of finances? I know, believe me, weddings are expensive, and the thought of planning one may be very intimidating. But where there’s a will there’s a way. Here are a few ideas that just might convince you to go ahead and start wedding planning, just remember to be flexible and, use your imagination. Now the vision you had of your dream wedding may have to change a little but your ability to adapt will become your most valuable asset. 

Be Creative: If you begin planning your wedding well in advance you will give yourself enough time to come up with creative ways to raise extra money. I saw a news story about a lovely couple who desperately want to adopt a baby and can’t afford it ($30,000). So they are raising money through a garage sale. And it is not just your average garage sale, checkout their blog.

Use Your Imagination: A natural setting can provide a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding and think of all the money you can save on decorating. Maybe someone you know lives by a lake or in an old Victorian home with wraparound porch and a picturesque backyard. I think the equestrian center where I keep my horses would make a beautiful setting, I can picture strings of lights illuminating the trees, and the white fences and green pastures (not to mention the beautiful horses) providing an amazing background.

Pool Your Resources: Maybe you have close friends and family with hidden talents that will offer to help for FREE. One of the most memorable weddings I have been to was my sisters and not for the obvious reason, but because so many of us pitched in to make it happen. For instance, we had some of the family’s best cooks make the food and the grooms father and brother built a beautiful arbor for them to stand under during the ceremony. This potluck style might sound a bit old fashioned but I assure you this wedding had the warmest and most charming atmosphere.

Scale Down the Guest List: A shorter guest list will allow you to increase quality in other areas. I love the long banquet style table trend. This is a great way to create a very intimate feel. Even one table decorated beautifully can outshine a massive banquet hall.

Get Thrifty: Checkout a local beauty school. They just might have a talented student who can do mani-pedis at a fraction of the cost of a fancy spa. Register on Bride$hare.  I found out about this over at the The Broke-Ass Bride Blog (love her ideas).  Bride$hare is a social networking site which brings brides together to help them save money.

Keep in mind that a wedding does not have to be extravagant to be exquisite!

As for the great pictures in this post, I must give credit to:

- Long Wedding Table: Intimate Weddings Blog
- Outdoor Wedding Setting:  Big Wedding Tiny Budget
- The Outdoor Wedding Location with Horses:  LA Equestrian Center
- The Outdoor Wedding Arbor:  Bah Humbug

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5. You Can Afford a Destination Wedding by Preston Bailey!