I've never been one to budget well. My savings account often has more dust in it than actual funds. That said, we are expected to sit down this week, and estimate the cost of every bouquet and cufflink in this wedding, just to get a number which will most likely double by the time the day arrives.
There’s just too much to consider: Should we have an open bar? Should we get a DJ or a live band? Are we having a sit down dinner or appetizers and cocktails? It's all extremely exhausting and bit overwhelming. Yet, once I spoke with my already married friends and family, I was able to come up with a few valuable pearls of wisdom.
First off, it's OUR wedding. If we feel that spending money on 150 white chair covers is silly, then we don't have to do it. Weddings are being sold to brides in a "one size fits all" fashion. Granted the colors and details may differ, but the tendency to overspend is the same. Countless magazine articles and books on the subject have created such a protocol to “The Big Day,” that most brides end up going way over board on trivial details that will come and go in a matter of hours. The tip in this case is simple: think about a product's relevance, and be honest with yourself. Do you really think your loved ones would hold it against you if you didn't have an aisle runner?
Another gem from my loved ones: Utilize your guest's talents. An old fashioned family made meal not only offers a more comfortable atmosphere to your dinner reception, but won't cost $40.00 a head. Make your dearest friends and family part of your big day. From your sister that's a seamstress to your Photographer friend, you may be surprised how eager people are to help you out. My cousin was able to keep her wedding under a $5,000 budget by inviting her church and family members to decorate and cook for the wedding. 
Probably the most important thing I learned was that two heads are most definitely better than one. My soon-to-be-sister-in-law told me this, "The budget is a monster that can easily get out of control." Her budget nearly doubled from its original size causing her enormous amounts of stress. Her saving grace, appropriately enough, was her husband. It's important to share responsibility of the planning. Too many take the solo route in planning their big day and mentally pay the price.
The average wedding costs American couples over $19,000. So mapping out your budget in detail is very important if your intend to limit costs. I was able to find a Wedding Budget Spreadsheet that made the budgeting process a little easier. Not only does it list out every little thing, making it easier to tailor costs, but it physically follows where every penny of your big day goes.
Lena M. Sack is a 25 year old student of life currently working her way through Massage Therapy School. By day an Executive Assistant for a magnet company, by night,
writer and artist, Lena's latest mission is planning a dream wedding with her wonderful fiancée, Michael. (Headshot by Jen Kiaba.)