Planning a wedding without breaking the bank can be an expensive endeavour. From choosing a gown to hiring a photographer, it can feel as though each purchase is going to drive you deep into debt. The truth is, even working with a limited budget; you can still make that special day everything you dreamed it would be.

When putting together your wedding planning checklist, try out some of these money saving ideas:

1. Design your own wedding invitations. Buy some ribbon and pretty paper at your local dollar store and you are in business – just remember it is a time consuming task, so give yourself plenty of time to get them sorted!

2. Buy a pre-loved wedding dress. No one is going to know that it is not brand new and there are some great bargains to be snapped up!

3. Hold your wedding ceremony at a local church. Virtually all denominations will open their doors to a wedding ceremony or a reception at a reduced cost or no cost. It offers a beautiful location that will give your wedding the elaborate atmosphere you want.

4. Move away from the traditional sit down banquet style reception – high teas and cocktail style receptions are now very popular and a lot more cost effective

5. Cash Bar – don’t feel embarrassed about having a cash bar where your guests pay for their own drinks, just make sure you clearly indicate on the invitations that a cash bar will be available, so that your guests come prepared.

6. Bridesmaids and Groomsmen – cut down on the number that you are having – there is no need to have an entire troop – one or two are more than enough.

7. Instead of hiring a Rolls or limo to get to the church, borrow a family or friends nice car.

8. Cup cakes are a big favourite as a wedding cake, so if you have a handy baker in the family, ask them to make cup cakes for you as your wedding cake.

There are plenty of areas where using money saving ideas will help make your special day not cost a small fortune. Using these cost saving measures will help make your wedding memories linger in your mind instead of on your credit card bill.