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Barbara

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Since I just talked about ways for wedding party attendants to budget, I thought it would be prudent to speak to all those brides- and grooms-to-be out there as well.

Now, I'm just a novice in the wedding planning arena, but I'm getting plenty of exposure from my sister, who's planning an October wedding. It seems like every time we're in the same room there is something new to look at. From centerpieces to cake, "save the date" cards to invitations...I've seen many options.

My sister is staying true to the "bride on a budget" mentality. She and many of the other brides in my life these days are looking for ways to lower their wedding's bottom line. Not everyone has the means to celebrate with a Platinum Wedding , and in my opinion, no couple should start their marriage with a mound of wedding debt in order to have one.

Through online sources like The Knot , brides can get great tips on everything from negotiating with vendors  to little ways to save.  Just cutting back on a few things or choosing to do something yourself can make a huge difference.

So far in my tenure as bridesmaid I've seen homemade cakes, bouquets made by the bridal party, and wedding dance music courtesy of the bride's iPod.  I even designed one of my friend's invitations so she could save on costs.

For all you young married ones out there, did you pull off a budget wedding? If anyone has some good tips, please pass 'em on — my sister will be eternally grateful!

Barbara

It's the year of the wedding — for me at least. This year I'll be a maid of honor twice and bridesmaid once. (Yes, it's a bit Jane. ) Not to mention I'll be a guest at a slew of other marriage celebrations.

As I've said before, I love a good wedding. But this year the matrimonial festivities are taking their toll on my pocketbook. Are any of you in the same boat?

When you're fresh out of college, it can be difficult to find the money you need for the basics (like rent, utilities and your student loan payment), let alone adding in a budget category for dresses, tux rentals and gifts. It can be a bit overwhelming. At first I was definitely wondering how to survive. 

However, with a little creativity on my part and some thoughtfulness on the part of some brides (thanks to a recession-friendlier industry ), I've been able to lessen the overall costs. Here are some slices of buttercream-frosted savings cake for thought:

1. Showers and parties — When you're in the wedding party, chances are you'll be hosting or helping with a shower or bachelorette/bachelor party. These, my friends, can get extreme. Think food, favors, game prizes, transportation...it all adds up. But thinking outside the box (a backyard BBQ, do-it-yourself invitations, etc.) can help you save. I was able to put together some cute favors for an upcoming shower with some items I found on sale. And instead of renting a bus for a bachelorette party, we're heading to places within walking distance of each other in Omaha's Old Market. 
2. Gifts — Here is where being creative can not only be cheaper, but more memorable, too. Staci once told me that while she was on a strict budget working in Washington, D.C., she gave couples an American flag that had been flown over the U.S. Capitol  on their wedding day. She also gave me a great idea for what has become my standard wedding gift: a basket of blessings based on a quote from the movie "It's a Wonderful Life."  Here's how it breaks down:
• Bread... that this house may never know hunger (a gift certificate to Panera Bread®  or your local bakery)
• Salt ... that life may always have flavor (coarse salt in a cute shaker)
• And wine ... that joy and prosperity may reign forever (this one's pretty self-explanatory)
3. Attire — Thanks to budget-conscious brides, I've had some savings here as well! My first wedding duty this year is as maid of honor for my best friend, who kindly chose a bridesmaid's dress by Isaac Mizrahi for Target®  (just $49.99!). Plus, we got to pick our own shoes; I made sure they were something I would wear to work, too. The other weddings I'm in? I'm getting a pretty slick deal there, too. One bride's mother purchased the bridesmaids' dresses (how nice is that?) and the other got a discount for choosing dresses at the same store where she purchased her wedding gown (bonus!).

So despite my initial thoughts, I think I am actually going to make it through this year of wedded bliss and may even still want to have a wedding of my own one day!

Anyone else have other tips to save on wedding party expenses?

Rachel

It's official: I'm a married woman. And big changes are happening, starting with my name. I opted to take my husband's last name. My husband. I'm still getting used to that word and also introducing myself as Rachel Curran.

Speaking of big changes—I have a hot tip for those of you who are preparing to leave home and move to college soon. Contact your friends and family members who are getting married this summer and let them know your plans to move. More than likely, they will welcome you to their endless supply of boxes, packing material, and a slew of used household goods (especially kitchen supplies).

Like many couples, we decided to register for some new household items and upgraded from plastic to stainless, glass to crystal and dull to Wüsthof . Most of our wedding guests shipped gifts directly to our home, which were expertly wrapped with yards and yards of paper and bubble wrap.

As we opened these wonderful gifts, I began a new phase of married life—"nesting." This involves me running around our house for two straight days having a Feng shui  attack. I now have a solid Goodwill  pile going (which my brother has already raided), a garage full of boxes, and a heart full of gratitude.

Now, one can only be entertained by cardboard forts with bubble wrap driveways for so long. (Who says marriage has to equal maturity?) Eventually, the materials will need to be taken to the curb or recycled through a friend. Save some money on your moving supplies and ask the newlyweds if you can help them recycle their packing material. Your friends, the environment, and your budget will thank you for it.

What budget-friendly moving tips do you have?

Editor's note: The former Rachel Statham married Jim Curran on June 24, 2007. Congrats to the newlyweds!