[Michaelina]

I need advice for how to wisely spend money that my parents are willing to pay for our wedding. My parents are offering up to $12,000 on our upcoming (fall 2007) wedding. My FH and I are ready to start our life (house and family),but want a beautiful wedding too. My FH would like to spend as little as possible on the entire wedding to save money for a down payment on a house (we already have land to build on). My parents think this is a wise decision- as do I, BUT I want to have a beautiful wedding too. I know I can't have it all!! I have my mind telling me that it makes more sense to save and use the extra for our future. Then I have my heart that wants to have the wedding of our dreams (well I guess my dreams since my FH doesn't really seem to care one way or the other). How can I make a sound decision that will satisfy my need for a memorable wedding but also satisfy our future needs with only $12,000 to help reach our goals.

Thanks for all of your advice!

[The Music Pros]

Your FH seems to be totally happy with what he is getting....YOU..., and that is probably why it doesn't matter one way or another to him about the wedding plans.

Here are several ways you can help keep the cost down:

1) Opt for a small, intimate wedding, rather than inviting everyone you have ever met. Food and beverage expense play a big part in the cost (40% or more).

2) Wedding cake, they range from $3 to $30 per slice. Go with the cheapest, yet be sure to taste the samples to make sure the flavor is there. You can get inexpensive wedding cakes that taste good.

3) Wedding gown off the rack, not custom designed and sewn. There are so many beautiful ones to choose from.

4) Do as much of the decorating and wedding favors as you can. If you have a lot of friends, see if they can help with some ideas and participate. The more the merrier!

5) Choose a venue or resort based on the best price during "off season". If they are busiest April, May and June, then ask them which weekend is their least busiest and try to negotiate a lesser price. If you go with a venue that doesn't have five or ten parties at the same time, you are more apt to receive better service during your event, as they will be under less stress and better staffed.

If there is a possibility that the expense is going to potentially cause future stress, remember that the true meaning of getting married is the joy and love between you.

We all recognize how commercial the holiday seasons have become. When all the tinsel is taken away, what is left?

Hopefully, great memories of true love shared.