Some of you may be overwhelmed with the thought of planning your own wedding. Let me say from personal experience it is very possible. (Not to say that you won't go a little crazy while doing so) In 2006 shortly after my divorce I met my fiance. Shortly after we were engaged. We had (well still are having) a very long engagement.

The average engagement is just about 1 year. We had the opportunity to have almost 3 years between our engagement and our wedding. As a second time bride I wanted the wedding of my dreams that I never got the first time around. I wanted it all, the dress, the reception, photography, honeymoon, everything.

Let me tell you brides who are maybe reading this for the first time, it is possible to plan your wedding under $10000 and have an amazing wedding. First and foremost the most important thing to do is set out a strict budget for yourselves. Look around for deals. Typically you will receive more of a discount if you have a wedding during the off peak times (winter, Friday's and Sundays).  We decided because it is my second wedding to have our wedding on a Friday night. The difference at our reception hall for a Friday night vs a Saturday afternoon/night is $10.00 per person. Multiply that times how many people we are having, that is almost a savings of $1000! We also got amazing deals with the DJ for having it on a Friday night! Here are a few things to remember when planning your wedding on a budget.

1. Stick to your budget! Going over is going to either put you in debt or make you have to make some hard choices.

2. Look for sales! Especially for your reception and your dress. This is key to saving money.

3. Don't be taken by online retailers who you can never contact. Do business with someone legitimate.

4. Check out eBay for your dress, just beware of the Chinese "shops" Look for the "two dress brides" on eBay who are getting rid of the second dress.

5. Be smart with your accessories. Ladies, you don't need to buy a $200 tiara that you will only wear once. Many stores have similar looking tiaras for 1/10 of the price.

6. Network. If you know someone who is good with photography then ask them to do your wedding. Same for DJ's if they have the equipment. Don't be afraid to utilize your friends and family. This will save you lots of money.