So you're planning the big day, but your budget is limited. How can you possibly create the perfect wedding that you've been dreaming about for years on a tight budget? Here are some quick tips to help you plan a beautiful, low cost wedding.

Plan an Off-Season, Off-Time Wedding

Another way to plan a low cost wedding is to schedule it at the right time. If possible, schedule the wedding to be during the "off-season," which would be January, February, or March (but avoid Valentine's day, because flowers will be more expensive then). The most popular wedding months are May through October, and December is becoming more popular.

Get Friends and Family to Help

Consider enlisting the help of family and friends in making your wedding special and saving money. Paying for a professional photographer eats up valuable funds and could be dispensed with if you have a photography enthusiast in your family who is willing to cover your wedding. Decorations and food preparation are also elements of your wedding that family and friends can help out with. Your family can be a valuable asset when it comes to planning a low cost wedding, and their involvement in your wedding will make the day that much more special.

Save on Wedding Attire

Other tips for saving money on your wedding include the wedding party's attire. The bridal gown need not be purchased for thousands of dollars at a bridal salon. Women's evening attire sold in department stores can make a suitable replacement for an expensive wedding gown and save you hundreds of dollars as well.

Don't Have As Many Guests

The more guests you have, the more difficult a low-cost wedding will be. If you choose to have fewer guests at your wedding, you will be able to save a lot more money by renting a cheaper site for the reception and ceremony while having to pay fewer dollars for the cost of catering. He might want to try having hors d'oeuvres at your reception rather than a costly five course dinner.

Print Your Own Wedding Invitations

In addition, printing your own wedding invitations is a cheaper alternative in most cases to paying a company to print them for you. Printing companies charge high prices and no one will know the difference if you print the invitations yourself on your office PC and printer.

Shop Around

Finally, shop around before you buy items necessary to your wedding. Savings a few dollars here and there can add up to a big difference and many dollars saved simply by planning ahead and using a little creativity and innovation.