For many women since they were children they dreamed of the day the would be getting married. The gorgeous and elaborate church they would be getting married in and the stupendous reception that would follow. The $20,000.00 dress they had on would be accompanied by diamond necklaces, rings, tiaras, and would be set in gold. They would have a major entertainer singing at their wedding who would in the middle of his song glance sorrowfully at the thought that you were married and not available for him any longer. Most people grow up and get a little more realistic about what they can do and afford for their wedding. You learn to set up things like budgets to help insure you do not overspend in any area and if you do then you know you will have to sacrifice in some other area.

The problem you have nowadays is watching TV shows about weddings you quickly get the idea that everyone can have a lavish wedding. Ever notice that the planner may talk about the budget but the bride and groom keep on ordering and ordering more and more outlandish things for their wedding day. Everyone wears diamonds, limousines to drive everyone around, cigar bars, even helicopters to ferry you around.

The thing about watching tv is sometimes we forget it is entertainment and not very useful for real life situations. Unfortunately you don't have an endless pile of cash to draw on so you have to do such mundane things as draw up a budget for your wedding. You have sit down and write out everything you want and obtain pricing for those items.

Your budget needs to include the normal things such as floral arrangements, pew bows, candelabras, and aisle runners for your church. It then needs to include things for the reception area. The venue, the DJ, food, linens, table and chairs if not furnished, and the decorations. You need to price these primary items first. Then when you know you can adequately pay for all of them you can start adding luxury items. One thing I always tell couples is try to have luxuries that last beyond your wedding day. Jewelry is a good example of something that has lasting enjoyment.

The national average for a wedding with 200 guests is $27,000.00. One sure way to get maximum value for your money is to look towards a quality wedding more so than a quantity wedding. You can have 400 people at your wedding but are they honestly really worth the extra cost. Remember this day is about you and you need to decide what you really want. Always be willing to compromise and give a little quantity to get a little more quality. Try to determine what added value each additional guests brings to your wedding. You need to make sure this day is as you want it and you are not obligated to invite everyone who ever knew you.