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Before deciding on a wedding date or even on a location, couples should first figure out who is paying for the wedding and what kind of wedding they want.
Not only will this help a couple determine their budget and whether their wedding will be an intimate affair or a grand celebration, but it will be a good way to see how well they can make decisions together.

The national average cost of a wedding is $27,000, according to recent reports. And though that average is slipping mainly due to the recent economic woes, a wedding can still be a pricey affair. To get a better idea of the average cost of a wedding in your area, visit www.costofwedding.com and type in your zip code. Keep in mind, these averages don't include the honeymoon.

Though the tradition is for the bride's parents to foot the bill, it is becoming more common for all parties involved to contribute, or as couples marry later in their life, they are able to handle the financing of their wedding on their own.

Many couples are opting for destination weddings to locations that offer all-inclusive packages (plus you can enjoy your honeymoon right away). Other couples are going for more intimate celebrations with just immediate family and a small number of friends, to bring cost down. But many couples still are getting creative with ways to save here and there,and still get the wedding they are happy with.

The Knot.com has a great budget tool that breaks down how much is usually spent on everything from the food to jewelry and more. Always round way up when calculating costs. You should always have a contingency fund should any last-minute finances arise, and when not planned for, they usually do.

Money and financial issues are the main cause for conflicts in a marriage and can lead to divorce. Starting your lives together on good financial footing will make the road ahead a little easier. The golden rule of honesty definitely applies in this area - be open. Be sure to keep in mind as you decide on all the little details of your wedding and discuss cost - is this worth going into debt for?

I knew I wanted to keep my wedding budget low, but I also wanted to realistic. My fiance's family is large and very close, so keeping costs down by having a short guest list was just not going to be possible.

With a guest list of 250 people, I knew the majority of our budget was going to food, drinks and the reception venue. So, where to cut?

First, I wasn't looking to be a princess or queen on my wedding day so I didn't need a big ballgown. I was happy to look through the sale rack at David's Bridal. (And I found the perfect dress on sale - more on that later).

We also decided it wasn't necessary to have a 4- or 5-tier cake, so we're going to just have a simple, tasty and still elegant 2-tier cake for the cake cutting ceremony and our guests will be served from sheet cake, that will be secretly kept away in the kitchen.

Although I am not a regular Martha Stewart, I am a quick learner and I have an army of bridesmaids and family to help with my DIY projects. I recently picked up a copy of Martha Stewart weddings magazine and was surprised to find I had many of the same ideas for my wedding featured in the magazine - crafty minds think alike. 

Once you start talking to vendors and getting ideas of prices, don't be discouraged. Great vendors now are willing to work with any budget, small or large. Be sure to get references and have a contract.

And don't be too embarrassed to sign up for giveaways, not all are scams or a marketing ploy to get you to spend more, there are many that are legit and free - just read the fine print - you never know what you could win.

Once you have figured out the budget and guest list, and are looking for vendors and venues, try to stay away from season months (May to September) or a Friday or Sunday wedding date, when the costs can go way down. Having the ceremony and reception at the same venue will not only save money with package deals but also with transportation costs, as well as give you more time with your guests.

If you're not into having a big party, a cocktail or dessert reception can be just as elegant and memorable at a fraction of the cost of a sit-down dinner.

By being creative with your resources and wedding ideas, you can find different ways to cut costs and still make your day uniquely yours.

Though, it can be stressful at times, people always say to remember that it should be a fun time planning your wedding - I'm still working on reminding myself that everytime we hit a snag, but my key to de-stressing is my family and friends, they are my support system and they let me vent. I also keep in mind not to fret about every detail, if at the end of all this, we are happily married, then my dream wedding has come true.