Since the last Triple B “Real Brides Share Money Saving Wedding Planning Tips” special, I started preparing for my own nuptials. Now, helping brides get the most bang for their bridal buck is even more of a priority (and I didn’t think that was possible) because I am seeing first hand how easy it can be to overspend when planning one’s own wedding. An extra $200 here, $75 for that and $300 here adds up quickly. This is an event attached to so much emotion, so it is easy to become disillusioned into thinking that the perfect wedding will lead to the perfect marriage. [Trust me, marketers prey on this fact.] Since overspending in some areas is almost inevitable for most brides, why not take tried and true advice from other women on how to at least minimize or balance things out a bit? Take notes!

• I appreciated Mirlaine‘s warning to avoid purchasing every wedding-centered book and magazine you lay your hands on after getting engaged. (But, when I release my book I need you all to support — hee hee.) It is oh so tempting to do this but resist the urge because as Mirlaine points out, many of these publications — the mags anyway — will be gifted to you in some capacity and furthermore, too many ideas from too many “experts” will ultimately bring you more stress than inspiration.
• Haven’t we all made a crazy financial decision because we weren’t able to think the matter through properly? I certainly have. So imagine how many last minute — costly yet avoidable  — decisions nearlyweds make. Taking a break from worrying about uninvited guests and place settings, alterations and whether or not your great aunt will catch her flight to focus solely on each other is golden advice from Jiline. Duly noted. This past weekend over Sunday brunch, I suggested to my fiance that we not discuss wedding planning at all and just enjoy our meal and each other’s company. Later that day we finalized a major wedding decision and were able to negotiate the rate that fits into our budget. It might be coincidence but I think keeping some normalcy in our lives during this planning process is invaluable.

• Take the advice of Carla and feel free to purchase non “wedding” and/or “bridal” items to create the wedding day you want. Instead of paying for overpriced unity candles at traditional bridal resources, she and her husband Michael scored theirs at Pier One and even better they are still using the candles at home. [I’m already following this advice. I don’t plan to wear “bridal” jewelry or “bridal” shoes on my big day.]
• When bride Kenna revealed that she and her husband Marcus nixed the programs for their gorgeous Atlanta wedding, I felt relieved. I’m no tree hugger but I like many brides feel most traditional wedding programs are a waste of paper. Actually seeing how another bride with a similar aesthetic to yours successfully pulled off one of your hunches is a great feeling.
• Stephanie‘s beautiful southern nuptials were a wrap by 4P. She and her hubby Delano reaped significant financial benefits because of this, too. This is certainly something for other brides to consider — and remember your bar tab is likely to be considerably less as well since people are likely to drink less in the middle of the day or morning.

Did you learn anything from the above tips? Do you have any money-saving wedding tips of your own to share?

Take a look at past Tie the Knot Tuesday features here.

***Did you or someone you know recently tie the knot? Complete this brief form and the wedding might be featured in an upcoming Black Bridal Bliss feature!***