Budget Brides Beat the Credit Crunch

As the recession deepens around the world, brides-to-be are seeking creative and efficient ways to throw a budget wedding that doesn't appear skimpy.

Budget options for a frugal bride often mean penning your own invitations, which can lead to a more personal touch for many guests. What's more, many brides also see it fit to include family and friends in their wedding plans - when one of the parents bakes the cake and the family decorates the hall, there's sure to be plenty of fun and money to spare.

Since all eyes will be on the bride as she walks down the aisle, it can be tempting to spend lots of money on hair and makeup. But choosing to style your own, or have a friend do it for you, guarantees many brides will avoid hair-and-makeup stress - and will know they look great.

A big chunk of wedding budget always comes out for the venue, but choosing to hold a wedding at home - or even on a package deal abroad - could mean more fun and less money for the bride-and-groom-to-be.

There are only a few opportunities for women to wear important dresses in their lifetime, and whether it's a prom, bridesmaid or bridal gown, it's important that the dress is perfect - and affordable. Many brides have the responsibility of finding not only their perfect wedding gown, but also bridesmaid dresses for their special friends and family members who join them at the altar. Dresses for the big day can be budget-busters, but savvy brides are finding ways to cut costs.

Choosing last season's dress is one way to save money, and if you know a seamstress, they can sew you and your bridesmaids' unique dresses for far less money than you may realise. Another option for bridesmaids is to wear a prom dress; brides facing a budget wedding during hard economic times often find this the perfect compromise.

Modern prom dresses come in a variety of styles, and they can prove significantly less expensive than off-the-rack or custom-made bridesmaid dresses. Many high-price designers create lower-priced prom dresses that are just as enticing as traditional bridesmaid dresses, and often bridesmaids will be glad to choose a vibrant, unique dress.

Of course, planning for a wedding can often prove a stressful affair as there is much to take into consideration; however, it is possible to have that perfect wedding you have always dreamed of, and at a low cost too.