Before you start planning for your wedding, creating a budget is by far the smartest thing that you can ever do. And although you may have your hopes set on an elaborate, beautiful and fanciful wedding, the reality of this idea is that more than likely - it will cost way more than you can afford right now. So creating a budget and sticking to it should be your number 1 priority.

And if you want to get into huge financial debt, the fastest way to do it is to plan a wedding without a budget. So its crucial that you have a budget created first, before you start planning anything. And if the idea of planning a wedding on a budget doesnt sound all that appealing - believe it or not - its not at all bad. You can have a beautiful wedding on a budget. It just take a little creative planning and imagination.

One of the best ways to get inspiration for wedding ideas is for you and your fiance to sit down together and discuss what all you-both want in regards to your wedding day. Be sure to listen and make a list of what is desired, and what is absolutely needed. What you-two come up with will be important when creating your budget and determining the costs of what you both want.

After you have completed this step, your next task is to take a look at the numbers - or in short - the costs. You want to look at how much money you have in savings, how much money you want to spend from your monthly income streams, and how much you expect others to pitch in.

If asking others to help out with the wedding costs, its important that you dont make unreasonable requests. Be grateful for whatever anyone can help out with, and dont be disappointed in whatever you receive. If anything, the biggest thing you should be happy for is that they want to see you get married and be happy forever.

You will definitely know how much you will be able to spend on your wedding once you know where the money will come from, and if you have enough to cover all the costs. Once you know this, your next step is to make a list of all wedding-related costs. These will include catering, DJs or a band, a wedding planner if you cant handle everything on your own, and etc.

When determining your costs, you will find that wedding budget software and can be your best friend - since trying to keep all of these costs in your head is not a good idea. And these tools are available everywhere online.

Sites such as weddingchannel.com and theknot.com have a free online wedding organizer software that includes an expense calculator and a budget. If you are not computer savvy, the least you can do is carry a small pad and pen and jot down your budget, tasks, and expenses.

One final way to save on wedding costs is by creating your own wedding invitations. Have a nice invitation is a must if you want your wedding to be impressive. But usually they are set aside by other costs such as the photographer or caterer.

When making your own wedding invitations, you should know that you are no longer limited to poor quality, deskjet-printer material anymore. You can print beautiful, non-streaking invitations with computer software and a newer model printer that is relatively inexpensive.

And downloading clipart is always a good way to go for a more modern invitation. If you want a more formal look, you dont have to use pictures or clipart. Online templates or any computer program will do just fine.

Dont use plain inkjet paper, since it feels flimsy and cheap. Use card stock paper or something similar. Consider vellum, deluxe parchment, strathmore natural white, laid natural white, laid white - or something that feels heavy and sits well in your hand.

And feel free to use colored papers as well. They can be tied together behind the invitation with white ribbon and be used as a secondary matte.

To add a personal feel to your invitation, consider adding a creative touch, such as a video CD or an engagement photo. Being unique is one of the many advantages that you have at your disposal when personally making your own wedding invitations.

Be sure to use these tips when planning your wedding and creating a budget, and making everything as smooth and seamless as possible.