Last updated : Sunday, May 17, 2009

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10 Ways to Save Money This Wedding Season

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Just because you're invited to a wedding this season doesn't mean you have to donate your kidney to attend! "There are many inexpensive ways to show the bride how much you care, without putting your bank account into overdraft," says expert bridal therapist, Liz Razin, author of the new book, She's Gone Bridal!: A 9-Step Program for Dealing with Your Bride from Hell.

Wine, dine and dance your way through wedding season stress-free with these money saving tips from Razin.

Tip 10: Don't Be Afraid to D-I-Y
While you'd love to spend a full week at the spa for "the works" before the wedding, you can often get similar results at home. Invite your fellow wedding attendees to your home the night before the wedding for some personalized manis and pedis. Ask them to bring a few bottles of the bubbly and you've got yourself a fun Girls Night In!

Tip 9: Nobody's Lookin' at Your Cute Feet
Looking great from head to toe is critical this wedding season. But remember that most people will be looking at your face and your dress, not necessarily your shoes, especially if you're wearing a floor-length gown. Save money by skipping the expensive shoes and opting instead for some cheaper finds at Payless or DSW. Remember, you can still play footsies with your date, even if you can't afford those Manolo Blahniks.

Tip 8: Book It All in Advance
While you may not want to think about spending money on travel arrangements right now, the sooner you book your flight and hotel, the happier you'll be on wedding day! As soon as you receive the Save the Date card in the mail, swiftly book all required travel arrangements, including hotel stay and airfare, in order to receive the best prices.

Tip 7: Remember Arts & Crafts Class
It's true, purchasing an engagement gift for your bride-to-be can be a gi-normous expense. So forget the Tiffany crystal vase! Instead, think back to Arts & Crafts class from elementary school and design your own, homemade picture frame of the couple or knit them a wedding blanket.

Tip 6: Save On Accessories
Whether you're in the wedding party or simply attending the event, you don't need to spend a fortune on pearl earrings and diamond necklaces. Try purchasing your accessories at moderately-priced places like Banana Republic, Express or even Target.

Tip 5: Go In Together
The thought of splurging on the perfect wedding gift will surely make you cringe. But by going in on a gift with a large group of friends, you can get your bride-to-be an impressive gift, without dipping into your 401K.

Tip 4: Your Words = The Best Gift
Rather than spend $7 on a glittery card, try writing your bride a heart-felt poem on construction paper. She''ll appreciate your kind words more than the glitter that would have been left on her outfit!

Tip 3: Make Me Up Before You Go-Go!
While you'd love to get your make-up professionally-done for the big day, it may not be wise to spend the big bucks on the big make-up artist this year. Instead, host a Make-Up Pre-Wedding Party at your pad. Invite your friends over to apply their favorite make-up on each other. And remember, if you don't like it, all you have to do is start over.

Tip 2: Go Local
Sure your bride may have grandiose visions of celebrating her Bachelorette Party in Mexico or Vegas. But that shouldn't stop you from encouraging her to keep the event close-to-home. By avoiding a flight and hotel stay, you'll be saving you and your fellow wedding attendees tons of money, without missing the fun of local hot spots.

Tip 1: Avoid the Online Bridal Registry
It can be very tempting to hit "buy" on your bride's online Bridal Registry. But, buyers beware! You may be paying more than you bargained for when you add tax and shipping to your order. So go for something more personal and fun, that doesn't require a shipping fee!

Are you in a wedding? Click here for bridesmaid gowns you'll actually want to wear again!

Always a bridesmaid? Get tips to be her go-to-gal without going insane!

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