Get a grip:

How to Plan a Wedding Without Breaking the Bank

June, one of the most popular months for weddings, is just around the corner. Many couples are planning for their special day - and running up a lot of expenses.

Follow these guidelines to plan a wonderful wedding without incurring a lot of debt:

• Set a budget. Figure out realistically how much money you can spend on your wedding and honeymoon. Determine who else, if anyone, will be contributing money and how much. Divide your budget by categories: invitations, music, flowers, clothes, reception, etc. Research approximately how much you might expect to spend in each category.
• Talk to one another. If the love of your life is set on having a formal wedding with a sit-down dinner and you long to get married barefoot on the beach,  the two of you need to come to terms quickly. Talk to one another about what's most important to you on your wedding day. Then set priorities together. Be open to compromise.
• Start saving. As soon as you decide to get married, open a savings account designated for wedding and honeymoon expenditures. Be aggressive about putting away money; the more you save, the more cash you will have available for wedding expenses. This way you can eliminate the need to charge items on credit cards.
• Ask for help. If you are having trouble writing your wedding budget or if you are entering the marriage with existing debt, call the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, (800) 388-2227 or use the NFCC's online locator at www.debtadvice.org for a reference to a credit counseling service near you. A local counselor can can help you trim expenses, develop a workable budget, lower finance charges and repay debts.