You don't have to break the bank on your special day

It's one of the most special days in your life ... but the cost can cause a lot of stress for the bride and groom. The lavish wedding paid for by the bride's parents is a thing of the past, but by asking people to help and take some responsibility, your wedding needn't equal that of your house deposit.
When your parents say: "I can't afford a wedding", it means they're afraid you will ask them to pay for the whole event.
Instead, suggest they make a specific part of the wedding their gift, such as the food or photography.
Rather than paying exorbitant wedding venue charges consider going alfresco in a scenic place and hire a marquee.
You may know somebody with a nice garden, and many councils, churches and schools have beautiful grounds available at nominal cost.
Ask if you can put your marquee on their lawn rather than say: "Can I have the wedding at your place?"
A 9m x 15m marquee costs about $1000 and will easily house 100 people, a dance floor and buffet table. Hire a portable toilet if facilities are an issue. At only $100 a day, few will use it and it will prevent grumbles about queuing for the loo.
Hold the reception at midday when people eat and drink less, and if you're in a marquee you won't have to worry about lighting.
If you're hiring a wedding venue, midweek bookings are considerably cheaper.
Some caterers organise dining equipment themselves or you can talk to a large hire company who will have a good grasp of your needs.
By cooking the main course yourself, such as lamb or pig on a spit roast, you will greatly lower your catering costs because cold foods can be made off site and laid out as a buffet.
Spit roasts cost about $130 a day, prime lambs $170 and good-sized pigs from $300.
Ask private clubs such as your local RSA for catering quotes as they usually have lower overheads.
Pay for the alcohol yourself and stick to beer and wine.
You can choose to your own taste, avoid a spectacular mark-up and enjoy the leftovers on your honeymoon.
Some supermarkets have Christmas clubs which include alcohol purchases and certain outlets allow you to return unneeded drinks.
Good photographs are essential but their hidden cost can be the cost of prints.
Spending a bit more upfront to retain copyright of your photos can save families thousands of dollars.
An alternative is to ask guests to bring their cameras, but you should assign a person with a laptop to collect the data during the evening so that you don't have to chase up the photos after the wedding.
For invitations, time and minimum investment is needed. Handmade invitations have a lot more class than commercial ones.
Baking is an addiction for many people. Suggest the cake be a gift and avert decorating blunders by requesting a simple flower arrangement.
Don't be ashamed to admit your budget-conscious decisions - embrace them as your theme. Then shout another round of bubbly, or two, because you can afford to now.
10 simple ways to save on your wedding day
Manage your parent's contribution
Give them something to look after ... the cake, the invitations, the photographer. It will make them feel more involved and take some of the stress off you.
Have your reception outside in a free scenic spot
New Zealand has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world ... look at parks, beaches, even a friend's garden.
Hold your wedding during the day
People eat and drink less during the daytime.
Opt for spit-roasts and buffets
It's a lot cheaper than a sit-down meal.
Pick non-commercial caterers
Cold foods made off-site by friends and family will lower the cost of catering considerably.
Buy your own alcohol
Stick to beer and wine, buy it ahead of time when supermarkets are holding big specials. Spirits will definitely put the price up.
Retain copyright on photographs
Reprints for family and friends will cost next to nothing compared to buying prints off your photographer.
Make your own invitations
There are so many places you can buy cheap card, stamps etc ... it's fun, too.
Bail up a baker
You're bound to have a favourite aunt or nana who is an exceptional baker - find a book with what you like and go from there.
Elope
This really is a last option ... you may disappoint your family, but it is cheap!