KEY POINTS:
Betrothed but broke? You're not alone.
The credit crunch is forcing Kiwi brides and grooms to downsize their weddings, planners say.
And other couples are choosing to wed in registry offices or not at all, purely to save cash.
While reports say the average Kiwi wedding costs $19,000, the budget crisis is forcing couples to go to great lengths to keep costs down - and hopefully still afford a worthwhile honeymoon.
Some engaged couples, such as Christchurch's David Moyle and fiancee Kelly, have decided to put off their nuptials indefinitely.
They've told prospective guests "We couldn't afford to have a wedding and a baby".
Others are ditching the church or vineyard for the less romantic but cheaper option of a registry office.
Overseas, brides are reportedly holding garage sales and baking cupcakes as "fundraisers" for their big day. While that trend hasn't caught on here, DIY weddings are increasing, say wedding planners.
Brides and grooms are making their own invitations, cakes and decorations, and actively seeking free help from friends and family.
Amy Davidson of Wonderful Weddings - who is planning her wedding as well as those of her clients - said getting married on a shoestring didn't have to be all doom and gloom.
"When you do try to cut down costs, you become a lot more creative."
For her ceremony, she is planning single roses instead of full bridesmaids' bouquets - saving about $150 per bridesmaid.
"I'm also making a lot of the decorations myself, and we are borrowing a friend's Chevy for the wedding party vehicle."
She said a wedding planner was a luxury not all can afford - her full wedding co-ordination service costs $2500-plus.
Christchurch wedding planner Emma Newman said wedding wallets were "definitely" tightening for many couples.
But the credit crisis certainly wasn't affecting everyone - she had recently put on nuptials for which the couple had forked out more than $100,000.
She said while it was great to get the willing help of family and friends, it was important not to overload them.
"I mean, definitely get your mum to make the cake if she wants to but don't just rely on the 'she'll be right' attitude."
A classy wedding could be "easily" pulled off for less than $10,000, said Newman. It was best to invest in photography. "It's the only thing that stays with you forever."
