 TITLE: How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget CONTENT: Tie the Knot Without Breaking the Bank\n--------------------------------------\nIt's easy to get caught up in the excitement of wedding planning. There may be an engagement party and bridal shower to attend with your favorite people. You may be trying on dresses or tuxes and looking through wedding magazines. If you don't track spending, expenses can creep up and your wedding could end up costing more—even thousands more—than you planned.\nThe good news is that the wedding experience can be enjoyable without costing a fortune. Start a budget by figuring out how much you're willing to spend. Then, write down all of your expenses and keep track of your spending as you sign contracts with vendors.\nLastly, you could consider alternatives like a microwedding or minimony. If you're hosting fewer people, you may have more space in the budget to splurge on the food, decor or attire that you really want—or ensure that you don't start your life together saddled with extra debt. END