So you're finally getting married? Congratulations! This should be one of the happiest days in your life. But to be honest - it's also going to be one of the most costly days in your life. If you haven't figured it out yet - weddings are expensive. The cost of a wedding can very from $5000 to even $100,000 and more, if you're really rich and willing to put in that kind of money. The average wedding in the US, though, costs about $20,000 (for around 150 guests). A hefty sum, especially for a couple that is young in most cases, and doesn't really have that kind of money to spend.

So, is there anything we can do to lower the costs of a wedding?

The truth is that there is a lot we can do to lower the cost of a wedding. Let's cover a few of the areas in which we can do that, and in many cases reduce the price in thousands of dollars.

So here's out list of tips. Take a look and see if you can borrow these ideas and use them:

Tip no.1: Have the wedding done off-season. Most of the weddings are done in April-August. So why not get married in September?

Tip no.2: Have the wedding done off-season. Most of the weddings are done in April-August. So why not get married in September?

Tip no.3: If possible, try to have the wedding in the late afternoon instead of the evening. The reception halls are less expensive in the afternoon, and since the reception is a big part of your expense, the savings will be notable.

Tip no.4: Choose a week day instead of a weekend day. The days of the week are less expensive than the weekends.

Tip no.5: The location of the wedding can be very significant in terms of price. Maybe you can do the wedding in a city nearby which is less expensive.

Tip no.6: The wedding dress - remember, it's only worn once, so spending thousands of dollars on it is not the most reasonable thing to do (but many of us do it anyway...). Try a creative solution that costs less. One idea is to order a wedding dress online and make alteration. In many cases this will cost much less.

Tip no.7: Make the wedding favors yourself. It can be fun, creative and less expensive.

Tip no.8: Enlist your friends to help. Do you have a friend who knows how to photograph? Do you know someone who can design your invitations? Does the bride have a friend who can do her makeup and hair?

The main idea in trying to cut down wedding costs is to be creative. Try to think of ideas that will help you reduce the costs. Who knows - maybe you'll save enough to use that money for a house down payment!