Weddings are such a beautiful opportunity to showcase a couple's story, their personalities, their family lives, their sense of style, their love for the Lord and each other. If you're not careful, it can become overwhelming and stressful. One of the biggest sources of stress for couples (and their families) is the financial burden that often comes with a wedding.

While there will undoubtedly be expenses, there are many ways to save when it comes to planning your wedding. Here are a few tips that I've stumbled upon in my own wedding planning experience, as well as watching close friends and family members plan their big day!

1. Think about your priorities.

Everyone has something that sticks out to them. For a lot of people, the photography is the most important. For some people it's the food, for others it's a perfect dress. For me, it was food and cake (my two favorite things). These are the areas where you will want to place a large chunk of your budget. These are also the things you're likely to remember most about your day.

2. Use your resources.

I am extremely blessed to be surrounded by talented and generous people. I have a family friend who is an amazing photographer. I used to work at the best bakery in Maryville. My mom is the most incredible florist ever. My fiance is skilled in making videos and using photo-shop. My mother-in-law is helping me make some sweet favors for my guests. Alex and I are so blessed to have people in our lives willing to help us make our day special! So, look around for people you know that can help you!

3. Do-it-yourself.

Isn't Pinterest an absolute God-send? I don't know how people planned weddings before Pinterest! I am doing most of my wedding decor myself, and with the help of my friends and family. Think ahead and pick up little things to be doing along the way. Instead of buying expensive stationery, can you design and print something yourself? Instead of purchasing signage from an expensive Etsy site, can you use a stencil and make it at home? Think of ways to use your talents to save! Also, this is a great opportunity to spend time with the people you love! Host a craft night and knock out those table numbers!

4. Think twice before making decisions.

There is ALWAYS another option. Don't be pressured into making a decision right away and risk wasting money. I tried on a dress that was my favorite at that particular store. However, I knew this dress was way more than I wanted to spend. It was also nothing like the dresses I had originally had in mind, and honestly didn't match my venue or theme. Looking back, I am so thankful I said that I decided to wait. Because I would have really regretted buying that dress.

5. Remember that the little things are just that.

A wise friend offered me some advice when I started planning my wedding that really spoke to me. She said "no one cares about your napkins." And she is so right! In ten years, Our guests aren't going to have any idea what color napkins we chose and whether or not I spent painstaking hours hand stamping 200 of them. Realize that while the little things matter and you have to make decisions regarding them, it is highly unlikely that these details are going to make or break your day.

6. Look for things that serve multiple purposes.

While shopping for decor, from the very beginning I found myself saying "this would be great for the wedding, and then we can use it in our home afterwards." This is a great thing. Find things you can use for your bridal shower, rehearsal dinner, reception, baby showers, Christmas party, whatever. Try not to spend huge money on things you are just going to use once.

7. Buy used, save the difference.

There have been about a bazillion weddings before yours. Someone has probably used 20 mason jars as centerpieces and is willing to sell them to you for a great price or even loan them to you for ~freeeee.~ Think about areas where it's better to buy things that have already been used and that don't need to be brand new.

8. Think about why you started.

It's just a day. Your wedding is one day. Unless your crazy fun family has turned it into a wedding weekend bash (cough, cough, DAD.) It will come and go, but your relationships are forever. How you treat your spouse, your family, your friends, during this stressful time is what really matters. Don't let a disagreement over money cause a huge fight between your parents. Don't let bridesmaids dress styles ruin your relationship with your best friend. Don't let the stress of planning a wedding pit you against your partner.

Don't forget why you started, enjoy the process, and remember that it's all about love.