At last, the big day is finally arriving! In 40 days and counting I will be marrying the man of my dreams. Just like many other young ladies, I have spent lots of time daydreaming and planning for what my wedding day would look like, what cake I would have, and the type of dress that I would wear. Needless to say, my Pinterest page is full and bursting with winter wedding theme ideas!

The wedding industry is a giant part of today's society, filled with magazine articles overflowing with the top trends and what "must haves" need to be present on your special day. Because of this booming industry, which has become more of a status symbol than anything else, the average cost of a wedding is astronomical. Ringing in at an average total of $32,641 just in the last year, we have seen an increase of around $5,000 per wedding since 2010 alone. This price includes everything from the flowers to the fancy thank you gifts handed out at the end. But why does anyone need to spend this much on just one day? Because, weddings have become a status symbol. The one day where you and a special person are to exchange vows that will last a life time has turned into something full or frivolous niceties. I believe that all of the extra bells and whistles take away from the true beauty of a wedding. Over all, it is important to remember what the heart of a wedding truly is; to marry the love of your life!

After planning a wedding myself there are a few tips I would like to share with you on how to get the beautiful, and special day that you are wanting, without needing to go broke over it.

1. Start by having a game plan early.

Ladies, it is totally okay to start dreaming about your wedding long before you even find that special someone! Being prepared is a smart move because it allows you to research exactly what you like, and how much it is going to cost you. That way, you can scratch any crazy schemes that you discover really are not worth emptying your wallet for, with plenty of time to spare.

2. When deciding on a theme, try to think outside of the box when it comes to decorations.

Do you really need an entire arbor covered in layers of Delphiniums and Roses? Instead, try to think of ways to incorporate available nature into your decor. If you absolutely cannot live without lots and lots of beautiful blossoms, or even just a handful, talk with your florist to find flowers that are in season during the time of your wedding. This way you can still have beautiful arrangements, but you won't be paying for expensive shipping costs to bring them in from another area.

3. Know your resources

Don't be afraid to ask your talented friends and family members to help with the tasks that you could hire someone else for. The people closest to you could make all the difference with those DIY signs, helping with the technology on the big day, being a day-of coordinator, or even making the cake if you know someone who loves to bake. Reaching out to those who love you will not only help you save some money and lose some stress, but also makes them feel included and special. Trust me, your family and friends will be happy to do it!

These tips are only a few that I believe can be really useful to a blissfully busy bride. Many others can be found at sites like The Knot and of course, Pinterest. Find some new and interesting ways to keep your wedding beautiful, yet kind to your wallet!