It seems like everywhere we turn lately, there are more and more signs of our bad economy.  The wedding industry is certainly not left out of the belt tightening turmoil!  There was a very good article on Tuesday the 13th from the Associated Press (which I found posted at MSNBC.com) called “Economy sticking a cake fork in bridezilla?“.  (Whispering to the AP: y’know we TRY not to call them that anymore!)  Our regular readers may also remember our post, Bride of the Economy.

Even with the day to day upheaval and changes in our world, our country and our economy, love still finds a way to bloom and lovers still want to face those changes together.  Your wedding marks the launch of your life as a couple.  You want to celebrate!  But you don’t want to break the bank doing it.

As I drove to work this morning, I almost choked on my White Chocolate Mocha Frappucino when I saw the new $3.67/gallon price at the corner stop (By the way, thank you, Starbucks! LOL I would so have to still do an espresso bar if I was getting married again…).  Yes, I know many other places across the country are already higher, but for me that was an “omg” reaction.

So, I thought - what advice could I give bridal couples looking to trim down expenses?  I stared mournfully at my indulgent cup of morning delight and sighed.  That is probably going to way of the dodo shortly since cutting out my morning cup will keep my truck in gas for a day and half…

Check out some of these discussion links out on savings, budget, etc.:

MSNBC boards response to the above mentioned article

About.com’s wedding budget planner

Wedding budget tips at Onewed.com

iVillage’s wedding section

Take heart, you aren’t alone!  Look around for surprising ways to save.  Choose the things that matter you most!  Most of all, surround yourself with loving people who truly want to be there for you.  (And if you’re lucky, give you Starbucks gift cards…)

~Kristen