I just planned a wedding in September. While my hubby and I are a little older than you we were on a really tight budget also. First off, take advantage of places like Davids bridal when they are having their $99 sale. There are a surprising amount of dresses that are really pretty and that’s really cheap! Also you can talk to them about their credit card. They offer 18 months interest free so as long as you make regular monthly payments you can still get your dress interest free. Also consider getting a “bride-maids” dress as your wedding dress. They are really pretty and unique and much cheaper then a “brides” dress. As for food and decorations…..Do it yourself. Find a location that is free or really cheap like a relatives yard or a campground. My husband and I actually used the “athletic” green at a campground and only paid a couple hundred dollars. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony for really cheap. You can order different decorations online through a variety of places and pay much less then you will in party stores. We also enlisted the help of our family and friends to cook food as their “gift to us”. We had a ton of food and paid very little. Good luck my dear and remember that the wedding is about you and your love for each other not what everyone thinks or wants

The great thing about that date is alot of venues/churches will be decorated for Christmas already so that will save you a lot in decorating. Make a list of everything that you need and want. Even if you don’t think it’s possible to get. Get a planner, it doesn’t have to be an expensive wedding planner, any planner from Wal-Mart will do. And everyday do something on that list. And also, check regulary on ebay or craigslist for alot of the wedding items. You’ll be able to find great deals there. Keep the wedding small and simple and that should keep the budget down. Good luck to you and congratulations!

Anything you can do yourself, do it: invitations, save-the-dates, veil, making dresses, table numbers, favors, etc. You’ll save money by doing things yourslef. Leave the big things like food and a photographer to the professionals to save you the stress. Choose a venue that is inexpensive or free: the church fellowship hall, a city park, a lodge, a VFW, a friend’s house or yard, etc. Have a specific reception instead of a meal: if you do between meal times (2pm or 7pm) you can do light foods, brunch, desserts-only, cocktails, etc. If you do cake and punch in the fellowship hall youw ill save TONS of money!

Good luck!

try making everything for the reception yourself. you can go to the craft store and get neat things for centerpieces and they also have silk flowers there so you can really do a lot.