Elena Donovan Mauer, a bridal expert who works with Bridal Guide on an ongoing basis, has co-authored a new book called "Planning Your Wedding Sucks" (how's that for blunt?). Never one to pull any punches, Elena offers some real-life advice about saving for ye olde wedding...
1. First, decide how much you need to save each month to reach your wedding-budget goal.
2. Start a savings account devoted entirely to wedding savings.
3. To be sure you don't slip and "forget," either make an electronic transfer every month or have part of your paycheck directly deposited into that account every payday.
4. Find little ways to save that add up. Paint your own nails. Pack your lunch and eat dinner at home. Clip coupons.
5. Take a hard look at your monthly expenses. Where can you cut back? Isn't giving up cable for a few months worth having a few wedding luxuries that you crave? You'll barely have time to watch TV anyhow.
Most brides find that once saving gets to be a habit, it doesn't hurt nearly as much as you might think. So take a deep breath, let it out slowly...and start.
--Susan Schneider
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