If you're like many girls, you've been planning your wedding since childhood. Cost didn't enter into your vision of a gorgeous gown, hundreds of guests, an overabundance of flowers, food, and drink, all taking place in picture-perfect surroundings. Unfortunately, not everyone has hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend on their wedding. But with a little ingenuity and a whole lot of creativity, your low-budget wedding can be just as fabulous as Brad and Jen's (and hopefully have a happier ending).

• Get Married in the Off Season

  For any wedding, the first order of business is figuring out a date. The question has been popped, Mom and Dad approved, and it's time to start planning. What month do you want to exchange vows? Certain times of the year venue costs, rental fees, and other necessities are generally less expensive than at during the summer.

  Fall weddings lend themselves to the budget-minded bride and groom. In addition to cheaper venue and rental costs, the natural beauty of the outdoors provides a beautiful backdrop for exchanging I-do's.

  October and November foliage can be a spectacular backdrop. With nature's help, a backyard can be transformed into a breathtaking oasis. Not only does a backyard wedding cut costs, it allows you to plan on your own terms and grants you access to your venue 24 hours a day.

  Too cold for an outdoor wedding in your neck of the woods? Bring autumn indoors. Leaves, gourds, and other artifacts of the season serve as great centerpieces and decorative accents. Hollowed out pumpkins make clever containers for candles or flowers. Sprinkle leaves on tables to add pizzazz. Branch centerpieces capture the essence of the season and are a lot cheaper than fresh flowers. Hang votives from branches to create added ambiance. Play off the rich hues of red, orange, and yellow. Deep colors have a huge impact. A red tablecloth with orange napkins makes a bold statement and reflects the exuberance of the season.

  Take advantage of the major holidays of the season. Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas bring distinctive decorative items and party goods. November nuptials allow you to take advantage of all three holidays. Halloween is more than black, orange, witches, and goblins. Find an assortment of lights, unique candle holders, napkins, plates, and cups at discount prices. Wait until after the 31st to get the lowest clearance prices.

  Nothing signifies holiday entertaining like the Thanksgiving. Buy up tableware, food, and drink at discounted prices. And don't forget the chafing dishes! As the last of the Halloween and Thanksgiving merchandise makes it's way off store shelves (at 75% off or more), in comes the best source for wedding decorations.

  Christmas means vast arrays of lights, tableware, and decorative items galore. During the holiday season, party goods are abundantly available. Formal table cloths and festive accessories line store shelves. And remember, ornaments aren't just for Christmas trees. They can be used in centerpieces, hung from the ceiling, or given away as wedding favors.

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