Ways to keep your wedding day in the black

Here comes the bride? Fortunately, saving money is not as difficult as you think.

Getting married is extremely costly especially if you go the traditional route. When it comes to saving money, stick to the little things and the savings will add up faster than you can walk down the aisle.

Thanks to the Independent Mail, we've compiled some great savings tips that will help keep your white wedding day in the black. Here are our favorites:

Need invitations? Make your own

Invitations can be expensive, especially since the invitations are before the wedding itself. Why not make your own invitations for your special day? Visit an arts & crafts store such as Michaels, or a special paper store. Use software easily found at Staples, and print your own.

Book your wedding off-season

Popular months for wedding include June, July and September. Plan your wedding in the off-season, such as October or an early spring April wedding. This may save you money on the reception.

Let guests take your pictures

Forget the photographer. Place disposable cameras on the dining table, and let your guests take the pictures. Have a basket for the cameras to be dropped into at the end of the reception. Or, maybe you have a friend who is interested in photography. Have him/her take the pictures as a wedding present or for a discounted price.

Tap into family talent

Have a family member who loves calligraphy? Maybe your mom sews or your brother loves to decorate? Tap into this family talent. Maybe your mom would love to make or hem your dress. Would your sister help you with the invitations? Thank you family for being there when we need you.

Consider black-tie alternatives

Want to save money for you and for your guests? Consider a black-tie alternative. Maybe you are getting married near a beach... have the guests wear khakis and button ups. Maybe your wedding is in the mountains... flannel shirts? It's your wedding and it's OK to be creative.

Tips for a do-it-yourself wedding on a budget

Saving money has become more fashionable as the economic downturn continues, and weddings are no exception. Brides everywhere are looking for projects they can complete on their own to reduce the cost of their big day.

Modern Bride writer Kelly Bare has even published a new book targeted to those who don't mind putting in a little elbow grease in exchange for saving on the bottom line. "The DIY Wedding: Celebrate Your Day Your Way," published by Chronicle Books, offers tips on how to save money without sacrificing personal style.

A good first step toward saving is to avoid telling vendors that the event being planned is a wedding. Services related to weddings often command a premium price, so withholding that knowledge could keep vendors from going over the top on the final bill. Another trick is to try to find amateurs instead of professionals, such as weekend musicians or moonlighting calligraphers.

As with any service provider, however, all of the details of the agreement should be put in writing ahead of time. Keeping signed copies of contracts could save time and money in the long run if a dispute arises. Be wary of hiring anyone who is unwilling to sign a written agreement, and don't be afraid to negotiate.

The economy has caused business to decline in many industries, so brides are in a good position to get what they want for a better price. It can't hurt to ask.