Planning a wedding on a budget is a challenge of priorities. You don't want to -- or can't -- overspend. So there's a need to prioritize the things that matter most to you -- and often, that's the reception you'll share with your family and friends.

But, on the other hand, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you want to remember it forever. And that means good photography -- and, if possible, videography -- and that's expensive, right?

There's no doubt that quality photography and videography services are not cheap. Many publications suggest that a student or other inexperienced but "talented" photographer or videographer can save you thousands (and you're supposed to be able to evaluate their "talent"!). But, what if they don't do a good job -- let alone the great job you're hoping for?

Don't skimp on these key services. Instead, try a little creative budgeting/planning. Many quality photographers offer smaller packages with minimal prints and a modest album -- or no album at all. Opting for the smallest package may allow you to choose a better photographer for much less up-front money. Then, after the wedding, you may find that wedding gifts allow you to upgrade to a better album or more prints -- or, assuming the photographer provides all the negatives (typical in today's digital world, but be sure to ask), you can simply wait and purchase the additional prints and album(s) at a time in the future when you can afford what you really want.

Now, when you discuss this with the photographers you're considering, they'll undoubtedly point out that you'd save more by committing to a larger package up front. And, that's probably true -- but, if you can't afford the larger package now, booking a minimal package may allow you to get your wedding photos taken by the photographer whose work and style you love, and give you the option to purchase the album(s) and prints you want later.

Remember, if you go with a photographer whose work is not up to par -- or whose inexperience prevents him or her from handling the inevitable small (or large) big-day glitches, you'll never be able to recapture those moments. Bottom line: getting the best pictures is more important than getting the biggest package.

Similarly, many brides on a budget eliminate video from their planning altogether. Yet, nothing captures the emotion of the day like quality videography. (Consider one videographer's story of a wedding she recorded -- the bride's father was killed in a car accident the week after her wedding. The wedding video became a lasting record not just of her father's image, but his words on the day he was proudest of, and most happy for, his daughter. Priceless!)

Many brides think that wedding videography is just souped-up home video. Au contraire! Today's professional videographers are more like mini-movie directors. Visit with a few of the best and you won't want to do without this precious remembrance.

Ask videographers whose work you like if they permit paying for their recording services before the wedding, and paying for editing time after. Not all will allow this, but some will -- and that could be the difference between affording a quality wedding video and having none at all. As with photography, you may find that after the wedding that gifts can fund the remaining cost of your video -- or, you can simply wait until you're able to afford it from your own funds.

Don't forget, also, to ask the photographers and videographers you're considering if they have a bridal registry -- more are offering this helpful way to allow your loved ones to contribute to your wedding costs!

Concerned you won't be able to afford your dream wedding reception location? Consider choosing an off-season date.

What about a winter wedding? If you live in a part of the country where it snows, a winter wedding can be very romantic. I've personally attended two weddings in New England at beautiful, historic inns in the winter -- complete with all the coziness of a roaring fire. (See the Wayside Inn in Sudbury for one example of a location that charms in the winter.) You might even consider a horse-drawn sleigh for an extra touch of romance!

Even here in California, winter events can have an atmosphere of romance and coziness, especially in rugged oceanside areas like Big Sur, Carmel and Half Moon Bay.

Most wedding locations are motivated to attract your business during their slower seasons -- and, their rates (and willingness to negotiate) will reflect it. What's more, other vendors (DJ, photographer, etc.) may also have fewer bookings on less popular wedding dates, and so might also offer better rates.

Similarly, if you're willing to get married mid-week, or even on a Friday or a Sunday in some cases, you might find your "fantasy" facility is suddenly within reach of your budget.

One of our favorite sources of money-saving wedding tips (free, no less!) is Stephi Stewart's "Fire Your Wedding Planner" newsletter. Did we mention it's free? (There is also a paid e-book which is fabulous ... but, even if you sign up only for the free newsletter, you'll get plenty of excellent ideas and inspiration to save big on your big day.)

To sign up for the free newsletter, visit this link:

Sign up for "Fire Your Wedding Planner"

Note, if you decide to buy the e-book after enjoying the newsletter, Stephi offers a money-back guarantee that you'll be able to save on your wedding using her tips!

One of our favorite budget wedding tips is also a great tip for making an elegant and personalized statement at your wedding.

Instead of spending $500, $700 or more on a multi-tiered, "wedding" cake, consider purchasing a variety of small specialty cakes. Your guests will be able to ooh and ahh over the display of your interesting selection. Black Forest, cheesecake, Baba au Rhum, petits fours - let your imagination and tastebuds run wild, and include any exotic confections that you like. You'll create a dessert experience that your guests will talk about just as much as they would any spectacular tiered extravagance (maybe even more!).

If you like, you could also try this approach combined with a very small, decorative "real" wedding cake for the bride and groom to cut for photos, and save for their first anniversary.

The internet has transformed wedding planning on a budget! Many elements of a wedding can now be sourced online (from anywhere in the country) at great savings.

Wedding gowns are a great example. Not only can you shop for great discounts from online retailers, you can also often find amazing prices on gowns direct from other brides. Sometimes, a bride wants to sell her "gently used" wedding gown. More often, she bought one wedding gown and changed her mind, and now needs to sell the first to pay for the second.

There are a number of classified type sites that are great hunting grounds for budget-conscious wedding gown shoppers. Among our favorites:

Ebay (Grand-daddy of them all)
Craigslist (Available in most major metro areas)
Free Wedding Classifieds (Name says it all)
Classifieds ... For Brides! (Another wedding-specific free classifieds site)

A bonus of the last three of these options is that you can post for what you're looking for -- so, if you really need that size 8 Maggie Sottero at a discount, you can post and see if anyone has the gown of your dreams.

Don't forget ... you can also post your own wedding gown for sale after "the big day," assuming you don't want to hold onto it for sentimental reasons.