Did you know that a typical wedding costs about $22,000? Plus, there's so much that needs to be done that it can seem totally overwhelming. Most people simply have no idea what it takes to carry off a simple wedding. Budgets can easily go out the window when there's still months to go before the big day. Don't let this happen to you on your (or a love one's) special day! If done right, it doesn't have to.

To begin with, here are a few things you should avoid:

1. Fire (or better yet, don't hire) your wedding planner. Yes they can be helpful and can certainly facilitate your day. But, at what price? If money is no object, then by all means go for it. Put it in her hands and walk away from all the hassle.

But for most people that isn't realistic. Find an excellent alternative at the end of this article to get you going and save yourself small fortune in expenses.

2. Stay away from wedding magazines. Remember, they need advertisers and advertisers want to sell you lots of expensive services and products. Wedding magazines and expensive weddings go hand in hand.

3. Family and friends. They may be well intentioned, but most simply don't know what it takes to put on a successful wedding. They may end up costing you money plus the advice you get could be contrary to you own wishes. Family and friends are valuable, but not necessarily for wedding planning.

One of the most difficult parts of being a bride is just knowing what needs to be done. Photographers, music, favors, cake, food and drink, invitations and stationery, flowers are just some of the things that need to be dealt with. And don't forget the bride dress and all that entails.

Most people can't do everything without help, but there are money saving alternatives to the two items mentioned above. Starting with setting a budget to contact your vendors takes a certain expertise that most of us don't have.

Speaking of budgets, here is a link to an Ebay page that can be helpful in finding some good deals.

The best help that our research team has found is a simple downloadable book that can help you with all these things and more. And, at less than thirty five dollars it may be the best expense you will have. It will literally save you thousands of dollars. For immediate access to this little gem, please click here.