The average cost of a wedding in the U.S. is $24,066. Most couples spend between $18,000 and $30,000 for their big day. For many, that hefty sum could otherwise be used as a down payment on a home or for other necessities. In fact, 35% of married couples later regret their expensive ceremonies.

The best way to approach a wedding day is to first determine the budget–without going beyond what is affordable. After that, move on to making the lists and working out the details. Saving money doesn’t mean cutting out your greatest wedding “wants.” You can drop the high-priced consultants, designer labels, and prime season scheduling, for instance. Creative people tap the help of friends and family to plan a ceremony that looks like the royal wedding, but does not come with a bill to match.

Keeping the wedding affordable will help you remember the event for the happiness of the moment–rather than the years spent paying down the debt.

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• More on developing a wedding budget.