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We all know people who spent the equivalent of a small mortgage on their rings and wedding.  Unless their parents shelled out for it, they likely started their life together in debt. 

 looked at research comparing wedding spending to divorce rates: 

Kelli B. Grant, personal finance and consumer spending reporter at CNBC, joined The Daily Circuit to offer some tips to plan a low-budget wedding.

1. The one number everyone should focus on: Total number of guests.

 If you know how many people you'd like to have at your wedding right away, it will help you budget the rest of your wedding accordingly. 

 Find out how much family members are helping and decide how much you're willing to add of your own money.

3. Pick two to three things that are most important to you and spend your money there.

 Grant said her priorities were inviting everyone they wanted to be there and hiring a good photographer.

4. Go to vendors and tell them your budget.

 Grant said they approached florists with the set amount they were willing to spend on flowers and then you'll find out what they can offer. She suggests lowering the amount, so if they do up-sell you on a couple extras, you're still within original budget. 

5. Use these sites to budget your wedding and find cheaper alternatives:

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Kelli B. Grant, personal finance and consumer spending reporter at CNBC, joined The Daily Circuit to offer some tips to plan a low-budget wedding.


5 ways to avoid the mega-wedding trap

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