How to Have the Wedding of Your Dreams on a Budget

From the Invites to the Honeymoon...

We caught up with Bridal expert, and editor of The Knot.com Anja Winikka for the scoop on the top things to think about "after' you get engaged and how to plan the wedding of your dreams, without breaking the bank.

What's the first thing you should think about once you get engaged?

The first thing to think about is the date and the budget you're working with ...if you're trying to save money...stay away from prime months like May, June, September and October--because they are most expensive...and consider a Friday or Sunday wedding. You also want to decide who is going to be in the wedding and ask them for the honors.

How do you decide where to get married? What are some of the hot trends for places?

Well, destination weddings are more popular than ever--and you can find the most amazing deals now.. We love Sandals Resorts in the caribbean for example ..they have luxury included honeymoons--- some of the most popular destinations for destination weddings are Jamaica, Antigua, st Lucia and the Bahamas...the new suites include all the lavish details ...butlers...gourmet dining...private plunge pools, pampering treatments at their signature Red Lane Spas...and they've actually partnered with Preston Bailey --the event designer who did Donald and Melania Trump's wedding---to design five wedding packages for their guests....and they're completely affordable...you can get everything from the Sylvia Weinstock cake to the centerpieces and then some starting at about $1700. Preston's most recent design for the collection is the Caribbean Sunset Package - a sunset ceremony featuring florals in warm pinks and golds inspired to compliment the Caribbean sunset. Here I have the bouquet and table setting from the collection --for a more classic design Sandals has the Sea Mist Collection in classic white and crystal. Perfect for the bride looking for the VIP wedding without the pricetag.

What about the registry? When and how do we do that?

You should register about eight months out if possible---well before your engagement party and bridal showers. Registering is not like it used to be---and it's not just for the bride anymore!registering is a fun way to get the groom involved---register at a place that has everything and in a range of prices--- like target. You can do it right online at target.com or at your local target store...while you want to think about the basics you might need like towels, bedding, stemwear and a blender ---also consider what you both can really enjoy together---like a bose sounddock for entertaining!... A few more tips---always consider what you both already have prior to registering and try to consider 2-in-1 appliances to utilize less space...also be sure to register for a range of different price points for your guests so they have options.

What about the invitations?

Before you register it's really important to get your save the date cards out! This can be done that at the same time you register and it's a good idea to send them out about six to eight months in advance. Your invites should go out two months before the big day. It sounds like a lot to do right off the bat---but keep in mind that stationary shopping is changing and has become easier---now you can personalize your own invitations online at target.com---this can help save a lot of time and money!

What's next?

Research vendors as soon as you can---your photographers, bands, djs, florists, and caterers---at least six months out if possible ...if you are staying local---schedule as many appointments as possible---on the knot.com we have local vendor list so you research vendors in your area! You can save a lot of money if you take the time to shop around wisely.

Where can we go for more info??

You can go to sandals.com/weddings or target.com/clubwedd for lots more tips and advice .......and of course--- The Knot.com!