Step 1: Get intimate with your budget

First and foremost sit down with all contributing parties to talk through who is giving what and how much. With the average wedding these days costing around $30,000 it is important to really know just how much you have to spend. Sitting down at the beginning to discuss your budget will save you time and reduce stress as the months go on.

While there are "rules" dictating who pays for what, today's brides and grooms can decide that those rules are meant to be broken. However, you can use some of these wedding etiquette guidelines on who pays for what as a starting point for your budget discussion.

Step 2: Pick your priorities

One of the best things a budget can do for a bride and groom is to help identify just what is important. While there are standardized percentages you can use to help you figure out just how much of your budget to spend on what. Having a budget allows you as a couple to splurge on elements that are really important and cut back on others.

Step 3: Track your spending

Even the best budgets can quickly spiral out of control. There are dozens of tools and spreadsheets that make it easy for you to keep track of spending so that your wedding budget stays on track. It is also important to pick a few times during the planning process for "get-real" budget checks. It's easy to tell yourself you're on track but the reality is receipts get forgotten and dollars mysteriously add up, forcing a few check points will end up serving you well.