Backyard BBQ or black-tie blowout: What's your wedding style?

After you say “yes” to the all-important question, “Will you marry me?” there’s a long road to “I do.” Wedding planning is exciting and filled with seemingly endless choices — Traditional or offbeat? Small and intimate or super-sized bash? DJ or band? — all potentially giving you more stress than bliss.

Creating a realistic and workable budget is one of those important wedding planning tasks. How much you spend on your big day is a personal decision and likely one of the largest financial decisions you’ll make together as a couple. Talk through your budget and desired guest list with your spouse-to-be to ensure you’re on the same page. Once you’re in agreement on the budget, it can help guide what type of wedding you have.