By JOY PERRINO CHOQUETTE

Entire magazines are dedicated to this day. Television shows are specifically created to showcase it. Shop owners and workers spend massive amounts of time planning, sewing and designing products around this one special day: the wedding day.

Wedding planning is filled with tasks such as bridal expos, florist and dress consultations and menu planning as happy couples across the Champlain Valley plan for one of the biggest days in their lives.

One aspect of the wedding the couple might not want to overlook? The creation of a wedding budget.

According to the Bridal Association of America, the average cost for a wedding in 2009 is $30,860, an increase from $28,850 in 2007. And, while it used to be common tradition for weddings to be simple, more relaxed affairs, today’s weddings are intended to showcase a couple’s uniqueness, good taste and use of sophisticated design ideas.

“Over the past few years . . . there are a lot of (televised) wedding shows that show these really elaborate weddings. What people don’t realize is that there is a huge budget behind it,” said Kate Crosby, designer and wedding coordinator at The Blue Toad in Waitsfield.

However, there are ways to create a beautiful, elegant wedding without taking out a second mortgage on your first home.

There are many considerations to be made in planning a wedding, no matter what the couple’s budget. But, creating an economical wedding can be done by utilizing a little more creativity and effort and a little less money. After all, who wants to start a new life together $30,000 in the red?

One of the best ways to save money is on the wedding location. Vermont offers an array of beautiful scenic vistas that are perfect as a backdrop for wedding photos.

Summer weddings are of course the most popular, but planning a wedding in the off-season – say late fall or early winter – can cost less at most wedding locations. Or, do away with renting a location altogether and ask a family member or friend with a beautiful backyard or lake view if you could hold your wedding on that property.

The wedding day menu can also take a large chunk out of your budget. Abbey Duke, owner of Sugar Snap in Burlington, offered some tips for less expensive wedding catering.

According to Duke, catering for weddings consists of two main elements: the food and any rentals involved.

“When choosing a menu, think through what type of equipment the caterer will need,” said Duke. This is especially important for an outdoor wedding. If a caterer can simply bring in the food and set up, it will cost a lot less than having to bring equipment to the site.

“Choosing a menu that is simpler or cheaper or requires a lot less onsite service in general is going to be cheaper,” said Duke. “There’s so many different ways to do it.”

Having a wedding which coincides with meals such as brunch or lunch is another way to cut down on food costs, Duke said. Many couples who are planning a budget choose to have only the food catered, hiring high school or college students to serve. While this may not necessarily provide the most professional service available, it will cut down on cost.

Another tip for saving money on the catering budget? “Looking at the actual menu items themselves as well as the number of items,” stated Duke. “The more options you have, the more people eat.” Duke stressed the importance of having someone watch the serving line if a buffet is being used or better yet, to dish out the food so that less of it is wasted.

Some brides also choose to use alternative wedding dresses, such as a formal gown that isn’t specifically labeled as a bridal gown. Or, they can bring a vintage gown to a seamstress to be re-worked into the perfect wedding dress.

Other options like online auctions, upscale resale shops or even thrift stores might net a bride a beautiful gown. Having a gown made may also be more economical, especially if you are able to secure the materials, pattern, and embellishments yourself at discounted prices.

Photography is another area which makes up a large portion of the wedding budget. Here too, there are economical ideas.

First, shop around. Just because you love someone’s photography doesn’t mean you will love his or her prices. Make sure you meet with several photographers to discuss costs and examine their wedding portfolios.

In addition, you might try something completely different: how about asking five or 10 of your friends or family members who are good photographers to take photos of the ceremony and reception for you? You’ll get a variety of interesting and unique shots.

You might also choose a college student who is finishing up a degree in photography, or a new photographer who is just starting out. Each would most likely be happy to have the wedding shots to add to their portfolio, and you will come away with beautiful pictures and more money left in your pocket. A word of caution: Make sure you see samples of their past work, and that they have experience with portrait photography.

Flowers and wedding decorations can be downsized in cost to provide a more frugal wedding. Many brides use candlelight to add atmosphere to their wedding ceremonies, said Crosby. This cuts down on the cost and also provides a romantic ambiance.

“It’s a very easy way for them to add atmosphere without adding a lot of expense,” she said.

Another idea is for the bridal couple to order their flowers in bulk and then either arrange the bouquets and centerpieces themselves, or hire a florist to fill the vases. “It certainly is a task to do your own flower arrangements, but can also be a lot of fun if the bride gets together with bridesmaids a day or two before the wedding,” said Crosby.

More and more brides are choosing to supply their own wedding vases, which could be family heirlooms or items purchased in bulk on eBay or at Ikea, Crosby said. “Definitely there’s been a trend to do-it-yourself weddings,” said Crosby. “But, I still think it’s important to sit down with a floral professional who can help them with that.”

Planning a wedding on a budget isn’t as hard as it may seem. It just takes a little more time and creativity. Often, this results in a more unique wedding, one that is sure to be remembered long after the significantly smaller wedding bills come in.