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Budgeting for a wedding is essential to keep costs from escalating beyond your control, and careful planning is the key to keeping within budget. These useful suggestions should help you to plan how to manage your own wedding budget.

• The issue of who’s paying for what is one of the first things that needs to be established when you plan your wedding. Although traditionally the father of the bride tends to pay for the majority of the main event, times are changing fast. Today more and more couples choose to pay for the bulk of their wedding themselves, which means previously allocating a savings fund for your wedding. Costs may even be split between the couple and the two sets of parents, not just the bride's.

• Set a limit. Wedding costs vary enormously depending on what you want and how many guests you are going to invite. No matter who's paying for the wedding, it is essential to agree a budget beforehand to give you a guide as to what you can afford, and also to stop arguments breaking out over costs during the planning process.

• Remember, there will inevitably be hidden extra costs which appear during the planning process. Adding a further 10% to your budget, for example, can help you cope with these costs should they arise.

• To keep track of how much you are spending, opening a bank account specifically for wedding costs is a good idea. All bills can be then paid from this account so you know exactly how much you are spending.

• Before you buy anything, shop around. Ask for quotes, in writing if necessary, and make sure you know exactly what the price covers to help you compare between different companies. Always ask whether the price includes VAT too.

• Make the most of your contacts. Ask your friends if they know anyone in the business who may be able to help you get a cheaper price. For example, do you know any musicians that could perform in the evening? Or do you know someone who makes great cakes that can help you with your wedding cake? Are any of your friends photographers?

• Deciding what day and time of year you have your wedding will also affect your budget. Weddings are more expensive in the summer and spring and during weekends. Booking as far as possible in advance will undoubtedly help you keep costs to a minimum.

• The venue is obviously important, but don't overlook the local church hall or community centre if you want to cut costs. A plain venue gives you huge scope for your imagination to transform a room into the perfect wedding venue. Attractive lighting and interior decorations can give a more personal feel to a venue without sacrificing the overall look.

• A simple menu does not mean sacrificing quality. Often people go overboard with too much complicated food, wasting money in the process. Food which is popular and well-cooked will satisfy much more that something fancy which no-one likes. A buffet could be a good idea, and would cut down the cost of waiting staff.