It could be, but do you need the big expense to go with the dress? Is it possible to have everything you want on your special day, but do it on a budget?

With the global financial crisis spreading across the world, a new type of budget-conscious bride is being born and they're going down the aisle, in style, for a fraction of the price.

Research shows the average Australian wedding in 2007 cost $28,000. Compare that to currently engaged couples capping their budget at $10,000 and the saving is obvious.

While the main expenses of the dress, honeymoon and rings are still having big bucks spent on them, couples are looking to other areas to cut costs.

Cutting back guest lists, opting for bridesmaid's dresses that can be worn again, less free drinks at the reception and DIY stationary are just some of the areas we're seeing dollars saved.

Many young couples are saying they'd rather save the money and put it towards paying off a home than spend it on six hours of food and drink.

Ditch the band and the DJ and use a sound system with a pre-organised list of your favourite songs on an iPod.

Forget the sugar-flavoured almonds on the dinner table, flowers on the pews in the church and bows on everything you can think of.

And, as funny as it first sounds, consider buying a second-hand wedding dress.

The popularity of online stores and auctions like eBay makes someone else's dress (that they've only worn for 8 hours) yours for a fraction of the retail price.

Think about having your wedding during off-peak times like autumn or winter - or even on a Friday evening or Sunday during the peak seasons.

While we're talking seasons, choose flowers that are in bloom to reduce the costs of having them shipped in from afar.

Family members can contribute to your big day instead of buying gifts by lending you a car, being MC, offering you a venue such as a garden where you can have the ceremony, doing your hair or make-up or making the cake. Why not trade in the honeymoon for a long weekend away to a location that's within driving distance?

If you're not into the big, flashy wedding, why not elope, get married while you're on holidays or even get married at the courthouse and just have a party instead of a wedding?

After all, the event of getting married is one you want to share with loved ones. It's a day to be remembered, not a debt you want to be paying off for the next 10 years.

*Sara Morrison is business development manager at South West Credit.