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Soaring gas prices, the housing market swoon and the lingering economic downturn are enough to give a bride-to-be nightmares. You've fantasized about your picture-perfect wedding since the age of 12 but, given current economic conditions, can you afford it?

The Wedding Report, a wedding statistics and market research Web site that records industry trends, forecasts that the cost of holding a wedding this year will average $33,825: A steep amount in these unsure economic times.

Don't despair, though. With these tips from several area wedding coordinators and weddingsaffordable.com, planning an elegant and memorable, yet affordable, wedding can still be a dream come true.

Prioritize

Weddingsaffordable.com suggests deciding what is most important to you, be it the photographer, your wedding dress, or the cake. Make a list of all the things your budget must cover, assign a priority, and who will be paying for what. Try to account for everything, including small details, because it adds up. Set a budget

It helps to set a budget that is slightly lower than what you can actually afford. Weddingsaffordable.com points out that unexpected costs are bound to come up, so setting a low budget will help to keep you out of debt. Then open a bank account that is just for wedding expenses. This will give you an idea of how much money you have to spend.

Research, research, research

Wedding planner Barbara Silvia of Affordable Fairytale Weddings in Norton, says doing your research is crucial to planning an affordable wedding. "There's many resources people just don't know about. Ask a lot of questions and stay organized," says Silvia. Use the Internet as much as possible. You never know, you might find the perfect shoes on eBay.

Trim your guest list

Planner Becky Pellegrino of Aisle Coordinate in Providence feels that the guest list is just as important as the budget. "Without a guest list, it's difficult to research and book a location, which is a huge part of the budget," says Pellegrino. Keep in mind that each name added to your guest list significantly effects your budget. Don't feel obligated to invite distant relatives or to allow single people to bring dates. Place people in categories, such as "second cousins" or "co-workers," and eliminate accordingly. By not inviting a whole group you will avoid hurt feelings.

Timing is everything

Saturdays and Sundays during spring and summer are very popular for weddings, and the cost of venues rise accordingly. Consider having your wedding on a Friday afternoon during the fall or winter months. If you have your heart set on a spring or summer wedding, Pellegrino suggests taking advantage of long weekends. "If you have your wedding on a Monday of a long weekend, it's like getting married on a Sunday but with a much cheaper rate." Also, Silvia suggests having your wedding shortly after a religious holiday to save some money. Very often there are flowers and decorations remaining in the church.

Get Creative

Opt for candles and lace that can be purchased at Wal-Mart over expensive flowers. "Candles are so inexpensive, and they are gorgeous for evening weddings," says Pellegrino. Have an arts and crafts night and invite your bridesmaids and close friends to help out. Making your own invitations, centerpieces, and favors will save thousands of dollars while adding a personal, unique touch. Make use of family and friends

Got a friend that's great at up-do's or an uncle who never puts down the video camera at family parties? Ask for their services on your special day as a wedding gift! It will make your wedding more intimate and save lots of cash.

Keep it deliciously simple

Provide an appetizer table with cheese and crackers rather than fancy hors d'oeuvres, and select a less expensive, basic entree and uses in-season ingredients. Chicken costs significantly less than beef, and can be just as tasty. Pellegrino says opt for a buffet style dinner because it saves the cost of a large wait staff. Also, skip any additional dessert besides the wedding cake.

Skip the eight-piece band

Hire students from a respected music school to play during the cocktail hour, and book a DJ rather than a live band for dancing.

Remember, it's your day

Don't let other people's opinions push you to spend more money than your budget allows. You're the one paying the bills. And as Pellegrino emphasizes, weddings that are very traditional usually cost more. Give your wedding an individual feel and cut the costs by daring to be different!

Of course, many brides don't have the time or energy to do such extensive research, and would rather leave it to a professional planner. Some think that having a wedding planner is a luxury for the wealthy, but it's worth considering. "I work within your budget to assist in every aspect of wedding planning," Silvia explains.

In many cases, hiring a wedding planner can actually save you money. Wedding planners already know the ins and outs of organizing weddings, including what's a deal and what isn't. They also may have contacts that aren't available to the general public.