It definitely isn't impossible to plan a cheap yet beautiful wedding! I helped my sister plan her wedding 5 months ago and though it was a lot of work to research frugal options, there are tips out there that can make planning a lot less stressful. A few tips I can give you right away is: 1. pick which part the ceremony you want as the focal point ( i.e. the wedding itself or the reception) and then devote more time and funds to that rather than choosing expensive options for everything. 2. save money on a photographer by hiring one only to do the main photos of you and your groom and the wedding cast; for the reception have one disposable camera at each table and urge everyone take part in creating your wedding album, etc. I devoted a whole blog to planning inexpensive and elegant weddings at How to Plan Your Cheap Wedding!

Good Luck!