Anyone who has done it or paid for it can tell you: Weddings are expensive! For a student, the cost will appear even more daunting. But there are ways of merging your lives, even while in school, and still have a wedding without putting more strain on your bank accounts.

Look at what you can afford.

To help establish what you can afford to put towards a wedding. Keep track of your spending for at least a month. Write down everything you spend and what you spend it on. Then carefully look at where your money is going and decide where you maybe able to cut back.

Some times people are shocked at how much money they spend in a month on items that individually seem so inexpensive, like a cup of coffee or a soda. Look at all the items you are spending money on and decide how you may be able to cut back, or choose a less expensive alternative. Example, bring your own coffee or beverage from home rather than purchase it at school. Buy generic brands rather than name brands.

Housing can be one of your biggest costs. Once you are married, or even before, try to squeeze into the lesser expensive apartment. It may be tight but it will help you save money, and get to know each other a lot more intimately.

After a close look at your spending habits it will become apparent where you are spending money needlessly and where you could be saving instead. Being frugal about your day-to-day activities can save you a bundle over a whole year.

Establish a budget.

After reviewing your finances, look at what money you may have available that could go towards a wedding. Ask you parents what they may consider contributing and then take a good look at what funds are available before creating your budget.

If this amount falls short of your dream wedding discuss with your partner what aspects of a wedding is truly important. If a large gala event is what you must have, then consider waiting until you are out of school, when you can afford it, without going into debt.

Whether you decide that, your wedding should be for just the two of you, or that you must have a room full of your family and friends. With a little creativity, careful planning and a realistic approach, it is possible to have a very lovely romantic wedding.

The media, newlyweds and well-intentioned friends and family are likely to tempt you with costly ideas for your wedding. Be strong, know your budget and stick to it.

Look at ways to save money.

Avoid using credit cards and try to use cash to pay for everything. This will help you avoid the burden of credit card debt on top of your student loan debt.

If you are really strapped for cash, why not suggest to parents, siblings and closest friends, that instead of a wedding present they contribute to various aspects of your wedding. For example they could help pay for or make the wedding cake, arrange the flowers or even prepare the food. Many people have very talented family & friends that would love to be asked to contribute to your wedding in this way. You could offer to pay for the materials and have them just volunteer their labour. The final result will often have a greater meaning to you and your guests and the personal effort will be remembered and appreciated.

Dealing with student loan debt can already be a huge financial cross to bear when you start your first job. There is no reason to aggravate your financial situation just because you choose to get married while in school. It is possible to have a beautiful, yet inexpensive wedding; all it requires is a little imagination.