I cry at weddings, but that’s because I’m a sap. What you want to avoid are tears at your own (or your child’s) wedding because the blessed event has put you in hock.

“It’s a wonderful day, but it is a day,” said Sharon Epperson, personal finance correspondent for CNBC, in an interview.

Avoid blowing all of your and/or your parents’ money by heeding the following tips:

1. Timing, timing.

June is the most popular, and most expensive, month for weddings. Consider, for example, December. Churches are typically decorated for the holidays, which can save you money, and photographers and bands hurting for business will probably offer discounts, according to Nicole Kraft, editor of mywedding.com

2. Cut down on people.

Weddings can cost up to $50 a head. Set a number and stick to it. Eliminate obligatory invites. Likewise, “and guest” is not fiscally sound. If there’s no specific long-term significant other in the picture, for $50, your friend Jane can go unescorted for the night. As a consolation prize, sit Jane next to single Tom. Weddings are a great place to meet people.

3. Ask your friends to pitch in.

Professional photographers cost a bundle, but with digital technology, almost anyone can take pro-quality pictures. Recruit a few friends who each have a good camera and a steady hand to be your wedding photographers. Save on band costs (and that annoying bandleader) by hooking up your iPod to a set of good speakers and having a pal do the introductions. Ask a musical friend or relative to perform.

4. Watch the food and drink budget.

Forget open bar. It’s overpriced and you don’t need people getting sloshed at your wedding. Stick to wine and champagne, or have an alcohol-free wedding, perhaps with a champagne toast. Serve in-season dishes. Vegetarian options are always cheaper, and still elegant. For a daytime wedding, consider an hors d’oeuvres or brunch affair, or a potluck. Got a friend who’s a caterer? Call her.

5. Downsize the dress.

If you’ve been dreaming your whole life of the perfect couture wedding gown, then be prepared to cut back in other areas, like flowers. But if you’re willing to get a little creative, Kelly Edwards, host of HGTV’s Design on a Dime, suggests browsing trunk shows or vintage shops to find a dreamy dress. And heirloom attire, i.e. your mom’s wedding gown, is meaningful and won’t cost much.

6. Be frugal with flowers.

According to Edwards, buying flowers wholesale and arranging them yourself can eliminate up to 50 percent of floral-related costs. Choosing in-season flowers can also cut prices. Consider putting aside your visions of lilacs and long-stemmed roses in favor of heather and ivy for winter nuptials.

7. Save on a venue

There are a lot of ways to get inexpensive venues, especially in the summer. Check out public parks or find a friend with a great backyard. “Think outside of the box a little and don’t think you have to just do it one way,” said Kraft.

8. Forget overdone wedding favors.

According to weddingchannel.com, “Saving money on favors is much easier to do than cutting back on something more important.” Besides, most of the champagne glasses with “Mr. and Mrs. Jones” get left on tables. Something useful, like a colorful fan for a warm weather wedding, will go over better and be more cost-effective than something only you think is cute.

9. Scale back on postage.

Rather than including response cards, which is an investment in paper and stamps, direct your guests to a wedding Web page, such as the kind you can set up on mywedding.com, to RSVP. You can save money and a few trees at the same time.

10. Relinquish some control.

Avoid Bridezilla syndrome, and extra costs, by allowing bridesmaids to choose their own gowns. It’s not necessary to pay for bridesmaids’ dresses, but it’s nice if you expect your girl friends to wear seafoam tulle. However, letting them choose, with some parameters (color, length) frees you from feeling obliged to pay and guarantees your girls feel comfortable.

Remember, weddings are supposed to make you happy, not broke and miserable. There is plenty of information out there to help you plan a white wedding on a tight budget. Poke around a little, then get creative. And relax, no dress goes with stress hives. Good luck!