With the sagging economy and the average cost of a wedding estimated at $20,000 couples are worried about how they will pay for their big day. The wedding and honeymoon industry which up until now has been considered recession  proof is feeling the pinch leaving many couples searching for less expensive alternatives and creative and do-it-yourself solutions.

As a result, venues, vendors and merchants are changing their mindset as well to come up with ideas and ways to add value to their product or service. The Holiday Inn University Blacksburg has a new concept for the budget savvy bride, a complete wedding package for $999

Having an inexpensive wedding does not make you a cheap skate, especially if finances don’t allow for a lavish one. If anything, budget weddings say that a couple is financially reasonable and that money is better suited for a down payment on a home. Weddings are just the beginning. Couples should be able to enjoy the wedding without the added stress of large debt they will be paying off for years to come.