By Sara Haines

When Max popped the question, I saw dollar signs. I may have won the lottery finding him, but weddings are pricey!

We're doing a destination wedding, so just getting there is going to cost us. We had to find ways to save.

How to Save Money When Planning Your Wedding

First things first, we needed a wedding planner, and on our budget, that planner would be me!

Here are some of my tips for saving money:

1. Rethink paper invitations. Invites and postage can add up fast, so save some dough with online invitations - with sites such as Paperless Post and Appy Couple. If you go digital and have 100 guests at your wedding, you could save yourself $1,000 on paper save-the-dates and invitations. If you're really set on a having a paper invitation, though, just remember that size matters. Choosing an odd shape - even a square, rather than the traditional rectangular envelope, will cost you an extra 20 cents per invitation.

How to Plan a Wedding on a Budget

2. Bands and DJs are great, but for a cheaper music option, use your iPod. That way, you can customize your own playlist and save yourself about $5,000 on a DJ or band - and you'll be guaranteed to get the music you want.

3. Have your bridesmaids shop in their own closets, not the store. You could save about $450 per person. If you prefer to have them match, though, consider renting your bridesmaid's dresses from a site such as renttherunway.com.