How did YOU keep your NJ wedding costs from getting out of control?

If you didn't already know it, NJ weddings are waaaayyyy expensive!

The nationwide average is $34,000 as of last year — in Jersey, couples are dropping close to 50-grand! So, I 'invite' you to share your wedding hacks — How did you save (or are you saving) some cash while still making your special day as 'dreamy' as you imagined?

I'll go first. I consider myself a crafter, so my husband and I (and our family!) assembled our own invitations.

We also spent lots of time creating wedding favors. They were ornaments (we got engaged just before one Christmas/married New Year's Eve 2009). Honestly, not sure if that one wound up saving us money, but it's a nice memory.

I'm looking for pictures, tips, stories. So bring 'em on! Share your wedding budget hacks here in the form below, or Tweet me @NJ1015 and @ProudJersey.

Proud Jersey Girl Erin Vogt’s first reporting gig involved her Fisher Price tape recorder. As a wife and momma of two kiddies, she firmly believes that life’s too short to drink bad coffee.  A fan of the beach, Dave Grohl and karma, in no particular order.

Follow her on Twitter and on Facebook as ProudJersey.