A college education comes with a very large price tag.

It’s not easy to come up with the cash for tuition, books, rent and food. Now, on top of that, you’re getting married.

Weddings are equally expensive and take serious thought and time to save up for. Jennifer Hinderson, event planner in Minneapolis, Minn., offers the following tips for students trying to get through college and become wed.

1. Set priorities. It’s important to make a list of priorities when it comes to costs. Some things are more important than others, and should be considered first.

“Having $200 flower arrangements is not more important than a semester worth of books.”

Finances surrounding your education should come before extras for your wedding.

2. Shop around. There are hundreds of vendors for every wedding need with an array of price options.

“If you do your homework and research, you will be able to find vendors that will work with you to give you what you want at a price tag you can be happy with.”

It will take some legwork to find the right people, but if you want a better price, it’s a worthwhile effort.

3. Be flexible. There are little tricks and tips to save some money with planning a wedding, as long as you’re willing to be flexible.

“Saturdays are the most expensive days to get married. Have it on a Friday or Sunday and save money at your venue and vendors.”

Planning your wedding with a willingness to compromise or do trade-offs on some things will help eliminate the number of other people competing for the same vendor or venue and give you a better price.

4. Be patient. Saving money takes time, especially when already paying for so much.

“Set a weekly goal of something like $20 and watch the money add up. It will take time, but it will add up.”

Being patient will help you save without stressing out over it.

5. Be smart. Do not go into debt over your wedding. If you can’t afford something, then don’t do it. You don’t want to add more debt to your existing student loans.

“If you want a $35,000 plus wedding, then right out of college is not the time to get married. It all comes down to being smart about the decision and weighing the options.”

Planning and paying for a wedding while still in college is completely possible, you just have to have the right motivation. Being smart, considering all of your options, being flexible and patient will help you get the wedding you want while not giving up on your education.