People always say weddings are really, really expensive and whilst, yes, they can be, not all weddings have to cost more than you can afford. With some careful planning and being money savvy, your Big Day can be affordable, you just have to be smart with your planning and spending!
Tip 1 – Set a budget
Setting a budget is the easy part, it’s sticking to it that you may find harder. The important fact to remember is, it’s not how much you want to spend, rather it’s how much you can afford to spend. Take your time to work out how the day will be funded and how you are going to come up with the money.
Tip 2 – Take your time
Unless you’ve a reason to get married in X amount of months, there is no huge rush, take your time to consider each decision carefully, shop around and really choose suppliers that you love and who fit within your budget.
Tip 3 – Prioritise
There are no rules on what you have to have and don’t have to have at a wedding (except the bride and groom of course!) so think about what you really love and want at your day. If you’re just not that interested in a wedding cake, scale it down or remove it from your day altogether. Same goes for flowers, favours, even the wedding dress! Remember, no rules, do it your way.
Tip 4 – Consider a mid week wedding
Ten years ago no-one would ever have dreamt of getting married on any day other than Friday or Saturday. Thankfully those days are gone and it’s very common to get married any day of the week! You’ll find most venues, and other wedding suppliers, will offer lower prices for mid week weddings.
Tip 5 – Be guest list savvy
You don’t have to invite everyone you’ve ever meant! If your budget is tight think about who you really want to have share in your special day. Remember bums on seats equals more money!
Tip 6 – Choose from packages
Most venues will offer different levels of packages ranging in prices, many with florist, decor and photographer included. Have a look and consider going with one of these packages as there is money to be saved, plus it takes the pressure off finding all those suppliers yourself!
Tip 7 – Ask friends for help
Do you have a friend who loves to bake? Maybe one who’s nifty with a hammer? Why not ask them if they would like to contribute to your wedding by making the cake and creating a unique table plan? We bet they’ll be more than happy to help!
Tip 8 – Shop smart
Visit bridal boutique sample sales, head to the high street during sale season for accessories and ask your groom to consider off the peg suits.
Tip 9 – Make your own playlist
Once the band have done their set why not use a playlist of your favourites songs instead of a DJ? Choose your favourite songs, create a playlist and away you go, dance floor ready!
Tip 10 – Sell decor items after wedding
Chances are there will be items such as table decor, candle holders etc that you’ll store away after the wedding and they’ll never see the light of day again. Why not spend an afternoon gathering it all together and listing on a a selling site such as Ebay? Your local buy & sell pages on Facebook are also an easy way to sell items. Any money made can go towards a post-wedding treat for you and your husband!
For more advice and to chat with other brides visit our dedicated wedding planning group, Mrs2Be Wedding Planning Group.
(Image: Olive Weddings)
