Planning a wedding can really put a strain on your finances, so we've put together a few ideas to help you achieve your dream day at a fraction of the cost...
1. The date
Weddings don’t have to be held in the summer, and they certainly don’t have to be held on a Saturday. Choosing a less traditional day or time of the year can literally save you thousands of pounds on your venue and supplier costs, so why not have a Christmas wedding, or make the most of all the fabulous fireworks and hold your big day on Bonfire Night?
2. The venue
Use your imagination when searching for your venue – there are loads of options available, even if your budget is tight. How about an intimate meal at your favourite restaurant with close friends and family? Or if you’re planning a big party, contact your local council for suggestions on large rooms or outdoor spaces for hire at your local town hall, school, community centre or library.
3. The stationery
Why not add a personal touch to your wedding stationery by making it yourself, or asking a creative friend to help you? Alternatively, create a wedding website and distribute the details to all your guests by email – not only will you be able to keep everyone up to date with key information, hotel details and any last-minute changes, but by opting for non-printed invitations, you’ll also be doing your bit for the environment.
4. The dress
Bridal shops offer fantastic discounts on sample gowns (wedding dresses that have been tried on by other brides) – just make sure there are no major flaws, faults or untreatable stains on the garment before you make your purchase. Have a look in your local charity shops for second-hand and vintage frocks, or search for used or unwanted dresses on websites like www.ebay.co.uk or www.sellmyweddingdress.co.uk.
5. The men’s clothes
Matching morning suits look very smart on the groomsmen, but if your budget is tight, consider asking everyone to wear their own suits to the wedding. It will make for much more interesting photographs in twenty years’ time!
6. The flowers
If you’re green-fingered and own a garden, give your flowers a personal touch by growing them yourself and creating your own bouquets, buttonholes and table arrangements. You can find some great flower arranging tips and 'how to' videos on websites like www.ehow.com and www.youtube.com.
If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, choosing flowers that are in season in the UK will help keep the florist’s bill down, as well as reducing your ‘flower miles’ – the amount of carbon dioxide released as a result of transporting the flowers from overseas.
7. The food and drink
If you’re not bothered about having a traditional sit-down wedding breakfast, why not hold a wedding barbecue or hog roast instead? The cost per head should be significantly less than a three-course meal, and it'll probably be much more fun too!
8. The honeymoon
Over 75% of UK couples co-habit before tying the knot, and so a traditional wedding list of crockery, towels and kettles isn’t always necessary. An alternative option might be to ask guests to contribute towards your honeymoon – and if you still want to incorporate a list of sorts, why not include a range of activities that guests can pay for, such as a romantic candlelit dinner, or a chauffeur-driven transfer from the airport? Travel vouchers can be bought at any branch of The Co-operative Travel.
Use our budget calculator to work out what you can afford to put aside each month towards your wedding day.