First off, set a budget. If you have a dream of using top notch wedding photographers, or arriving at the church in a horse drawn coach, go for it, but make sure you keep the costs down elsewhere. Check with the family about who is prepared to pay for what and see if there is any talent you can access, such as flower arranging or cake decorating.
Registry offices generally cost less than churches, and many venues are licensed to perform weddings and civil partnerships, keeping it all under one roof. This may be the most expensive option, but you can save money on other areas, such as transport. Many venues cost less if you book for a midweek event, many other wedding suppliers also offer mid week rates.
Keep the guest list down by booking a smaller venue. Consider leaving off any family you have not seen for 5 years or more, or those who live abroad. A midweek wedding will put some people off, but those who are important to you will make the effort, especially if they have plenty of notice. A ban on children will keep numbers down, you may upset some guests but if there are lots of children among your friends and family it can bump the price up considerably, even at child portion prices. Or factor the children in to your guestlist as child portions cost less than adult ones.
Check menu options, chicken costs less than lamb and your guests will be just as happy. You don’t need to provide a full bar; you only really need to provide one reception drink each and wine for the wedding breakfast and toasts. Champagne for the top table and Cava for your guests.
Use flowers from the church as table decorations. Silk flowers cost less than real, and when mixed with fresh greenery will look just as good in a bouquet as the real thing. For impact, one big flower arrangement is better than several small ones. Try a variety of small vases with single flowers in for the tables, or candles for a winter wedding.
Avoid unnecessaries! Do you need personalised napkins, a table magician, matching thrones or hordes of doves? Skip the fireworks, it’s hugely expensive to get a good display at £100 per minute and if it rains its money wasted. Keep a sense of perspective and it’s quite possible to have a lovely day without breaking the bank or ending up exhausted with all the stress!
With many wedding suppliers needing only the deposit well in advance and final payments sometimes only a few weeks before the wedding its’ self. Ask if you could pay the balance by instalments. If you been living with your partner for a while and don’t need another toaster and half a dozen kettles why not ask your guests to make a small donation, many wedding suppliers are happy to supply gift certificates.
