There’s no getting away from the fact that getting married is an
expensive business, with over £20,000 being the average spend
for a UK wedding in 2008. The current credit crunch means that
couples are finding it increasingly difficult to afford their
dream day, with many either postponing their wedding,
sacrificing what they really want for cheaper options, or
starting married life with huge wedding debts. However, with
some careful planning you can still make savings and have the
wedding of your dreams. London wedding planner href=”http://www.helencarterweddings.co.uk”>Helen Carter
offers her top tips on how to make the most of your wedding
budget.
Be Flexible With Your Date
The date of your wedding can have a significant impact on your
budget. Venues often charge higher rates during peak season
(usually June-August) and for weekend dates. Opting for a
week-day or off-season wedding can save you hundreds, sometimes
thousands, of pounds.
Talk to Venues
An increasing number of venues are offering discount-rate
packages, which include items such as room hire, reception
drinks, the wedding breakfast and evening buffet. These can be
more cost-effective than booking everything separately, but do
make sure you are fully aware of what is and isn’t included in
the fee, as well as any specific conditions (e.g. minimum number
of guests). Also check with your local venues for late
availability – there are some excellent late deals available at
the moment, so opting for a shorter engagement could save you
several hundred pounds.
Be Strict with Your Guest List
The size of your guest list will affect the cost of several
areas of your wedding, such as the number of table centrepieces,
invitations and favours, but most notably the catering. The
bigger your guest list, the bigger the bill! Invite only close
family and friends to the main part of the day, as this is where
you will have the greatest outlay for food and drink. Other
friends and work colleagues can join you in the evening, where
you can provide a less expensive buffet.
Eat, Drink and Save Money!
The catering for your wedding will be one of your biggest
expenses, so think carefully about how you can minimise the
cost. Do you really need to serve canapés and a 3-course meal,
or could your canapés act as a starter instead? Why not serve
your wedding cake as a dessert along with tea and coffee?
Talk to your venue/caterer about the different menu options
available, and consider having a hot buffet or barbecue instead
of a served meal. This will require fewer waiting staff, so
should cut down on costs.
When it comes to refreshments, use less expensive alternatives
to champagne for your reception drinks and toasts, such as
sparkling wine or Prosecco. If you can provide your own alcohol
you may save money by purchasing directly from a wholesaler, but
make sure you check with your venue as to whether they apply a
corkage fee.
Keep Your Blooms Within Budget
Use flowers that are in season at the time of your wedding – out
of season blooms will need to be imported and will be far more
expensive. If you want flowers like orchids or lilies that tend
to be quite expensive, use them for the bridal bouquet and
groom’s buttonhole only, and choose less costly alternatives for
your other arrangements.
Consider an Alternative to Live Entertainment
Instead of hiring a live band or DJ, consider playing an I-pod
through amplified speakers. Try to test the set-up beforehand to
check the sound and also make sure you have someone that will
keep an eye on things for you. You can add a really personal
touch by asking your guests to state their favourite song in
their invitation reply, and then playing these tunes during your
evening reception.
Make the Most of Helping Hands
If you have friends and relatives with particular talents, then
ask them to help with your wedding. For example, maybe you have
an aunt that could make your wedding cake, a sister that could
arrange your flowers, or a friend that could do your make-up on
the day. Involving friends and family also adds a very personal
touch to the day, but make sure they are happy to help and are
comfortable with what you want them to do.
Be Creative and Do-It-Yourself
If you have an artistic flair, consider designing and creating
your own stationery. If you’re not quite confident enough to
start from scratch, look for DIY invitations that are partially
completed and just need assembling. You could also make your
favours, rather than purchasing ready-made items (e.g. home-made
jam or biscuits).
Go Bargain Hunting
Just because you are trying to save money doesn’t mean you
should go for second best, and we’re not suggesting you should
buy your wedding dress from a charity shop unless you really
want to. However, there are loads of bargains to be had if you
invest a little time and effort. For example, charity shops,
antique fairs and craft markets can be great for sourcing
decorations, particularly more unusual or quirky items.
Take a Break
If you can’t afford the holiday of a lifetime straight after
your wedding, compromise by taking a short, romantic break
instead and give yourself extra time to save up for what you
really want. Many couples now ask for money to put towards their
honeymoon instead of having a gift list, particularly if they
already have everything they need for their home. It’s no longer
considered rude or offensive to ask for money, as long as you do
so politely!
About the author:
Helen Carter is the director of Helen Carter Weddings, which
provides bespoke wedding planning for London and the South East
of England. Please visit http://www.helencarterweddings.co.uk
for more information.
