It’s the biggest day of a woman’s life so only perfection will do. Unfortunately, perfection comes with a pretty large price tag, but never fear, you can still have an amazing wedding on an budget!
Weddings on Female First
Lisa Jane Peacock, owner of wedding events and consultancy company My Happy Ever After (myhappyeverafter.co.uk) shares her top tips to cutting the costs of your big day without making large sacrifices.
1. Learn to Prioritise
Many brides dream of the big white church wedding with a lavish reception to match – however, many just don't have the budget! I always advise my brides to make a list of wedding ‘essentials’ and wedding ‘nice to haves’. This enables them to allocate their budget to the most important things like the rings and their dream wedding dress. Source and purchase all your ‘essentials’ first then re-assess your budget to see if you can afford those ‘nice to have’ items.
2. Tap into the Skills of Your Nearest and Dearest
Got a relative who is a whizz baker? A friend who knows their ABBA from their Zappa on the decks? Then utilise these skills. With arts, crafts and baking continuing to make a big come back, DIY weddings have become all the rage. Apart from helping you create your dream wedding, DIY aspects are a chance to show off yours, your family and friends cleverly honed skills and help you to reflect your personality – I mean who knows your music taste better than your friends? Family members and friends are more than happy to be involved and help you out in exchange for the traditional gift.
3. Eat, Drink, be Merry
Although you'll want to ensure your guests are well fed and watered on your big day food and alcohol are often the biggest expenses when it comes to a wedding. It's worth checking with your venue (or before you book) if you'll be allowed to bring your own alcohol. Many venues now allow you to provide your own reception and dinner drinks at no charge or a small corkage charge – saving you hundreds of pounds. If providing your own alcohol, look for good supermarket or wine retailer deals and cheaper alternatives. Choose Cava and prosecco instead of expensive champagne. Having a winter wedding? Then how about a lovely mulled wine to warm your guests?
4. Be Cheeky!
Choose your suppliers wisely. Do arrange to meet with your shortlisted suppliers. Don’t be afraid to interview them thoroughly to find out exactly what they can offer and how much it will cost and be cheeky! Ask for discounts on wedding suppliers services with the promise of recommending their services to all your newly engaged friends.
5. All in a Day
Hundreds of pounds can be saved by getting married midweek than on a Saturday and most of your friends and family will be happy to celebrate your wedding with you no matter what day you choose. Speak to your venue about offers and special discounts for midweek weddings.
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