The cost of getting married can be a problem – here’s some tips on keeping within your wedding budget!
With the average cost of a wedding in the UK nearing £20,000 the financial pressures alone can be enough to make you think twice. However, if you’re on a budget, or if you just don’t want to spend a fortune on your wedding there’s no need to worry. Economising on your expenditure need not make your big day any less enjoyable.
Get Your Priorities Right
Take a little time to think about what is the most important aspect of the day for you. Is it essential that you have a big, white wedding, or would you be just as happy with a small civil ceremony and a large party afterwards? Prioritise what you must have, and what you can live without, so you can start planning a budget you can stick to.
Invitations & Stationery
There are plenty of suppliers who operate online nowadays so the market is a lot more competitive than it used to be. The high street names all have good ranges to suit most pockets and, also, there are now many small businesses operating on eBay who provide excellent value.
The Marriage Ceremony
You can expect to pay a minimum of £300 for a basic church wedding and once you add on all the extras such as a choir, bell ringers and an organist you will be nearer to four figures.
A marriage at your local register office is the least expensive option, though the number of guests you can invite will be limited.
A civil ceremony at a local venue can work out a lot cheaper, plus if you have your reception at the same venue you will save a small fortune on transport as well.
Wedding Rings
Shop online for the best deals. 9 carat gold looks much the same as 18 carat and cost a lot less. Wedding rings at Argos start at less than £10!
Wedding Dress & Outfits
M & S, Debenhams, & BHS all have dresses for less than £100. Don’t dismiss Oxfam either – some of their ‘once – worn’ dresses are top designer stuff and some have come straight from suppliers as ‘overstock’.
You can also save a small fortune by buying your wedding dress and bridesmaids dresses from the US these days. There were always bargains to be had but the current exchange rate makes this option well worth considering.
The Guest List
The price per head is the figure you should concentrate on when setting your budget. Hence, less guests = less cost!
Make a list of people who must be there and then make a separate list of other people in order of priority. You can always have a ‘B List’ of people who you can invite to the reception only – most people understand the costs involved these days so don’t worry about upsetting people.
Consider Using a Consultant
You might think that employing a wedding consultant or wedding planner may be a luxury you can’t afford. But, often, their inside knowledge and willingness to negotiate may mean that the cost of using them is far outweighed by the potential savings. Some wedding planners will even work for free on the basis that they can make commission from the various suppliers they arrange. While this is not always the ideal solution – it’s worth considering.
The Wedding Reception
The reception is by far the biggest cost of any wedding, and also the place where you can save most money. Reckon on at least £15 to £20 a head for a sit down meal, though having a buffet or carvery is one way to keep the cost down. If you would rather have the meal served then remember that silver service can add a lot to the cost – consider having courses served plated instead. It makes no difference to the quality of the meal but costs a lot less to deliver.
You can save most money by having your wedding at the end of the Summer when there is less demand. Naturally, you risk worse weather but if you’re having a ceremony and reception at one venue this is less important. Consider having your wedding mid-week as well, (which also means that less guests will be able to attend!).
Beware of packages, whilst many of the items/services offered in the packages may sound great, remember very little of it is free. Did you budget for these extras? Do you really want them? If not, say that you don’t want everything that is included and that you would like a new package without all the extras.
It’s impossible to offer a catering package that suits everyone, so ask for a bespoke package. If they can not adjust their pricing then ask what they can give you in the way of value? Can they offer a discount for people staying over or upgrade accommodation which is already included?
Buy your own wine and pay a corkage fee rather than buying from the venue. You can use Cava for the toasts rather than champagne – few people know the difference and it costs a lot less.
Gift Lists
It’s not considered impolite these days to ask for money instead of gifts. Most people understand the financial pressures that most young couples have to face and will be all too willing to give you cash instead of the traditional toaster.
It can be awkward asking but there are various ways around this. You could simply ask for gift vouchers for a particular store. Or, as some couples now do, you could write a simple verse that doesn’t sound too direct.
Accommodation
If you have some guests staying over, negotiate a deal with your venue or a local hotel. At Travelodge you can book rooms 12 months in advance for £26 or less. A great way to save your guests some money!
Your Photographer
If you’re really strapped for cash you could ask a friend or relative to take the photos, although this is one expense that a lot of couples regret skimping on.
If you do opt for a professional photographer, ask at the outset for suggestions on how to save money. The best people tend to be in demand and changing your arrangements at the last minute won’t be appreciated.
Wedding Cars
If you have your ceremony and reception at the same venue then you will spare the expense of moving yourselves and your guests between venues. Alternatively, you can save money by organising lifts for close family members with friends. If you are transporting a lot of people, then vintage buses are a good idea and tend to be more cost effective than taxis. Plus, you can be assured that your guests will all arrive on time and at the correct place!
The Honeymoon
If you can leave it until the last minute, and you don’t have a specific location in mind, then you will save the most money. A few travel companies now let you arrange for your guests to buy ‘honeymoon vouchers’ instead of a traditional gift.
Get the Best Deal
Though it might seem like obvious advice, the excitement of planning your wedding can often stop you thinking rationally. Never accept the first price you are given and always shop around.
Wedding Insurance
For extra piece of mind take out wedding insurance cover. For premiums starting at just £26 it’s definitely worth having.