Everyone wants the wedding of their dreams but not everyone can afford to splash out so much money, after all it is only one day. I have put together some of my favourite tips and tricks and way to save on your special day.
My all time top tip is to buy pre loved.Dresses and accessories such as tiaras have usually only been worn for a few hours and then cleaned and packed away. Look on ebay for an unusual vintage dress that wont break the bank, or try oxfam’s specialist bridal shops to support a good course as well as saving money.
Old fashioned sugared or kitsch love hearts tied up in a square of net or gauze make simple but stunning favours.
If you know anyone who owns a classic car, ask if you can borrow it. If your lucky they may even offer to chauffeur it as well on the big day.
Make your own invitations rather than ordering bespoke ones. Don’t feel as though you have to go down the hand engraved, gilt edged route – unusual postcards can be fresh and contemporary solution.
Rather than spending money on a DJ, put your favourite songs on an ipod stereo.
Ask the local flower club to do your flowers for you, and use locally sourced blooms as exotic varieties have to be shipped in and are therefore more expensive.
Everyone has a friend who is brilliant at makeup, or can style hair like a pro. Why not ask them to do your hair or makeup as a wedding present.
Wedding costs will always expand to fit any budget, so make sure you sit down at the start and work out how much you want to spend. Then prioritise : why not spend a bit more to get the dress you want and have just one bridesmaid instead of five.
If you must have champagne, just provide a good quality one for the toast, and then stick to wine on the tables.
You don’t have to go for the traditional extravagant food such as salmon or lobster. After your guests have been standing around all day they will thank you for something hearty. Try a traditional British dish like bangers and mash for a chic yet satisfying breakfast.
Instead of a traditional wedding cake, consider making lots of iced cup cakes and piling them up on a tiered cake stand. You can buy inexpensive but effective decorations such as sparkly butterflies from haberdashery departments and cake-decorating shops.
Hold the reception in a marquee in the garden, or hire the local community hall. Often the village hall can be a lovely space which you can decorate beautifully for a fraction of the cost of a standard venue.
Often guests don’t have room for pudding and cake, so just serve your wedding cake as dessert.
Consider getting married midweek, or on a Friday or Sunday, as these are less popular days.
When it comes to the guest list, be ruthless. Cutting down on the number of guests will reduce costs across the board.
Make your own table settings. try some fresh flowers, simply but charmingly arranged in jam jars, or float tea lights and rose petals in large shallow bowls of water.
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