6 ways to Plan your Wedding on a Budget

#AD – This is a collaborative post

Getting married these days can be a pretty expensive business and for many couples like me, who are already living together and raising a family, the prospect of spending a huge amount of money on what is effectively one day of your life, can be somewhat hard to justify. As lovely as the idea of wearing a big white dress and getting married in a stately home may be, when you have other commitments and expenses to think about, it can be hard to know where to start when it comes to planning a wedding on a budget.

Whilst I am not currently married myself (and with no immediate plans to just yet!) I have worked as a Bridal Wear Consultant in the past, meaning I have met more than my fair share of brides and grooms to be along the way! Here are my hints and tips for planning a beautiful wedding without breaking the bank!

The Hen Do – It has become increasingly common for hen and stag parties to travel for lavish weekends away in Europe or further afield, but people’s budgets often don’t spread that far. It also puts pressure on friends and family to pay out more money than they would normally want to do so. What’s important is that you all together, so hiring out a property in the UK and splitting the cost between you is a far more reasonably priced alternative. Get your comfy lounge wear on, make some cocktails together and play some hen party games, taking lots of photos along the way.
The Dress – Having worked in a bridal shop for a number of years, always ask to see the sale rail (most stores will have them!). You can often find some hidden treasures if you’re willing to buy off the shelf and not have one made to measure. It is also fair to say that you don’t have to buy the big names to get a stunning dress. Remember a lot of dresses are only worn once – so if you are willing, you could also consider second hand. Alternatively, these days many high street stores such as Monsoon and Lipsy have launched their own bridal wear ranges, which whilst they may not be made from the most expensive materials, still look absolutely stunning and are often more than half the price.
Think handmade – If you’re the crafty sort, then embracing the handmade wedding is a great way to save money. This sort of thing is RIGHT up my street, so love the idea of unique wedding favours, a pick and mix booth and post box and flower pressed guest book.
Consider the dates – Winter weddings are often cheaper than Summer weddings, so if you don’t have your heard set on an alfresco dining or a sun set in your wedding pics, then dates between November and March are a great option. If your family situation allows, you can also look to have weddings on a Friday as opposed to weekend date, as again, venues often offer cheaper rates for weekdays.
Make simple swaps – Make your food and drink choices carefully – popping the champagne will push out your budget further, where as switching to a glass of prosseco allows your guests to raise a glass for a fraction of the price. Do you really need a full sit down meal, or would buffet style dining suffice? Think about what is most important for your dream day, and then make the simple swaps in the areas that matter least to you.
Photographers – Photographers are expensive (and normally it’s a case of you get what you pay for), however if you are lucky, you may be able to find a photographer who is just getting started and wants to build their portfolio. They may be willing to do so at a less eye watering fee, but approach with some caution. Ask to see examples of their work first – this isn’t an area you want to compromise too much on!

Remember, that with any good wedding, it’s not the lavish purchases or posh food that sticks in your memory. Its the happy guests, the dancing, the sight of your partner when you meet at the end of the aisle and the pride in your parents faces as they watch you say your vows. Those are the things that are important – focus on what really matters and you will truly get the wedding of your dreams!