| Despite the average UK wedding stacking up to | | | | to £1000? Save your cash to spend |
| around £21k, there are many ways in which | | | | elsewhere and invest in a wedding cake from any |
| costs can be kept down when planning your special | | | | leading supermarket. Many supermarkets also sell |
| day. Here are some ways that you could claw back | | | | cake pillars and 3 different sizes of cake so you can |
| some of your cash... | | | | tier the cake yourself. Top the cake with a few |
| Sack your planner: | | | | fresh flowers or some glitter butterflies for a perfect |
| Fantastic as wedding planners are, they can be very | | | | finish! |
| costly. Rather than booking an events organiser, | | | | Make your own jam: |
| invest in a wedding planning book which is split into | | | | If you're a dab hand in the kitchen why not make |
| sections e.g. outfits, budget, guest list etc. This will | | | | your own wedding jam to give guests as favours? Fill |
| put you in control of your wedding with the aid of | | | | glass jars with homemade jam and label them with |
| your planning book. | | | | your name & wedding date. It's traditional for |
| Delegating jobs to key members of the bridal party | | | | the bride to make her own favours anyway, so |
| is also a good way of keeping costs [and stress | | | | these will be well received by your guests. |
| levels!] down. Using a social networking site is also a | | | | Make your own place settings: |
| great way of keeping your guests and the bridal | | | | Rather than investing in place card holders, why not |
| party on track with recent developments. | | | | paint guests' names on pebbles or leaves? These will |
| Keep an eye on the budget with an accounts | | | | give your tables an earthy and organic feel. All this will |
| package: | | | | cost you is a little time. |
| By using accounting software on your computer you | | | | Set up an alternative wedding list - not for the faint |
| can set up a spreadsheet or something similar. This | | | | hearted! |
| will allow you to keep on top of your wedding | | | | Get guests to choose from an unusual wedding gift |
| budget and force you to be realistic with what you | | | | list which you could set up online or get one of your |
| can afford. | | | | bridal party to arrange. The gifts could be all the |
| Send invites out with your Christmas Cards: | | | | extra things that make your day special but are |
| Rather than paying for postage twice, why not send | | | | usually costly, such as:- |
| your wedding invitations out to your guests along | | | | - Button Holes for the bridal party |
| with their Christmas cards? What a lovely surprise it | | | | - The bridal bouquet |
| will be for them when they open their cards. | | | | - Glass of champagne on arrival |
| College students for photography: | | | | - Favours |
| There are so many students out there who are | | | | - Dessert at reception |
| studying to be wedding photographers so why not | | | | - Travel to church |
| cash in on that? Contact your local college and ask | | | | - Bridesmaid dresses |
| the lecturers who their best students are. It would | | | | - Flowers for the church You could include a 'List of |
| be great experience for them and you will most likely | | | | Thanks' on the reverse of your Order of Service to |
| get their services free of charge, in exchange for | | | | those who contributed to your day. This is a great |
| them showcasing your wedding photos in their | | | | way of involving guests in your day and of getting |
| portfolio. | | | | the wedding day you really want rather than the |
| Get married on a Friday or Bank Holiday Sunday: | | | | usual 5 toasters that you don't want! |
| Opting for a non-Saturday event could save you | | | | Have Hen & Stag parties on New Years Eve: |
| thousands! Contact the venue where you wish to | | | | Cash in on the parties already going on at this time |
| have your reception and enquire about their | | | | of year and combine your hen or stag party with a |
| weekday and Bank Holiday Sunday rates. Bank | | | | New Year party. This will save you having to organise |
| Holiday Sundays are perfect for a wedding as most | | | | and pay for your own event - just combine the two! |
| guests will be off work on the Monday so able to | | | | And lastly, don't forget to chat with other brides on |
| stay and celebrate with you well into the evening. | | | | forums. This is a great way of sharing money saving |
| Get your cake from a supermarket: | | | | tips together, so everyone gets the best wedding |
| Did you know a wedding cake can set you back up | | | | they can afford! |