Most of us set a budget when it comes to planning a wedding and there are times when you have to tighten the purse strings a little. A few budget tips can really help you watch your pennies without scrimping on style...
Avoid expensive dates. Saturdays and summer months tend to be a popular choice for weddings and are generally the most expensive. Opt for a weekday and avoid the peak prices of May, June and July.
Cut down the guest list. Guests cost money, so the most obvious way to keep your costs down is to limit your guest list. Celebrate your wedding day with your closest friends and family and throw a big, informal party when you return from honeymoon.
Escape to the sunshine. Getting married abroad isn't always an inexpensive option, especially if you choose fabulous accommodation and a far-flung destination. However, heading for the sunshine ‘just the two of you' is likely to cost significantly less than a wedding celebration with 120 guests.
Call in the favours. If your aunt makes great wedding cakes, your friend's brother plays in a band, or your mum is a talented dressmaker, now's the time to take advantage of their skills. Do bear in mind that you don't want your family and friends to be so busy with their various tasks that they can't enjoy the wedding. For example, just because your uncle takes great photos doesn't mean you want him stuck behind a camera all day.
Trust your suppliers. If you've chosen good suppliers, trust them to use your budget effectively. If you want an abundance of flowers but have a limited floral budget, explain this to your florist. He or she should suggest seasonal blooms that don't cost a fortune.
Keep it informal. A formal sit-down wedding breakfast can be costly as you will often pay for three courses as well as needing staff to serve your guests. Buffets keep the costs down as food can be easier to prepare and less waiting staff are needed. Alternatively, be completely informal and opt for a barbecue, or even a summer picnic, complete with rounders and treasure hunts.
Head to the high street. Debenhams, Monsoon, Asda, Bhs and Next all stock wedding dresses, and evening dresses in local department stores can be ideal. If you've got your heart set on a designer dress, wait for the sales (and find out the cost of dry cleaning and alteration as you are likely to need both). Buying over the internet can be worthwhile, but remember that you are likely to have to pay VAT and shipping costs, you'll probably need to pay for alterations and dresses can be hard to return.
Get artistic. We're not suggesting you turn your home in to Blue Peter and make your entire stationery range, but if you have the time, it can be a great idea to make your own placecards, invitations or order of service.
Double it up! Bear in mind that some things have a dual purpose. Wedding cake, for example, can be served as a pudding; names can be written on favours so they also act as a placecard and pretty candle holders can decorate tables and also act as a keepsake for guests to take home.
Stay close to home. Romantic honeymoons don't always need to be spent on deserted beaches. Why not save your pennies and head to an idyllic cottage in Cornwall or a romantic castle in Scotland? At least you know the travel costs will be relatively low.
Purse Lulu Guinness
