Looking to save with a budget wedding? These seven tips will cut costs to ensure you still manage to have the wedding of your dreams
Words Sabrina Nunez
EMBRACE THE DIY
While time-consuming, a DIY wedding gives you more control and the ability to truly customise to fit your needs. This works really well for specific or obscure themes, or if you’re just looking for something completely different. It also offers up the chance to spend more time with your partner, family and bridal party as you work together to construct the wedding of your dreams. Even with limited skills, the internet provides tips and guidance.
HIT THE HIGH STREET
ASOS, French Connection, Reformation, Whistles and Topshop are just a few high street retailers to have come out with wedding dresses (and jumpsuits). These retailers cover all lengths, textures and designs and many dresses are under £500. The ease of shopping on the high street means that you can even have dresses sent to your home and create your own try-on experience surrounded by all your closest friends and family.
SPLURGE WISELY
The increase in high street wedding dress options means you can splurge on another aspect of your wedding. Dresses can easily put you back thousands of pounds, so by saving on a dress, you can invest that money into more expensive accessories like statement shoes. These items can also be worn after your wedding, thus helping to justify the price.
HELPING HANDS
Feeding an army is expensive, so limiting the dinner to immediate family and the bridal party can save loads and create a more relaxed, intimate setting. Getting guests involved in the actual food-making process leads to massive savings, but also involves more work. Alternatively, if you know any good bakers, asking them to make the cake is also a budget-friendly option that might leave room in the budget for professional catering. Yes, you CAN have your cake and eat it too.
RESEARCH ALTERNATIVE VENUES
From older churches to galleries and breweries, unique wedding venues offer a cool vibe and change to the usual garden party or reception hall. Having the wedding on a Friday or Sunday, in lieu of the more popular Saturday, can also dramatically reduce costs. Being flexible with dates and locations is key here.
WHOLESALE DECOR
This is where the DIY aspect comes back into play. Depending on your theme, a budget wedding can easily be achieved by browsing wholesale retailers for decorations. Amazon is a great option here because most things can be found on the site, even if seemingly niche. This is a good opportunity to bulk buy candles, ribbons or florals. You could even take a floral arrangement class to really hone your skills and practice before the big day.
PASSION PROJECT
Hiring professional photographers, make-up artists and musicians are expensive, so enlist the help of talented loved ones instead. These photos will be more personal and indicative of your relationship than ones done by a stranger. Knowing the band ensures the playlist will be up to standard ahead of time. More than likely, loved ones will feel honoured to have a role in your special day.
