18 ways to save money on your wedding day (that your guests won't even notice)
How to save money on your wedding day
If you're anything like most brides-to-be (and we even think this would include a certain Miss Meghan Markle) you won't have an unlimited budget to spend on your wedding day.
Sticking to a wedding budget you set is really important - you don't want to start off married life together with a pile of debt.
So we've talked to some clever brides and asked for their tips on saving money (and many of them won't even be obvious to your guests).
- Get married on a Sunday or Monday to Wednesday. Venues are less busy at these times so you're more likely to be able to negotiate a special rate. Try and avoid a Saturday at any time of the year as this is the most popular day.
- The same applies to your photographer. Try and pick a time when your photographer is unlikely to be innundated with work. They will be more open to negotiation.
- Look out for your wedding dress at designer sample sales. You could pick up a top label dress at 50% off the retail price - it will be cleaned and altered to fit you.
- Have a tiered wedding cake (but only one tier is real cake, the rest are for show!)
- Decorate your cake with fresh flowers rather than intricate icing.
- Serve canapes instead of a starter.
- Consider having a wedding during the afternoon with a vintage theme - maybe a Great Gatsby theme? Serve traditional afternoon tea, sandwiches and cakes with music from a 1920's style band. Much less expensive than a sit-down, three course dinner.
- Use flowers that are in season rather than exotic blooms that have to be flown in (you're also keeping your eco credentials intact).
- Or use greenery on your tables.
- Forget wedding favors. People won't even notice.
- If your ceremony and reception take place at the same venue you won't need wedding transport.
- Really think about your guest list. You don't have to invite everyone. Just the people that matter to you.
- Have a rustic wedding with bowl food in different styles of cuisine - and let your guests sit where they wish. Less formal and pricey than a sit-down three course dinner.
- Do your wedding make-up yourself. Have some lessons beforehand and try out some different looks so you know what will suit you.
- See what you can borrow. You never know who has a spare tiara or even a wedding veil you could use.
- Make your own wedding table centers. A pot of hyacinths or daffodils in Spring would look and smell fabulous. Or put one or two blooms (roses, gerberas, daisies) loosely in a simple stem glass vase.
- Ask a friend with a classic vehicle to drive you to and from the ceremony.
- Don't have children at your wedding. Avoid getting married during school vacations or taking your honeymoon at that time. Airlines and travel agents put a premium on flights and hotel rates then, so you'll be paying a lot more than you would during term. Travel when the kids are in school and you'll save (you may also find your flight/hotel/beach is a lot quieter).