Planning a wedding is such an exciting time but can quickly become an overwhelming task with so much to think about from what venue to choose right through to what flavour cake you would like. From my immersive experience within the wedding industry I can try and help guide you through some of the maze of options to navigate your way as you plan the most special of days. So here a five wedding money saving ideas. First up, and most importantly, is how to save a few pennies along the way and not compromise on quality. Here goes:
- Check quotes that you receive from suppliers. Make sure to ask if the quote you have received is inclusive of VAT. Some suppliers are small businesses that aren’t VAT registered, but some larger companies will be, so you’ll just want to confirm that the quote includes the VAT otherwise you’ll have to add on an extra 20%, which can take it just that bit out of your budget.
- Off-peak or ‘last minute’ bookings. Off-peak doesn’t just certain mean times of the year, it can in some circumstances mean midweek and could indicate slightly different pricing. Also, if the thought of a ‘last minute’ wedding fills you with fear and cold sweats, thinking that you only have a few weeks, think again. Venues do sometimes have a few of these ‘last minute’ dates available (which could mean in 3-4 months’ time) at quite a different price to the usual package price. So if you are prepared to crack on and organise your big day in a few months, it might be worth a punt – believe me, it can be done!
- The season to be jolly. Ever considered a wedding at Twixmas? It’s the week between Christmas and New Year. Your guests will be in a celebratory mood and at this time they are definitely up for a party. Many venues will already be dressed for the season, so you will already save money there. The atmosphere is so romantic with candlelit tables and cosy lighting. A perfect time to bring family and friends together.
- Wholesale. Have a scout around and see what buying your wedding supplies wholesale can save you. You may be pleasantly surprised. Could shave hundreds of pounds off some supplier quotes but you definitely will not compromise on the quality as sometimes the wholesaler supplies the actual wedding supplier.
- Get ready at the venue. If at all possible and there is the option, only if you are marrying at the venue, you may wish to consider if you are the bride, getting ready at the venue. You will definitely save money on transport to your venue this way.
Booking a wedding can be an expensive affair, but there are ways to save money without compromising on quality or style. Here are some ideas that you can consider:
Choose a venue that charges a straight hire fee instead of a package deal. This way, you only pay for what you need and use, and you have more flexibility in choosing your own suppliers and services.
Book an off-peak date or time for your wedding. You can get lower rates and discounts if you avoid popular seasons or days of the week. For example, you can book a weekday wedding or a winter wedding in Suffolk and save money on your venue and other costs.
Cut down your guest list. The fewer people you invite, the less you have to spend on food, drinks, invitations, favours and other expenses. You can also make your wedding more intimate and personal by inviting only your closest family and friends.
Opt for food trucks instead of traditional catering. Food trucks can serve delicious and casual food like pizzas, burgers, burritos and more at a fraction of the cost of formal catering. They also add a fun and relaxed vibe to your wedding atmosphere.
Make your own playlist instead of booking a band or DJ. You can save money by creating a playlist out of your guests’ favourite songs or using online streaming services. You can also ask a friend or family member to be your MC or announcer for the day.
Ask your bridal party to wear their own outfits instead of hiring. You can save money by letting your groomsmen and bridesmaids wear their own suits or dresses that match your colour scheme. You can also give them accessories like ties or jewellery as gifts instead of paying for their outfits.
Buy a second-hand wedding dress. You can find beautiful and affordable wedding dresses online or at charity shops that have been worn only once or twice. You can also alter them to fit your style and size if needed.
Choose flowers in season or from your garden instead of an exotic bouquet. You can save money by picking flowers that are locally grown and available at the time of your wedding. You can also use flowers from your own garden or ask friends or family members who have gardens to donate some.
These are only a few little things that can help stretch your budget. If you are anything like me writing lists and putting together a spreadsheet can help stop things from getting overlooked, especially when you have so many things to think about at the same time!!