Tips For Planning A Budget-Friendly Wedding

Planning a wedding can be expensive, with the average cost of a wedding in the UK being £20,700. However, there are many ways to cut costs and have a memorable wedding on a budget. Here are some tips to make your wedding cheaper:

- Choose an off-peak date and time: Opting for a weekday wedding, particularly on Mondays to Thursdays, can result in significant savings on venues, photographers, florists, and registrars. Fridays and Sundays are also cheaper than Saturdays.

- Pick a unique venue: Consider pubs, campsites, village halls, sports clubs, or holiday rental properties as alternative venues. These options can be more affordable and flexible than traditional wedding venues.

- Buy your own alcohol: Source alcohol from wholesalers or supermarkets, and choose a corkage-free venue if possible.

- Cut hair and makeup costs: Local hairdressing or beauty therapy training schools often offer discounted or free services for brides and bridesmaids. You can also get your makeup done at a department store beauty counter or opt for a DIY approach.

- Save on the wedding dress: Explore high street retailers, evening dress sections of department stores, bridesmaid dress options, online platforms like Preloved, charity shops like Oxfam, or rental sites like MyWardrobe HQ. Sales and sample sales are also great opportunities to snag a bargain.

- DIY invitations and stationery: Design and print your own invitations using online services, or send email invitations to save on postage.

- Prioritize and compromise: Decide what is most important to you and your partner, and compromise on the rest. This could mean forgoing certain traditions, such as a multi-tiered cake or elaborate floral arrangements.

- Utilize your network: Tap into the talents of your friends and family. This could include photography, videography, hair and makeup, baking the cake, entertainment, or even borrowing a car for transportation.

- Keep the guest list small: A smaller guest list can significantly reduce costs across the board, from catering to venue rental.

- Opt for a micro-wedding or elopement: A micro-wedding with a small guest list allows your budget to stretch further. Alternatively, elopement or a small ceremony followed by a larger celebration can be more affordable options.

Choose an off-peak date and time

Choosing an off-peak date and time for your wedding can save you a lot of money. Here are some tips to help you do that:

Pick an off-peak season

The peak wedding season varies depending on location, but generally, it includes the months of May, June, September, and October. These months are popular because of their pleasant weather, which is perfect for outdoor ceremonies and receptions.

However, choosing an off-peak season like winter can save you a lot of money. During the winter, venues don't host as many events, so they may offer lower rates. The same goes for other vendors like photographers, caterers, and entertainment.

Additionally, winter weddings can be pretty magical, with wintry accents and details like candles, string lights, and rich fabrics. Just be sure to avoid major holidays like Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve, as these can drive up prices.

Opt for a weekday

Fridays, Sundays, and weekdays are generally considered off-peak days for weddings. You can often get discounts of up to 50% on venues during these days. Additionally, there may be more availability for venues and vendors, giving you a better chance of booking your dream location.

Keep in mind that fewer guests may be able to attend a weekday wedding, but this can also help keep costs down.

Be flexible with your choices

When choosing an off-peak date, be flexible and consider a range of options. For example, if you're set on a Saturday wedding, you might consider a Saturday in January instead of June. Or, if you're open to a weekday, compare prices for Fridays and Mondays to see which offers the best deal.

Being flexible can also help you take advantage of last-minute cancellations or deals on dates that venues are struggling to fill.

Compare prices

When looking for an off-peak date, be sure to compare prices from multiple venues and vendors. This will help you find the best deals and ensure that you're getting a good value.

Additionally, don't be afraid to haggle and ask for discounts. Many vendors are open to negotiation, especially if it's an off-peak date or if you're flexible with your choices.

Plan ahead

If you have some flexibility with your wedding date, it's a good idea to plan ahead and book in advance. This will give you more options and help you secure the best deals.

You can also take advantage of early bird discounts by booking a year or more in advance. This is especially helpful if you're set on a popular venue or vendor.

In conclusion, choosing an off-peak date and time for your wedding can save you a significant amount of money. By being flexible, comparing prices, and planning ahead, you can have a beautiful wedding that fits within your budget.

Opt for a non-traditional venue

Opting for a non-traditional venue is a great way to save money on your wedding. Here are some tips and ideas to help you find the perfect alternative venue:

• Pubs, bars, and restaurants: These spaces often don't charge a venue fee, and you only need to pay for the food and drinks. Look for places with unique character, gorgeous art, or a cosy atmosphere that will require minimal extra decorations.
• Community spaces: Village halls, sports clubs, and local breweries are great options for an affordable wedding. They usually have large spaces that can be transformed into beautiful wedding venues. Some village halls may not typically host weddings, so you can create a truly unique experience for your guests.
• Backyards and fields: If you, your family, or friends have a spacious backyard or a field, consider hosting your wedding there. This option allows for a more intimate celebration and can be decorated with picnic blankets, tables, and chairs. If you don't have access to a backyard, you can ask locals if they have a field you can borrow. Just remember to budget for extras like marquees, tables, chairs, and portable toilets.
• Warehouses and blank spaces: These venues offer a blank canvas that you can transform to match your vision. However, they often require you to hire or buy your own crockery, cutlery, and other essentials. To save money, you can go on a charity shop hunt for mismatched plates and cutlery or use your own if you're hosting the wedding at home.
• Holiday rental properties: Renting a holiday home can be a great way to secure a unique venue and accommodation for you and your guests. Just remember to check with the owner if they allow events, and don't forget to factor in costs for catering, table and chair hire, lighting, etc.
• Public spaces: Public parks, beaches, and gardens can provide a beautiful backdrop for your wedding, especially if you're going for a more natural or bohemian theme. Just make sure to check if you need any permits and inform your guests about the terrain so they can dress appropriately.

When considering a non-traditional venue, keep in mind the number of guests you plan to invite and any accessibility requirements they may have. Ensure that the space is large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably and has the necessary facilities, like restrooms and parking. Additionally, don't forget to factor in any extra costs for decorations, lighting, and other essentials that may not be included in the venue hire.

Negotiate on costs

Negotiating on costs is a great way to make your wedding cheaper. Here are some tips on how to do it:

• Prioritize what's important to you: Think about what aspects of the wedding are most important to you and your partner, and focus your spending there. For example, you might decide that photos are a priority, so you allocate more of your budget to hiring a photographer.
• Cut out what's not important: On the flip side, think about what you don't care about and cut it from your plans. For example, if cake isn't a big deal to you, you could save money by getting a small, simple cake or even forgoing it altogether.
• Get creative with venues: Traditional wedding venues like hotels and country clubs can be expensive. Consider alternative spaces like pubs, campsites, village halls, sports clubs, or even a friend's back garden.
• Book during off-peak times: Venues tend to be cheaper if you get married on a weekday or during the off-season (usually winter). You can often get a discount of 50% or more.
• Negotiate with vendors: Don't be afraid to haggle with vendors and ask for discounts. Many wedding suppliers are open to negotiation, especially if it's a last-minute booking or during off-peak times.
• DIY your decorations and favours: Instead of spending a lot on decorations and favours, get creative and make your own. You can find cheap supplies at craft stores, dollar stores, or even charity shops.
• Tap into your friends' talents: If you have friends or family members with talents like baking, photography, DJing, or hair and makeup, ask them to help out instead of giving you a wedding gift.
• Buy your own alcohol: Buying your own booze from a wholesaler or supermarket can be cheaper than using the wedding supplier, even after factoring in corkage fees.
• Shop around for the best deals: Compare prices from multiple vendors for things like catering, flowers, and entertainment. That way, you can find the best value for your money.
• Look for sales and discounts: Keep an eye out for sales and discounts on wedding attire, especially during the off-season. You can also try second-hand or rental options for your wedding outfits.
• Reduce your guest list: A smaller guest list can significantly reduce your costs, especially for food and drink. Consider limiting plus-ones for single guests or having a smaller wedding party.
• Be flexible: Being flexible with your choices can help you find the best deals. For example, you might opt for a simple, single-tier cake or choose in-season flowers to save money.

Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love, so focus on what matters to you and don't feel pressured to spend a fortune. With some creativity and negotiation, you can have a wonderful wedding on a budget.

DIY decorations

• Vintage Suitcase Guest Book Table Display: If you love to travel, this idea is perfect for you. Design postcards of places you've visited and ask your guests to write notes for you on the back. You can also add vintage suitcases and a globe to complete the look.
• Bohemian Aisle Rug Runners: Instead of the traditional white aisle runner, why not try something different? Use bohemian rug aisle runners to give your wedding a unique and intimate feel.
• Hanging Flower Arrangements for Ceremony Chairs: Create a bohemian and rustic look by hanging flower arrangements on the ceremony chairs. You can personalise this idea with fairy lights or monogrammed mason jars.
• Cozy Blankets for an Outdoor Winter Wedding: Keep your guests warm with blankets and a cute sign that says, "To have and to hold, in case you get cold."
• Rustic Wood Heart Guest Book: Get a wooden box and hearts from a craft store, add some writing utensils, and you've got yourself a guest book that will last a lifetime.
• Driftwood Wedding Arch: If you're having an oceanfront ceremony, a driftwood arch adorned with seashells and copper foil garlands is a charming and unique option. You can also use driftwood for centrepieces by hot-gluing moss and artificial orchid blooms to create an eye-catching display.
• Chalkboard Wedding Sign: Put your calligraphy skills to use and create a chalkboard sign with a schedule of all the fun wedding activities. You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you like!
• Paper Airplane Place Cards: Tie in your love for travel with these creative escort cards. Make paper airplanes that show the places you and your partner have visited or plan to visit in the future.
• Romantic Gold Wine Bottle Candle Holders: Spray-paint wine bottles in your wedding colours and add ribbons, flowers, or plastic grape clusters to create romantic candle holders.
• Succulent Wedding Centrepieces: Incorporate your favourite plants into your wedding by using succulents as centrepieces. You can put them in old hexagon planters or tin cans for a unique and eco-friendly look.
• Green Leaf Place Setting Decor: Bring the outdoors into your wedding by using leaves as place setting decor. It's a simple and natural way to add a touch of greenery to your tables.
• Paper Flower Napkin Rings: Add a whimsical touch to your tablescape with paper flower napkin rings. You can find laser-cut paper rings online or make your own for a truly unique look.
• String Light Canopy: Create a romantic and magical atmosphere by designing and assembling your own tent made of string lights. It will not only provide lighting but also serve as a beautiful focal point for the reception.
• Petal Toss Cones: Make eco-friendly celebratory toss cones by using recycled paper or lace doilies and filling them with freeze-dried petals. Your guests can grab a cone before or after the ceremony to join in the fun.
• Birdcage Wedding Card Holder: Go for a unique and vintage-inspired look with a birdcage wedding card holder. You can find various styles online or in stores and personalise them to match your wedding theme.
• Painted Mason Jar Vase: Mason jars are a budget-friendly and versatile option for wedding decor. Fill them with your favourite flowers and greenery, or add twine or lace for a rustic touch.
• Fabric Garland: Add colour and texture to your wedding by hanging fabric garlands above the seating area. You can choose fabrics in your wedding colours or mix and match patterns for a fun and eclectic look.

Cut down the guest list

One of the most significant expenses of a wedding is the venue, so cutting down the guest list can be an effective way to save money.

If you're working with a tight budget, you may want to consider a smaller and more intimate wedding. This will allow you to book a smaller venue, which tends to be much cheaper.

• Invite only the people you really want to be there. You can always invite your workmates or other acquaintances to a reception or after-party.
• If you're having a small wedding, consider having a separate celebration with a larger group of friends at a different time.
• Be mindful of the cost implications for your wedding party. If you're asking them to pay for their outfits and accessories, give them a colour or style guideline so they can shop around for the best deals.
• If you're having a very small wedding, you may choose to only invite a couple of guests to act as witnesses.
• If you're inviting families with children, consider whether you can get away with inviting just the parents, or whether the children are old enough to be left with a babysitter.
• If you're inviting extended family, you don't necessarily need to invite distant cousins or family members you rarely see.
• If you're inviting colleagues, you don't need to invite your entire team or department – just those you're closest to.
• If you're inviting plus-ones, consider limiting these to people in serious relationships.

Remember, your wedding is your special day, and you can invite whoever you want. Cutting down the guest list can help you save money and create a more intimate celebration with the people who matter most to you.

Frequently asked questions