Planning A Wedding On A Budget: Tips For Uk Couples

Planning a wedding can be expensive, with the average cost of a wedding in the UK being £17,300. However, there are many ways to save money when planning your big day. From cutting down on guest lists to choosing a weekday wedding, you can significantly reduce costs. Other ways to save include shopping for your own decorations, choosing a non-traditional venue, and using a wedding planner who can help you find savings and negotiate with vendors. With strategic planning and a few compromises, you can have your dream wedding without breaking the bank.

Cut costs on flowers, food, and venue

Flowers can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, but there are ways to cut costs. Firstly, choose in-season blooms, as exotic flowers are usually pricier due to the time and effort it takes to source them. Opt for smaller flowers, as these are cheaper than larger ones, and consider using more greenery and foliage, which is less expensive than flowers but can look beautiful when used correctly. If you're getting married in April or May, daucus carrot, also known as Queen Anne's lace, is an inexpensive option that grows in abundance. You could also use inexpensive ribbons to make your flowers stand out, and choose cheaper containers, like silver plastic instead of silver-plated.

To save on food, consider a buffet instead of formal dining, which is a more cost-effective option. You could also serve the wedding cake for dessert, or replace the cake with cupcakes or a sweet cart. A hog roast is another cheap and practical option for large groups, and you can hire the equipment for less than £400. If you're providing alcohol, choose a venue with no corkage so that you can bring your own drinks without being charged extra to drink them on-site.

When it comes to the venue, getting married outside of the wedding season (from May to October) and opting for a weekday wedding can save you up to £10,000. A morning wedding with a brunch reception or an afternoon tea can also reduce catering costs. If you're set on a summer wedding, consider getting married in Scotland, where you can exchange vows almost anywhere, which could save you thousands on venue hire. The average cost of hiring a licensed wedding venue in England and Wales is £5,406, but you can save money by choosing a register office or church instead. For the reception, think about cheaper alternatives such as a pub, village hall, or a marquee in a garden if you have access to one.

Choose a weekday wedding

The day of the week you choose to get married can have a big impact on the overall cost of your wedding. Saturday is the most popular day for weddings, so it's also the most expensive. If you opt for a weekday wedding, you're likely to get a much better deal. Wedding vendors would prefer to offer their services at a discounted rate than have no customers at all.

While you might not get as much of a discount on catering and flowers, you're likely to save a significant amount on the venue and music. If you're worried about guests taking time off work to attend, a Friday wedding is a good compromise. Friday weddings tend to be cheaper than Saturdays, and you can also get away with inviting fewer guests.

If you're set on a weekend wedding, consider having your wedding on a Sunday. While it might be a little less convenient for your guests, it will still be much cheaper than a Saturday wedding. You could also consider having your wedding outside of the traditional wedding season. January, February and March are generally considered the wedding off-season, so you're likely to get a better deal on your venue and other expenses.

When it comes to choosing a venue, think about alternative options. A dedicated wedding venue is likely to be more expensive than a location that doesn't typically host weddings. A brewery, a bed and breakfast, or even a summer camp could be a fun and unique option that will also save you money. If you're having a small outdoor wedding, consider getting married in a backyard or park.

Remember, the most important thing is that you're surrounded by the people you love. So, if you're worried about guests not being able to take time off work, consider keeping the guest list small. A smaller wedding will also help you save money, as you won't have to spend as much on food, drinks, and other expenses.

Use a wedding planner

While it may seem counterintuitive, hiring a wedding planner can be a great way to save money when planning a wedding in the UK. A good wedding planner will know where to find savings and which elements offer the most flexibility. They can suggest creative alternatives and advise on where to splurge and where to scale back, ensuring you get the best value for your investment.

Wedding planners have built relationships with vendors and can negotiate exclusive discounts on your behalf. They can also help you navigate the world of wedding taxes and advise on which bills are negotiable. For instance, you can challenge the prices of your venue and various vendors and make lower offers. A wedding planner can also suggest alternative venues that are cheaper but still align with your style.

If you're worried about your budget stretching far enough, a wedding planner can help you identify where you can make savings and ensure you stick to your wedding budget. They can also help you plan and save in advance, recommending high-yield savings accounts or certificates of deposit (CD) accounts to keep your money safe while earning interest.

In addition, a wedding planner can provide valuable organisation during the planning process, helping you to avoid overspending. They can also suggest ways to repurpose your wedding flowers and decorations to get more bang for your buck. For example, using the bridesmaids' bouquets as reception table centrepieces or reusing ceremony chairs for the reception.

So, if you're looking to save money on your UK wedding, consider hiring a wedding planner to help you navigate the financial complexities and ensure you have a stress-free, dream wedding within your budget.

Cut the guest list

One of the most effective ways to save money when planning a wedding is to reduce the number of guests. The cost of catering can depend on the size of the guest list, with food being one of the biggest expenses for couples. By cutting down the number of guests, you can significantly reduce the overall cost of the wedding.

When deciding on your guest list, consider the following strategies to keep costs down:

• Prioritise close friends and family: Focus on inviting your nearest and dearest. This will not only reduce the guest count but also create a more intimate and meaningful celebration.
• Consider a small wedding party: You may want to opt for a smaller bridal party, as this can reduce expenses related to attire, hair, and makeup.
• Manage plus-ones: Be selective about allowing plus-ones, especially for guests who are in new relationships or those you have never met.
• Limit children: While children can add joy to the celebration, they also increase the headcount. Consider limiting the number of children invited or opting for an adults-only wedding.
• Review and revise: Go over your guest list multiple times to ensure you are comfortable with each person on the list. Don't be afraid to make adjustments as needed.

Remember, by reducing the guest list, you not only save on catering costs but also on other expenses such as invitations, favours, and even venue size. A smaller guest list gives you more flexibility in choosing a venue, as you won't need to accommodate a large number of people. This can open up a range of budget-friendly options, such as backyards, parks, or non-traditional venues.

Shop for your own clothes and decor

Shopping for your own clothes and decor is a great way to save money when planning a wedding in the UK. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Shop Around for the Best Deals

When it comes to wedding attire and decor, it's important to shop around to find the best deals. Compare prices from different stores and boutiques to ensure you're getting the most value for your money. Remember that you don't have to spend a fortune to look and feel your best.

Consider Preloved and Handmade Items

Explore preloved and handmade options for your wedding attire and decor. Websites like sellmywedding.co.uk offer a marketplace for brides to buy and sell preloved wedding items, from dresses to decor. This can be a budget-friendly way to find unique and stylish pieces for your special day.

Borrow from Family and Friends

Asking family members and friends to borrow vintage items or jewellery for your wedding is a cost-effective and sentimental way to accessorise. Not only will this save you money on purchasing new items, but it can also add a special touch to your overall look.

Shop for Decor at Home

Before purchasing new decor, take a look around your own home to see if there are any decorative items you can repurpose for your wedding. This could include vases, candles, string lights, or even furniture. Getting creative with your existing possessions can help you save significantly on decor costs.

Choose a Versatile Wedding Outfit

Opt for a wedding outfit that can be easily customised or transformed for different parts of your wedding day. For example, a detachable overskirt or train can provide two different looks without the need for a completely separate dress. This versatility can save you money and ensure you feel amazing throughout the day.

Remember, planning a wedding can be a fun and exciting process, but it's important to set a realistic budget and stick to it. By shopping wisely and getting creative, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank.

Frequently asked questions