
Tips to make your special day just as special, but maybe a little cheaper!
If you have just got engaged and are planning a wedding, you’re now entering one of the most exciting yet busiest times of your life. Your wedding is one of the biggest days you will ever experience, and as such, you want it to be exactly as you plan it. From the moment you get that ring on your finger to the moment you change to your official married name via free deed poll, it will all feel like a wonderful dream you don’t want to wake up from. This is why you don’t want to rush it, and you want it to all go just as you’ve planned. If you are on a budget, this doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your day. In fact, there are many ways you can get married on a budget and have a fantastic day from start to finish. In this article, we explore just how you can do that.
Consider the time of year and day you get married
There are a few factors that can impact the cost of your wedding, and one of them is the time of year and even the day that you get married. Getting wed on one of the peak days, such as a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, is a lot more expensive than if you were to tie the knot Monday to Thursday. You should also think about the time of year. Summer is the most expensive, with the other seasons knocking off a big chunk of what you pay.
Remember that even vendors like a Northamptonshire wedding photographer (or wherever you're getting married) may adjust their prices based on the date, so it’s wise to consider both venue and vendor costs. Speak to your wedding venue and photographer about their on-peak and off-peak pricing to see where you can save.
Think about where you get married
Some venues can be a lot more than others, so consider this when you’re deciding where to host your special day. Places such as luxury hotels can cost a lot more than a village hall, for example. You need to look into the different venues and what they offer and find somewhere that ticks all your boxes while also being within your budget. Different places also offer different packages, so some might include food and drinks, and others might include venue hire only. Think about what you want from it and how much work you want to do, as sometimes going all-in with a package can be cheaper, depending on where you go.
Decide on the number of guests
The more guests you have, the greater the cost. Think about whether you want to invite everyone or if you want more of an intimate wedding. It can feel difficult culling down your potential guest list, but you need to consider how often you see the people you are inviting and the value they bring to your life. Are you close? Or is the next time you see them likely to be your next family wedding?
See what you can do yourself
DIY can be a great way to save some cash and also get fantastic results on your wedding day. There are so many elements that can be made yourself, from decorations to invites and favours. We recommend finding out the things you can do yourself, pricing it up and seeing how much money you can save. If you will only save a little, it might not be worth all the hassle, but if you’re set to make a big chunk of money back, it’s definitely worth doing. Look on places such as blogs and social media for some ideas on what you can do.
Change the way you do the food
There are many food options for weddings. You can choose a full sit-down meal complete with wine pairings, or you can go for a buffet option as well as many options in between. Think about the vibe you want to go for and weigh up the pricing differences. You could choose to have one set menu (with dietary options) or have everyone able to choose between different menu options. If you decide on a buffet, think about what will be served, if you are going to do evening food too, how you will differentiate this and how to ensure there’s enough for everyone. You can also save money with the drinks. Some people choose to provide an open bar and have all the alcohol available for your whole wedding, some put a certain amount behind the bar, and others just have everyone pay for their drinks, providing wine with dinner. The choice is entirely up to you.
Scrap the paper
Making things like wedding invitations, thank you cards, and the such can all quickly add up. Not only do you need to have the initial materials in the first place, but you also need to pay to post them all out to everyone. This can soon add up to a lot when, in this day and age, it’s all too easy to send an email or even message everyone.
Ask for honeymoon contributions
A big cost for any wedding is the honeymoon that follows. This is why many couples nowadays ask for contributions to their honeymoon in lieu of gifts. When looking to save money on your wedding, why not do this? This way, you get money towards your honeymoon of dreams and don’t need to worry about spending it yourself. It also helps those who are stuck on what to buy you!
These are just a few top tips for throwing a wedding on a budget. When you hear the word budget, it can make you think of something cheap, yet this doesn’t need to be the case at all. Instead, you need to be savvy about what you spend your money on and how you spend it. This will mean you can throw a fantastic day that everyone will remember for years to come without having to fork out a fortune for it. What are some top tips you have for throwing a wedding day on a budget? Let us know in the comments below; we would love to hear from you.