To ask for your 'cheap' wedding tips

[InTheBirdBox]

Me and DP have recently gotten engaged.

I hear that the average wedding costs around £17,000.00 which I just find incredible (and we have no where near that much to spend on one).

Does anyone have any tips on keeping down costs? Things that worked for you maybe?

I want it to be a nice day to share with family and friends but I'm not overly extravagant so I'm hoping I can easily do it for less!!

I've been doing a bit of research into food. I really like the sound of a fish and chip bar. I've had a quote and guests get a choice of 3 (fish, veggie burger, sausage) all with chips and mushy peas. For 90 people it is 805.00.

Served in traditional news paper and they provide all cutlery etc...

I think it'll be quite fun. Either this or a traditional carvery which is a similar price.

Thanks to this thread I'm now browsing wedding dresses, I've been single for 4 years wishful thinking!

My wedding was under 3000 but we had the ceremony and reception in the same place. I only had close friends and family so it was only 50 people. Rugby clubs are cheaper, also I used artificial flowers and made my own bouquet.

Our wedding was in Derbyshire. Ceremony at our local church. Reception at rural hotel in a quiet but beautiful location. DIY village halls didn't work for us because most family and friends were further afield.

I DIYed the stationery and decorations. A long engagement helped!

I got a plain cake and decorations on the market and added decoration to the cake.

We wanted a full white wedding for 100 guests, but did it on half the average cost for the time. Guests thought we'd splashed out on double the cost.

Yy to marquee in the in laws field idea, makes it really personal and you can make it as formal or informal as you like.

Sounds lovely.

Spend your money on a good band and a hard dancefloor

messyhousetidymind as much as I do like the idea myself we've looked into it and it would be far too expensive with Marquee hire, generators, food/drink etc...

Marquee weddings are mega bucks - generators, portaloos, all tables chairs linens etc, lovely and romantic but budget busting!

I thought i’d already posted this, but I can’t find it, so I may be wrong.Appogies if I have!!

We got married at Bakewell Register Office. Nice old stone building, pretty Derbyshire location, Photos by the river. Was April so cherry blossom was out. Reception was at a restaurant by the bridge, that has now closed down though.