money saving tips

[emmylou157]

Hi,

I have been engaged for over a year and a half now and had dd 6 months ago. I really want to get married in the next couple of years, before we have another baby ideally but I just don't know how we can afford it. I just can't allow myself to spend a lot of money on a day when I could be saving it for dd's future.

Has anyone got any tips on how to reduce the cost of a wedding without reducing our enjoyment of the day.

Thanks

I also recall a huge discount was offered by some venues to get married off-season or, if you dare, on Friday the 13th!

• My cake came from Asda £27 for 3 tiers.
• Friend did photos as gift - years down the line how many wedding photos will you have on display and how often will you look at an album.
• Avoid wedding fayres like the plague - they will make you start to think that all sorts of things are essential
• call in any favours you can instead of wedding presents
• never mention that you are organising a wedding to any supplier - family party is a much more economic way of putting it
• Flowers are hugely expensive - think how important they are to you and if you really need them everywhere.
• Do you know anyone with a nice car who would do the transport? At the end of the day you spend very little time in it
• Do your own stationery - very few people other than you and your mum will keep it as a souvenir
• Do you really need favours - they often get left behind - or just do them for the female guests

Have a lovely day whatever you choose to do.

Just seen this guide to how to split your budget - might be helpful?

45% of total budget should be spent on wedding reception - venue, food, drink and cake
5% on ceremony - venue fees, wedding rings, bell ringers and choir
8% on all flowers
5% on transport - bridal cars and additional cars
10% on photography and videography
12% on wedding attire including dress
15% on everything else - stationery, gifts for bridal party, wedding insurance, wedding night accommodation and honeymoon
Source: Wedding planner Sarah Haywood

Make a list of all the things that are essential (for you and your DP) in making a wedding special.
If something is not on the list then either don't do it, or take the cheapest option. So if cars aren't on your list, either sweet talk a mate into driving you for free or book a taxi.

Think of it as a really good party, rather than jumping through all the weddingy hoops.

A friend did our cars too, for free :)

A friend of mine, got a good friend of hers to do photography as wedding present. The photographer is a hobby photographer, and although there were a few nice snaps, it was not the same as someone who does weddings professionally - she regretted this saving. She did not regret any of the other DIY savings.