Where to begin and how to plan on a budget...

[firsttimemummy11]

We've recently got engaged and I want to start planning our wedding - but don't even know where to begin! I've been to a few weddings but never been a bridesmaid where I've had to help with wedding planning...

Also, I've recently had a baby and we're saving to buy a house in Beckenham next year.... so we'd like to do our wedding on a budget (if that's even possible!)....

Anyone have any advice? Ideally we'd like to Get married in Kent as we live in Beckenham...

Thank you x

@firsttimemummy11 - congratulations on your engagement and wedding !

Do you have a budget ? This is the key, you can plan, and have your wedding within your budget.

Also depends on what type of wedding you want - or can have within your budget.

I'd start with venue. Church and then reception somewhere, or do you want it all in one place?

Guests - the more you have the more your wedding will probably cost as the food / drink will be a massive chunk of your budget.

You will also have costs for:
Registrar fees (if needed)
Invitations / stationery
Dress / shoes
Bridesmaids dresses / shoes
Hair / make up
Groom / Bestman / groomsmen suits
Rings
Flowers
Photographer
Cake
Transport
DJ / band
Venue decorations / flowers

Obviously you don't have to have hair and make up, you might not be all that fussed about groom, bestman groomsmen wearing the same suit etc - so they can wear one of their own.

You can spend as much or as little on your dress / bridesmaid dresses.

You can buy a cake from M&S - probably cheaper than having it made at a bakers.

You can spend as much or as little on invitations / stationery etc.

These things can be adapted to fit in your budget.

Do you know anyone that could do anything for you at reduced rate ? Especially if they're a potential guest.

I've come in under budget in some areas, other things have gone over budget but I am slightly in a deficit at the minute lol !!

Haven't started dress shopping yet either !! Although I have bought my shoes an absolutely bargain and I love them, they were £15 under budget.

If you have your ceremony and reception all at the same place - there will probably be a package, a Friday or Sunday will probably be cheaper (although I was told recently these days are becoming popular and not as much discount as there used to be. No idea if that is true). A week day definitely cheaper, but then depending if your guests have children and the time of year you're thinking of this could be difficult for them.

I'm having a more relaxed and informal celebration - no wedding breakfast and about 80 guests - so far !!

I don't know the area where you live, but there must be some wedding venues local to you. Hace a look at their websites, email them ask them to forward you their wedding brochure. Happy planning!

I really want a firework display set to music, DH to be says we haven't got £1700 in the budget for it - I love fireworks though!!!!

Hi @firsttimemummy11
Try downloading the Bridebook app. I found it useful for what you need to do including timescales

First have a budget.
Second limit guests. It’s not just food and drink ; it’s size of venue and tables and chairs and decorating them and toilets and favours and flowers ...everything really. Guests are what cost.
Small weddings aren’t rubbish or cheap. They let you enjoy your day without having to spend all day making small talk.
Find a venue for ceremony and reception that suits you and your guests.
If everyone you want to invite has young children or are teachers then you need to think about that. Bear guests in mind for possible dates. You’ll find traditional venues booked up on Friday’s and Saturdays months ahead but there are plenty of ways to get married on a Saturday cheaply if you think outside of the “church and hotel” box.

Remember, nothing is actually required except registrar fee.

Everything else is optional.

You can get married in the town hall in your jeans if you want

With a new baby and wanting to buy a house, I know where I’d be prioritising my spending.

I didn't realise this had posted as it said it hadn't!

Thank you so so much for all your help and advice - it's so helpful and a great starting point for me... with regards to budget - I've read the average wedding costs £27k which is definitely not something we can afford so I'm just trying to do everything as cheap as possible and have been given a few tips outside of this post too - so I'm sure we can manage it

@Brideof2020 congratulations to you too, you seem so organised and fireworks would be amazing - I'd say if you can stretch your budget - go for it

Thanks again x

The cheapest wedding you can do is a statutory ceremony which will cost £126 (for notice of marriage and ceremony). This is a small, purely legal, ceremony.
How much more you spend is up to you. How many guests do you want to attend the ceremony? How many guests do you want to attend the party? Would you consider a ceremony in a register office followed by a meal or party elsewhere, or do you want the big venue with ceremony and party happening in the same place? What is your realistic budget?

There's a lot to be said for having a ceremony and then straight to a pub for a buffet/barbecue or a restaurant for a set meal.

And don't be railroaded. My inlaws invited 30 friends, most of them before they told us, because that's how it used to be done. But that was when the parents paid for it all (And even then it was the bride's parents!) We were paying for it and they didn't even ask us.

Decide what type of wedding you want firstly. I wanted something small, venue based and low key, so I looked around for venues suitable....then spent a huge amount of time on pinterest!! Enjoy it, I loved the planning stages!

@firsttimemummy11 - ah I'd love the fireworks, it was only a lighthearted suggestion as we're also on a budget. Like you there are other things we want to spend money on, but we want to be married and celebrate with our families and close friends so that's what we're doing. Nothing fancy, just hopefully a nice relaxed celebration.