It’s mid month and we’re all feeling the pinch, right..? When payday feels like such a long time away, it’s often easy to worry about how you’re going to be able to afford that dream day that everyone keeps mentioning.
We’re huge advocates here of doing things your own way on your wedding day, and achieving the perfect day (your version of it!) within your own budget, whatever that might be. Yes, its a super important day in your life, but it really is just one day – don’t give yourself a lifetime of debt to furnish 100 guests with the perfect wedding favours! Unless you’re very comfortable financially or The Bank of Mum & Dad is paying out big time, we think it might be time to get saving.
Luckily, our sponsors at TSB have come up with some handy tips for saving for your wedding without breaking the bank. Take a look, and here are some of our favourite tips, combined with a few of our own…
set a budget
It’s important to be realistic and set a budget for the big day, but also all the smaller elements of it too. Be strict, because if you go over budget on each part, you might find yourself in trouble when it comes to paying the registrar! TSB advise that setting a limit on the amount you can spend on your dress is a good place to start.
“Budget before you go and be realistic by only trying on dresses that are within your budget,” says Phil of Phil Collins Bridal. “You don’t want to be disappointed by falling in love with a dress you can’t afford.”
limit the numbers
Yes, obviously, less bums on chairs will bring the overall cost down, but you might like to consider the number of people in the actual wedding party very carefully too. The cost of six adult bridesmaid dresses can really add up. Consider keeping the number of attendants and groomsmen on the smaller side, or ask if they would mind contributing to the cost of their outfits if you are prepared to give them some flexibility in the style stakes.
double up
TSB suggest cutting costs by using your flowers and decorations at both your ceremony and reception venue, if they are separate (ushers at the ready)! It’s wise to make sure you have factored in absolutely all costs – as well as the cost of hiring the venue, remember any decor you may wish to use; flowers, the photographer and transport.
make it a weekday
Many really popular venues are just as booked up during the week as on the weekends now, as money saavy couples realise there are great discounts to be had, not only on the venue itself – but from suppliers too. If you have your heart set on enlisting the skills of a professional who is beyond your budget, ask they if they could do a cheeky discount for a midweek wedding. The extra wedding fee that they weren’t expecting might be bonus enough for them to consider your proposal.
go wild
If you’ve got green fingers, consider growing your wedding flowers yourselves, or buy flowers in pots rather than the freshly cut variety to decorate your tables. It won’t save you that much, but the plants can double up as favours for your guests to take home and use again.
all hands on deck
If you’ve got some crafty family and friends, we’re sure that they’d love nothing more than to show off their skills on your big day, whether that be designing stationery, arranging blooms, getting creative with bunting or doing a spot of baking. Just remember to get them a nice present to say thank you and allow them to do their thang without unleashing your inner bridezilla.
fast food
Street food, bowl food and even posh BBQ food is becoming ever more popular for a wedding breakfast. The quirky options, like a dainty afternoon tea, often look cooler but cost less overall. Shop around to find the best taste at the best price.
gift listin’
“Consider asking your guests to assist you with paying for your honeymoon,” suggests Anyonita at Confetti.co.uk. “There are a number of wedding gift list alternatives that allow your guests to pay cash toward your honeymoon or to pay for activities, food or drinks whilst you’re away.”
minimooning
If you don’t fancy a honeymoon gift list and the budget is already stretched, consider delaying your honeymoon and taking a UK based minimoon instead, at least until your finances are more stable. Start a honeymoon fund and count down the months together, with the added benefit of giving you something else to look forward to once all the wedding planning is done!
Visit TSB’s wedding saving pages to read more.
