The Money Saving Wedding Guide

MoneySupermarket com presents: The Money Saving Wedding Guide Did you know that the average wedding in the United Kingdom costs £22,265? However, we've been in touch with some savvy wedding planners and bloggers and they have kindly shared with us some amazing tips and ideas to cut the wedding cost dramatically. Some of the se ideas might not be to your taste but we are sure you will find something which will save you some cash in our Money Saving Wedding Guide! BUDGET BREAKDOWN FOR THE AVERAGE BRIDE "As any budget bride to be will tell you, DIY is the way forward! I want to be stuck into as many aspects of the wedding as possible; from reception decorations to invitations to "The average cost of a wedding is £22,265" favours!" Georgia from Satiable Fashion "I wouldn't suggest going for a cheap photographer (unless you're thoroughly happy with their work) but costs can be cut by hiring a photographer to cover only a few hours of your wedding." Debs from Belle Amour "Wedding rings can cost a lot of money. To save money on our rings I saved up Tesco club card vouchers and exchanged them for Goldsmiths vouchers. We got the rings we wanted with a big discount." 45% 10% 6% 5% 5% 5% 5% 2% Hayley from Budget Bride to Be WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER / VIDEOGRAPHER Never compromise on getting a professional photographer and meet them before the day Book in advance to get great discounts Look out for free/discounted pre-wedding photo shoots offered by photographers Consider advertising for photography students and get cheaper rates if you're on a strict budget GENERAL PLANNING Set a budget and try to stick to it Consider a long engagement to give you time to plan and save up for your big day Visit wedding forums and communities to learn and share money-saving tips Book everything in advance to get great offers Don't be afraid to haggle a little bit for reduced rates Enter wedding competitions as you never know what you might win! VENUE Decide where you want to get married - church or civil ceremony Consider a mid-week or Sunday wedding as this can sometimes be cheaper than a Friday or Saturday event Create a list of venues you like, explore their different cost packages and remember to haggle! Ask questions about your shortlisted venues, including whether you can change the layout and add furniture Consider having your wedding at a village hall, a bar or restaurant as this can sometimes be cheaper HONEYMOON Book your honeymoon through an independent travel advisor as this sometimes works out cheaper than high street chains Instead of a gift list, consider asking guests for holiday vouchers Avoid peak season for your honeymoon You don't have to go on your honeymoon right after your wedding and can save up for something special instead WEDDING DRESSES AND SUITS Look out for end-of-season sales where you could get a designer dress for less Consider hiring suits and outfits for the groom and his men Look at the high street shops and get cheaper prices for suits and bridal party dresses Make sure you get practical, comfortable, but pretty shoes as you will be wearing them for several hours FAMILY AND GUESTS Watch your guest list and only invite close family members and friends to you to manage the cost Encourage family and friends to pitch in with their different 'skills' TRANSPORTATION Ask a friend with a luxury/quirky/vintage car to drive you to the wedding ceremony Consider having the ceremony reception in the same place to e on transportation HAIR AND MAKEUP Get a friend to do your makeup for you - after doing some test runs first Or better yet, practise and do it yourself! STATIONERY AND DECORATIONS Make your own wedding stationery, decorations and favours Aim to go for flowers which are in season to avoid paying extra for out-of-season flowers If you're particularly creative and have the time, make your own silk flowers which can be cheaper Send out e-invitations instead of invitation cards Consider mixing up the invitations, some paper and some e-cards Create a wedding scrapbook using tools like Pinterest and fill it with DIY ideas to try out Look out for great bargains and offers in discount shops and online shops like eBay FOOD, DRINKS AND CAKE Sometimes getting a caterer can work out cheaper, so scout around for an independent caterer Supermarkets offer celebration cakes, so get them customised for your big day Consider having a Instead of champagne, go for sparkling wine Consider making your own wedding cake or get creative family/friends to make it for you cor hog to the traditional wedding breakfast WEDDING INSURANCE Think about taking out wedding insurance to give you peace of mind Always shop around to compare prices TOP PRIORITIES FOR BRIDES 1. Venue 2. Video/Photographer 3. The dresses 4. Food/drinks/cake 6. Rings 5. toneymoon 7. Transport 8. Flowers 9. Invitations/gvests 10. Favours 11. Entertainment 12. Ceremony MR & MRS (on a budget!) MoneySupermarket com References Thank you to all our wedding bloggers and brides who contributed to creating this guide for future brides. The list of the contributors is as follows: Alison from www.mrspandp.com Zoe from www.oldnewborrowedblue.co.uk Georgia from satiablefashion.blogspot.co.uk Jessica from ohsogawjess.blogspot.co.uk Claire from www.claireelouisse.com Rebecca from www.pennyswedding.com Hayley from www.budgetbridetobe.co.uk Khila from missbudgetbeauty.co.uk Kate from blog.theukweddingshows.co.uk Nikki from littlelovenotes.co.uk Debs from www.belleamour.co.uk Vicky from www.brideandchic.co.uk http://www.bridesmagazine.co.uk/ PHOTOGRAPHY DRESS FLOWERS MISCELLANEOUS CLOTHING RINGS ENTERTAINMENT CONTINGENCY CEREMONY * STATIONERY