Rather than carrying a big bouquet down the aisle, choose a few dramatic flowers – sunflowers, bird of paradise – to make an entrance without the cost
- Limit the number of attendants: the bigger the wedding party, the more you will spend on outfits, gifts etc
- Double up! Some types of bouquets, like pomanders and nosegays, can be used more than once. After they are carried down the aisle by bridesmaids, place them in vases to create beautiful centrepieces
- Keep it short! Try to fit all your reception information on the wedding invite to help save money on printing costs and materials
- Keep floral decor simple. Place one or two big arrangements at the front, where all eyes will be, and modestly decorate the rest of the room
- Is wedding cake too expensive? Use cheesecake instead for a cheaper option
- Mix pieces of fruit with flowers to create a beautiful centrepiece for half the price of a flowers-only design
- Choose cupcakes rather than a big wedding cake
- Ask if your reception venue can produce simple – and free – menus for you
- Create your own table decorations. Coloured ribbon can transform jam jars into pretty vases, and candles add a cheap but romantic touch to the tables
- To half the cost of wedding favours, give one per couple rather than to each individual guest
- Check out local colleges, music schools etc. for cheaper wedding band options
- Ask your reception venue whether they allow you to provide your own wine/champagne and negotiate a corkage fee – it may well be cheaper than paying house prices
- Shop sensibly! When choosing your bridal gown, avoid pricey luxe materials. Instead try textured fabrics, like silk organza, which look and feel more expensive than they really are
- If you are ordering invites, ask the stationers whether they will give you a discount if you purchase thank you notes at the same time
- Buy your flowers wholesale and ask a florist to arrange them for you rather than choosing a bridal-specific arrangement
- Don't hire a limo to whisk you to your nuptials - instead, ask a friend with a flash car if they will drive you as a wedding gift
- Rather than buying invitations, book a day with the girls making your own. The more friends, the quicker the assembly line!
- If you hire a professional photographer, reduce their fees by minimising the time they spend with you. Hold the toasts, cake cutting and other key moments as close together as you can so the photographer can capture the moments and leav
- Opt for a mid-week wedding or get hitched on a Friday or a Sunday. Most venues charge more for a Saturday event
- Choose one location rather than two separate venues for your wedding and reception. It will mean you only have to pay one fee and won't have to pay any money for transportation
- Rope in as many friends and family as you can. If you know someone who can do your cake, arrange your flowers or even provide music on your big day, that will help reduce the overall cost of the wedding
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