Tip 1: Schedule your wedding "off-season." Nearly 70% of all weddings take place between May and October of each year. You will probably find yourself able to get better deals on virtually every wedding service if you schedule your wedding in one of the "off season" months. Also avoid late November through New Year's, when hotels, caterers and bands are likely to be busy with holiday parties. What is the best time to set your wedding? I would suggest setting the date for sometime between October and mid November and between January and May (avoiding Valentine's Day, when the flower prices peak). On setting up your wedding date off-peak, you will find yourself in a fantastic bargaining position and you will be able to get deals with virtually every vendor! Tip 2: Cut down on your food and drinks bill The easiest way to cut down on your food and drinks bill is to cut down on your guest list. It may be painful, but the simple truth is that there is no quicker, easier way to control your budget than by limiting the size of the event. Again, your single biggest cost will be reception food and alcohol, so you can reduce that expenditure by paring down the number of mouths. Remember: Single guests who are not in a serious relationship can be invited solo. Also you may invite parents only; and you need not invite anyone who you have not been in contact with in the last five years, even if they invited you to their wedding. Tip 3: Buy a non-bridal gown Bridal gowns aren't the only white dresses in the world. It may be that the perfect wedding dress for you is not found in a bridal salon, but among the women's evening wear section of a department store (try the sale rack!). Especially during the last several seasons, while elegant, understated gowns have been in style, the line between bridal wear and formalwear has blurred. You might even find that the perfect gown for you is a more-affordable bridesmaid's style, done in white or ivory. Tip 4: Negotiate! When buying anything marked "wedding" it always has a premium attached to it! So please negotiate! I suggest you start at half price and then work upwards. Tip 5: Have your ceremony and reception in the same location There will be no need for limos to take you to the second location. Many houses of worship have halls that are equipped to handle wedding receptions at reasonable fees, especially if you are a member. Likewise, if you are having a civil ceremony, many venues have got a hall, where you could hold the reception. By doing that, you will not need to buy arrival drinks, as this is often bought for people while they are waiting for everyone to arrive. Tip 6: Selecting your photographer Instead of selecting a wedding photographer, you will be able to make a saving if you choose an amateur photographer who is about to go professional and requires experience. Obviously, make sure you look at his/her prior work before making your selection. Ask friends and family and you may be surprised who they know. Going to photography colleges may be a good starting point. Obviously, you understand that by doing this, you will be taking a slight risk so if you are not prepared to do that, I will suggest you take a wedding photographer, and agree for him to stay for half of the day instead of the full day. This way, you don't have to spend as much as if he stayed for the whole day! Tip 7: Share the costs of the Church flowers If you're getting married in church, sometimes you can arrange with other couples getting married on the same day to share the cost of decorating the church. Ask the church who normally supplies their flowers - it's usually someone local who does it for a hobby and may charge only a small fee to do your flowers. Also getting married a day or two after a big religious event usually ensures the church is well decorated. Tip 8: Honeymoon Ask for "honeymoon vouchers" on your wedding list - some travel firms now offer these. This way, people will be contributing to your honeymoon costs. Tip 9: Hire the groom's attire No need to buy the attire, you can rent the groom's attire between '60 and '90. If you decide to buy it, it would cost you about '200 or more, which the groom will probably not wear again. Tip 10: Use a venue that doesn't charge a hiring fee For example, you could choose your local pub or favourite restaurant. This will save you on the hiring fee, and the cost per head would be cheaper than in a hotel. To find out more, visit http://www.yourweddingforless.co.uk |
