Inflation, higher interest rates, real wages falling…the financial news has been pretty gloomy, hasn’t it?  Perhaps you need to tighten your belt a bit as you plan how to tie the knot?  In this post we give you a few suggestions that shouldn’t be too painful.

Think smaller

Inviting fewer guests is the most effective way to reduce your cost.  We’re not suggesting you un-invite people after the invitations have gone out!   But if you’re still at the list-making stage then maybe the distant cousins you haven’t seen for years don’t need to be included.    If anyone takes umbrage at not getting an invite you can blame it on the economic situation.   You may even find that some people are actually glad to be missed off – nothing personal but they may be strapped for cash  and relieved they are spared the expense of a gift,  accommodation, travel, childcare…

Crafty ways to save

Maybe it’s time to get acquainted with your inner DIY queen?  It's amazing how much money you can save when you get crafty – and there are plenty of ideas on the likes of Pinterest.  Also think about the collective talents and skills of family and friends.  Is there a graphic designer, a photographer, a joiner, a baker, a seamstress, florist or handicraft enthusiast on the list?     

Wed on a weekday

Saturday is the most popular day to wed – and therefore the most expensive.  Many venues offer special deals for weekday weddings.    Give guests plenty of warning and nearly all of them should be able to get the required time off.  This is a great way to save a few pounds without it cramping your style in the slightest.  You may also be able to negotiate a slightly lower rate from the venue if you pick a winter date rather than a summer one.

Location location

Pick a venue where you can have both the ceremony and the celebration.  Hiring one place rather than two will probably make quite a difference – only one set of fees to pay, only one place to decorate and fewer transport costs.

You are e-invited

Printing and postage are super expensive for your save-the-date notes and invitations.  Email them instead and you’ll save a fortune.    

Discounted dresses

Naturally you want to be wearing the dress of your dreams on the big day.  But with a bit of research you might be able to find a boutique that’s having a sale.  There’s also never any harm in asking about discounts, sample gowns, or any other available options.    The same goes for bridesmaids’ dresses – you can get some great pre-loved deals and renting is an option too.

Buffets make the budget go further

It’s usually the case that a formal sit-down dinner will set you back rather more than a serve yourself buffet, food bar or grazing tables.  You may also find that many guests prefer the freedom to help themselves, as and when they get a case of the nibbles.

Financial hangover cure

A full bar is expensive.  So why not restrict the drinks to just beer and wine – less heavy on your pocket than offering spirits.  Another idea is to give everyone a signature cocktail (a single drink, like a bellini, or mojito…not just a single glass!).  Or the signature cocktail option plus a bar where they can buy their own drinks once the cocktails have all gone.

Champagne does not come cheap - instead of serving all night long, provide each guests  with a single glass at the appropriate time to toast the bride and groom.  Or switch it out for Prosecco, which costs considerably less.

Let them eat cake

Don’t have a separate dessert course - just present the wedding cake as dessert, with coffee and tea to end the meal.

Another smart money-saving idea is to order two cakes: a large sheet cake as well as a small fancy one for display and the cake-cutting ceremony. The sheet cake, which can be less elaborately decorated than the display one, gets sliced and dished up out of sight in the kitchen.

Blooming smart

Ask your florist to only source flowers that are local and in season.  You can also suggest they mix berries, pinecones, and other economical non-floral embellishments among costlier blooms to fill out bouquets and displays. 

Move the floral arrangements around to do double the work.   If you have an adequate number of ceremony flowers and they're a suitable size, they can serve as centrepieces at the reception.  Another option is to use them to decorate the guest-book table, the seating-card table and favour table. Bridesmaids' bouquets can be used to decorate the dessert table.

Instead of expensive floral presentations as centrepieces on your dining tables you can have bowls, vases or cake stands filled with seasonal fruits from a farmer's market.

Save on wedding wheels

Use a personal car rather than a limousine to get to and from the reception.  So who do you know that has a really smart motor that they would be willing to let you use for a day?

Want more cost saving ideas?

The team at Clevedon Hall are not short of experience when it comes to making your wedding budget go further.  All you have to do is call them and ask!