Money Saving Wedding Tips

TOP 20 MONEY SAVING WEDDING TIPS

If you're on a small budget or want to find ways of keeping costs down with some aspects of your wedding whilst having extra to spend on a honeymoon or a professional photographer, there are many smart ways to save and still have your dream wedding day.

If you have your own money saving wedding tip, we would love to hear from you so just comment below to share and help others!

1.) How to save

Small amounts may not seem much but they can go a long way over a year. Purchase a wedding fund savings jar at the beginning of the year - if you save just £1 each day, you will have £365 by the end of the year. If you save £3 a day, you will have £1095 by the end of the year. If you save £5 a day, you will have £1825 by the end of the year. You can also use any loose change you have and add it to your jar for an added bonus.

2.) When to get married

Some venues tend to charge a premium depending on the time of the year and the day of the week. Out-of-season UK weddings (November - April) can see you save £££'s and if you choose a mid-week day instead of a weekend, you may save even more. So if you have always dreamed of a winter wonderland wedding with roaring fires, grab the chance whilst still within a budget!

3.) Planning & organising your wedding

Use spreadsheets on your computer to keep tabs on your costs and deadlines. This will help wonders with your budget. You can also use free online templates to organise your seating plan, guest lists and much more.

4.) Create a free wedding website

You can create your own free website or blog to update your guests, share timetables with them, set up a gift list and much more. The Knot, Zola & WeddingWire are the top companies to create-your-own free wedding website, with hundreds of custom designs to choose from.

5.) Invites

Online Invites - create a wedding email address and send your invites online. Create them via Canva adding your own colour and style for a personal touch. Not only is this a free and easy way of inviting your guests but will also help the environment. If you create a free wedding website as above, you can also use your website for your digital invites and receive RSVP's to keep track. Paper Invites - if you still like the idea of paper invites, you can keep it simple and make your own invites by using free and easy DIY printing sites. If you can stretch a little with your budget, use places like Etsy where sellers will design the template for you and email you the PDF for you to print. All you need is a printer and paper.

6.) Decor

Many people are now decorating their own weddings, from table decorations with tea light candles to chair sashes, place settings & table plans. Watch Youtube videos on DIY wedding decor, check out Pinterest for inspiration and join online wedding craft groups for free advice. Be sure to ask your wedding venue if they supply chair & table covers, centre piece plates, backdrops, an area for you to create a sweet table and more. If you want to use a wedding decorator, some offer discounts when you use a multitude of their items so don't be afraid to ask.

7.) Flowers

Many stores including The Range and Hobbycraft have ready-made artificial bouquets and flower arrangements. You can also purchase embellishments to add your own personal touch. If you have your heart set on fresh flowers, research seasonal flowers for the month you will be married eg if you are getting married in November, Calla Lily will be in bloom and will therefore be much cheaper to purchase.

8.) Confetti

You can make your own confetti by using colourful paper and making small heart or flower punches. You can also dry your own rose petals in the oven. You can read many online tutorials on how to do this.

9.) Catering

To cut costs on your wedding breakfast, opt for buffets, hog roasts, picnics & BBQ's which work out far cheaper than the formal meal. Check out local caterers for hot and cold buffets and even fish & chips in cones! Afternoon teas are also becoming more popular for weddings!

10.) Wedding cake

Buy a simple sponge cake and a tiered stand from a local store and decorate it yourself with flowers, edible pearls and a cake topper. Cheese cakes, cupcakes and doughnut stands are also an affordable alternative to a traditional cake.

11.) Photography

A professional wedding photographer will know how to capture those all important special moments for you to treasure the memories so it is normally advised to consider budgeting for this. If however your budget does not stretch to a professional photographer, why not look for photographers that are just starting out or ask at local colleges for trainee student photographers who need to build their portfolio. Alternatively, ask your friends and family to take pictures of key moments throughout the day. You can create a private group online via social media or use a free wedding website as above for your guests to upload. For fun and candid pictures, create your own prop table and use a Polaroid camera for your guests to take their own pictures. You can also use an iPad and download free photo booth apps for even more fun shots.

12.) Music

Music will always set the tone at any wedding but if your budget does not stretch to a professional DJ, why not create a play list and use your own venues music system. Ask your guests on your RSVP's for their favourite songs / genres. Work out how many hours your evening reception will be so you know how many songs you need. Alternatively, ask your venue for recommended DJ's who may offer a discount if you use them.

13.) Wedding dress

If you only have a small budget for your wedding dress, why not take a look at online wedding groups via social media, visit bridal outlets who sell off-the-rail dresses, find second-hand / pre-loved dress sites where you can buy original designer dresses for a fraction of the price.

14.) To hire or buy suits?

Many wonder whether it's cheaper to either hire or buy the groomsmen suits. For formal top hat and tail suits, these are normally hired out but if you want the best value for money, it is cheaper to buy as they can always be used afterwards for other special events or be sold on. Mens suits can be purchased at most high street stores, just add a wing collared shirt for a more formal look and purchase accessories to coordinate with the wedding colours. Look out for sales within the year to really save on costs eg January sales, summer sales.

15.) Children's Wear

When you need to dress the little one's in the wedding party, why not take advantage of our 10% off discount when you purchase 5 or more dresses and /or suits. The discount is automatically applied at checkout so there is no need to remember a discount code!

16.) Family heirlooms

Keep it in the family and use family heirlooms that have been passed down by generations. A vintage wedding ring, a veil that your great-grandmother wore, the wedding knife for cutting the cake that your parents used!

17.) Hair & make-up

If you do not have a large budget for hair & make-up, contact your local beauty college or ask salons if you can use their trainees for their work experience. Trainees tend to always be monitored by a professional to ensure the work is still to a standard expected by the industry but be sure to ask for a trial prior to the wedding.

18.) Favours

If you want to give favours to your guests, handmade favours are always so much more personal and are both affordable and easy to make. From a personalised poem card, a small hair decoration for the women or a lucky penny in a little organza bag.

19.) Talents within your circle

Does your auntie make the best cakes, does one of your friends have a large printer for you to make your own table plan, does your uncle have a flashy car that can be used to take you to the ceremony, is your cousin great with taking pictures? Don't be afraid to ask for help by your family and friends. 

20.) Wedding insurance

Due to recent pandemic times, it can't be stressed enough to always obtain wedding insurance. Although this is an added cost, this will save you in the long run if things don't go to plan. When you are looking for an insurer, be sure you read the small print before you sign up: will it cover you for supplier cancellations, government acts preventing your wedding date, illnesses? It's always best to be safe and smart!