If you’re clever you could save hundreds on your dream wedding with just a few small changes. By making secret savings here and there you’ll have more to spend on what’s really important to you, whether that’s the top class venue, award-winning photographer, a luxury honeymoon or a couture gown, and no one need ever know. Here are my top money saving ideas for your wedding.
Rustic style wedding accessories, all available in the Confetti Shop
It’s really all about compromise when you have a budget to work to and it’s good to know you can easily make savings and still do it in style.
When less is more
Rustic wedding style is all the rage and not just for ethical or political reasons. Natural wedding style, with its warm and friendly rustic country look can be a lot less expensive. After a good old fashioned stroll to the ceremony venue, celebrate after with a simple picnic or reception in a barn or woodland retreat. Be inspired by more ideas in our Rustic Wedding Theme.
Get your dress for less
Second hand wedding dress at Still White Bridalwear. See more gowns in Dresses and Style
The National Wedding Show is an amazing opportunity to see hundreds of gowns by different designers all in one place. You’ll see the latest collections on the catwalk, be able to try on gowns and you could even make savings if you buy or order the dress on the day.
If your budget is tight, consider buying a pre-loved gown from Still White where you can get a dry-cleaned second hand designer dress for a lot less. Buying online can save you money too. Order a new wedding dress online from Kitty and Dulcie whose gowns all retail at under £400. If buying second-hand or purely online is not your style, check out designer sample sales where you can save hundreds on an amazing designer dress.
Buying off-the-peg is a real option as trusted high street names such as Debenhams. Monsoon and BHS have some lovely gowns for under the £300 mark and David’s Bridal promises to help you shop and save on your dream wedding dress. Read Buying Your Wedding Dress Online and see you at the National Wedding Show this Saturday.
Book a late availability venue
Sherbrooke Castle. See more in the Venue Directory
To save money on your dream wedding venue consider booking out of season or close to the big day. Late availability deals can often be had if you are planning your wedding in a matter of weeks rather than months. It will also cost less to marry out of peak wedding season in early spring or late autumn.
See more ideas on saving money on your wedding venue in How to Negotiate a Discount with your Venue.
Wedding transport
Image from Janine & Gary’s real wedding
Get on your bikes to save money and the environment. Brides: you won’t be able to do this in a ball gown so there’s another saving on less material… Decorate your bicycles with flowers and ribbons and consider investing in a tandem that you can use together for years to come.
See more ideas in How to Save Money on your Wedding Transport.
Make your own wedding cake
Butterfly wedding cake accessories in the Confetti Shop
Making your own cake can save you hundreds of pounds and imagine the sense of pride and achievement you’ll have when you tell your guests that you made the wedding cake yourself.
All you need is a good recipe and a practice run (or two) you can make an impressive looking wedding cake yourself. Ask your friends or family for help and simply add a cute cake topper and you’ll have saved yourself hundreds of pounds and perhaps even discovered a new talent at the same time.
Find out more about Cutting (the cost of) the Cake and How to Make Your Own Cake Pops.
And for anyone on a very tight budget…
If you plan a fashionable rustic wedding in just a few weeks or out of season, turn up on a tandem, in a stunning pre-loved gown to cut an impressive home-made cake, you could quite simply save thousands on your wedding day. And no one will ever know unless you choose to share your secrets.
