If you’re thinking about getting married or are currently lost in the planning of your own big day, you’d be forgiven for assuming that it’s a complete money pit.
For many couples, that’s certainly the case – but it doesn’t have to be.
Research suggests that the average cost of a UK wedding is actually falling. Couples now spend around £17K on their big day. London is the most expensive place to get married, with an average wedding cost of £24K.
Where is all this money going?
We’ve all got friends who lament the amount they spent on their wedding. But, when they explain the direction in which the pennies flew out of their bank account, it’s hard to work out why the bill was so big.
This is because there are so many unforeseen costs for weddings. Let’s think about some of the common costs and those that may fall under the radar:
- Venue
- Bride’s dress
- Groomsmen suit hire (or purchase)
- Wedding cake
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Transportation
- Favours
- Wedding Stationery
- Florist
- Music for the reception (band, DJ or both?)
- The Church/Ceremony Location
- Heating in the church
- The choir
- Food
- Drinks
- Catering
- Rings
- Accommodation
- Stag and hen dos
- The honeymoon
How many of the above did you forget to include in your own budget? Scarily easy, isn’t it?
With the above in mind, here are five tried-and-tested ways to reduce the cost of your big day.
1. List the things you really want
To you, the most perfect wedding might need these elements:
- A great band
- Lovely food
- A small, intimate venue
- The perfect dress
If that’s it, do away with favours, seat covers and violinists. Remember – this is a day for you, and it’s therefore entirely up to you what you spend your money on.
People will remember the big stuff, not the little elements which add up to a great cost overall.
2. Go for fewer flowers
You’d be surprised by how expensive flowers can be, and by how many you can potentially buy for a wedding.
Just like those seat covers, people are unlikely to spot the abundance of flowers you’ve bought. Sure, a few are needed to set the right tone, but don’t go overboard.
For instance, why not opt for a single flower on each table and – get this – no flowers at church. People will be far more focused on the happy couple for the latter, anyway.
3. Ask your friends and family to play photographer
There’s nothing quite like a professional photographer’s work at a wedding, but they can get very expensive.
If your budget is tight and you can’t see how you can afford a pro snapper, don’t panic. Remember that your friends and family probably all have very capable cameras on their smartphones.
Their photos won’t have the polish you’ll get from a professional, but they’ll have that all-important impulsive, natural quality to them and will tell the story of the day perfectly.
4. Go for a buffet or BBQ over a sit-down meal
Let’s get this straight: sit-down meals are expensive and, often, boring. Why bother spending a fortune on one for your wedding when there are better options?
A BBQ or buffet might be preferred by guests and will result in the food not getting in the way of their enjoyment. You’ll save a bucket load on catering costs, too.
5. Shop around for wedding dresses
If you want the perfect wedding dress (who doesn’t, right?), it really does pay to shop around.
This is a competitive space and one from which brides can benefit significantly if they’re willing to put the time in.
Shortlist a few bridal shops and visit each one. Play them off against each other and really push for a good deal – you’ll be surprised by how much money you can save when you’re bold and unafraid to ask for the best price.
Conclusion
If there’s one thing that’s clear from our earlier list of common wedding costs, it’s how easy it is to get carried away.
As we’ve hopefully demonstrated today, there’s no need to get carried away with your wedding spend. Remember – this is your day and one you can control. Keep that budget tight, in check and forever in sight, and you’ll create a day that will live long in your memory – not on your couples’ balance sheet.
