Bridal Wear and
Bridesmaid's Outfits:
|
If you don't mind too much about having a gown to keep, you could hire one at a fraction of the cost. Or why not by a second hand gown, which can be dry cleaned and altered if need be. You can also pick up a bargain from charity shops, some of which have dedicated bridal departments.
|
Men's Formal Wear:
|
Most couples hire the men's outfits - you can usually get discounts for hiring a few outfits together. Don't be shy in asking your attendants if they can contribute towards the costs.
|
Mother of the Bride Outfit:
|
If you can't afford to foot the cost of this, talk with your mum who may be quite happy to buy her own outfit or contribute towards the cost. Alternatively you could discuss hiring an outfit.
|
Venue Costs:
|
If your venue allows it, you might be able to provide your own beverages rather than choose from the venues drinks packages (you might have to pay a corkage fee though). Always ask for a full list of everything which is included in your venue hire package - sometimes the venue will provide free of charge their own wedding co-ordinator, the services of a toast master, menu cards and place cards and table linen.
Consider hiring your venue in the winter or on a Friday or other weekday as the rates can be considerably cheaper.
|
Rings:
|
Your wedding rings do not have to be specially made. You could save a lot of money by using old family rings or by buying them second hand from auctions, antique fairs or pawn shops. Professionally cleaned and resized, if need be, will bring them up like new.
|
Stationery:
|
There is a lot of choice nowadays of ready-made stationery, available from highstreet stores and online. You could make your own and you don't even need to have brilliant artistic abilities to achieve pleasing stationery as there are a number of stores where you can not only buy all the materials required but also full instructions on how to make a particular design.
|
Favours:
|
As above or why not bake some mini cakes/biscuits or sweets to fill small boxes with, tied with a nice ribbon?
|
Flowers:
|
When arranging your flowers, remember that seasonal flowers (and usually locally grown flowers) will be far cheaper than having exotic flowers flown in from miles away. For a real budget buster, you could even try to grow your own (or get someone in your family who is green fingered to grow some for you).
|
Wedding Cake:
|
You might be lucky enough to have an adept baker in the family who can create your cake for you, either at cost or as a wedding present. If you're really struggling to afford the wedding cake, you could make a load of cup cakes which are nicely iced and maybe topped with sugar flowers (which you can buy ready made) or fruit pieces, or chocolates. Stack them up on a hired cake stand to form a tiered effect.
|
