How To Plan A Wedding On A Budget

With the average wedding in the UK costing a huge £30,000, it is no surprise that many couples are looking for ways to keep the cost of their big day to a minimum. It is a common misconception that to plan a wedding on a budget it means scrimping on the biggest day of your life and compromising on what you really want, but that doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of ways to plan a wedding on a budget and still have the perfect big day that you have always dreamed of. If you are wondering how to plan a cost-effective celebration, then read on for our top tips for how to plan a wedding on a budget:

Set A Total Budget

When it comes to weddings, there are often multiple people paying towards the big day. As well as you and your partner, your parents might also be contributing to your wedding budget, and it is vital to know how much you’ve got before you start planning. It is best to sit down with everyone involved and have an open discussion about how much you are willing to spend and how much you can realistically afford.

Once you know what your total spending limit is, you can then create a plan for how much you can spend in each specific area. When you plan a wedding on a budget, it is essential that you have a set amount for every aspect of your big day. Think about how much to spend on your wedding venue and catering, photography, outfits, flowers and decor, this will give you a good starting point for planning your dream day without overspending.

Choose A Wedding Venue

Your wedding venue is likely to be the most expensive part of your day, and also the most important wedding decision you will make. The wedding venue will set the tone and style for your dream day, and it is often worth spending a considerable amount of your budget on getting a venue that will make your wedding dreams come true. When you plan a wedding on a budget, you can often find incredible wedding venues without paying over the odds. A lot of venues will have special offers, particularly for last minute weddings or out of season weddings. You can also keep costs to a minimum by choosing a wedding venue that has everything you need in one place, such as a wedding ceremony licence, catering and even bedrooms for guests to stay over.

Consider Alternative Cakes

When it comes to wedding cakes, there are plenty of ways to cut down on costs and still have a delicious treat for all your guests. If you are lucky enough to have friends or family who are skilled bakers, then consider asking them to make your wedding cake for you. The chances are they will be honoured that you have asked for their help, and you will get a lovely wedding cake that is completely unique, special and won’t break the bank. For something really different and fun for your guests, create a bake off style dessert table and ask all your guests to bring a cake or dessert instead of presents.

Save On The Fashion

Your wedding outfits are an important part of your big day. It is essential you choose outfits for yourselves and your wedding party that you will be comfortable with and happy to have in photos forever. The wedding dress is usually the most costly outfit you will need to buy, but there are plenty of ways to save on this when you plan a wedding on a budget. Look out for end of season sales at bridal boutiques and designers, as they often sell amazing designer dresses at just a fraction of the cost.

You could also consider choosing a second hand wedding dress, as the chances are they will have only ever been worn once before and been kept in pristine condition. For the groom, look into renting a suit for the big day instead of purchasing one, or if you do want to buy a suit then choose one that can be worn again at other occasions.

DIY Decorations

Creating a wonderful look for your big day doesn’t have to mean pricey bills to a decor company. Many stunning wedding styles can easily be created at home, if you have a bit of time and creativity. Choose jam jars, tin cans or second hand vases to create a rustic look for centre pieces, and revamp wooden pallets to make DIY table plans and wedding signs. For cheaper flower alternatives, opt for wild and seasonal flowers that can be obtained cheaply and arranged yourself.

For more inspiration and ideas on how to plan a wedding on a budget, to see The Bulls’ event suites set up for a wedding, and meet various wedding supplier, join us at our Wedding Open Evening on Thursday 30^th May. Open from 5pm to 8.30pm, you can explore our wedding facilities and meet our dedicated wedding team.