It’s safe to say that getting married isn’t cheap. It may be an unforgettable occasion well worth footing the bill for, yet for many couples the wedding money worries and wobbles can quickly turn the planning process into a financial minefield.
However, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to plan the wedding day you’ve always dreamed of. There are a number of easy ways that you can save money when planning a wedding. Here, we share our top tips for saving without compromising on your wedding day.
Haggle with vendors
The price you’re offered by a vendor doesn’t have to be the price you pay. Unbeknown to most, the same theory can be applied when selecting the wedding suppliers that will help you deliver your dream big day. There’s an art to negotiation and you can try out your newfound haggling skills on pretty much every wedding supplier you encounter, from your wedding invitation printer and bridal boutique to your photographer and DJ.
The secret is going into the negotiation process armed with all the necessary information as Real Simple details:
“Planning a wedding isn’t all fun and games: You won’t get far without doing adequate research. If you’re looking for a florist, find out what your dream florist and their competitors would charge for those peonies you covet. With a solid idea of what things will cost, you’ll be better equipped to negotiate a fair price.”
Never be afraid to ask a wedding supplier for a small discount, many will be happy to do so.
Change the date
We recently discussed the best time of the day to get married. The wedding date you choose is also significant and could lead to major savings. Wedding season in the UK runs from late March until early September, with the months either side classed as being ‘off peak’ by most suppliers.
Going off-peak by opting for an out of season wedding can unlock great discounts, thanks to demand being much lower. Tying the knot in the autumn or winter months isn’t just great for your bank balance. These seasons can be just as beautiful as spring and summer.
Set on a spring or summer wedding but still want to save money? Get married on Friday, Sunday, or a weekday, steering clear of Saturdays, to cut costs.
Go DIY with supplies
Taking a more hands-on approach to wedding planning and not leaving every task in the hands of your suppliers is a tack taken by many as personalisation continues to rise in popularity. You can get involved with every aspect, starting with your wedding stationery. There are a number of great invitation printables and make your own kits available. Craft stores provide plenty more inspiration for quirky, make your own wedding décor projects.
A word from the wise, choose your DIY projects wisely. It’s all too easy to get overwhelmed with homemade bunting and jam jars, particularly if you’re not the creative type. Sometimes it’s better to leave certain tasks to the experts. You may not save cash but you’ll reduce stress and paper cuts significantly.
Call in a few favours
Planning a wedding is such a thrilling time for everyone involved. Excited family and friends will want to lend a hand – so let them. Make use of their skills and talents. If a friend is a dab hand at calligraphy, have them turn scribe to finish off your homemade invitations. If you have a DIY-mad family member, assign them some wood offcuts to create some tailor-made wedding signage.
Want to cut the cost of your honeymoon too? Many couples are asking their guests to buy their honeymoon as a wedding gift.
