| ngs are expensive; there is no getting around it, with an | | | | minor alterations would personalise it |
| average wedding now costing around £15,000. | | | | Buy from the high street, even if you don’t find |
| While instinct says ‘don’t budget, this is | | | | the perfect one consider buying one similar to perfect |
| one day to splash out’, caution is advisable. | | | | and getting some alterations done (lace on the arms, |
| No one wants to start married life in huge debt and, as | | | | more pronounced waist, longer train etc). Other ideas |
| money is one of the largest sources of friction | | | | include buying off the peg (BHS, Debenhams etc), |
| between married couples, it may be more trouble than | | | | buying dresses second hand and altering them (ebay, |
| it’s worth. | | | | second hand shops etc) and renting dresses. |
| So try to tread the narrow tightrope between skimping | | | | 4) Using a friend or relative to take the photos can |
| and having your perfect wedding. Starting out with a | | | | save a small fortune. Digital cameras have made |
| meeting of all parties who are financially involved is a | | | | photography slightly less of a specialised art and |
| good idea (parents which are contributing etc) to | | | | someone with a creative eye and the time necessary |
| ensure everyone has a clear idea of how much | | | | to learn to use one can take some amazing shots. |
| everyone else is willing to contribute. | | | | 5) Get married out of season. Certain times of the |
| Once that is done, you have your limit. Now it’s | | | | year are much more expensive, an out of season |
| time for you to turn that it to a workable budget. Call | | | | wedding can give you price bargaining tools with |
| around and price things up, don’t just go for the | | | | suppliers. |
| first price you come to. To make your ideal wedding | | | | If all this still leaves you far short then consider doing it |
| on a budget isn’t necessarily a matter of | | | | abroad. No presents admittedly but there’s no |
| compromise as the will and dedication to work hard | | | | hassle! Wedding packages abroad can cost as little of |
| and search out the best deals. | | | | £3,000 while still leaving you with a memorable |
| Once that is done sit down and make a list of every | | | | and amazing wedding. |
| possible expense from the big and obvious (Dress!) to | | | | One idea to negate the problems associated (namely |
| the more easily forgotten (table decorations) and the | | | | family disappointment) is throwing a party when you |
| best price you could source. | | | | get back.This means all your friends and family can |
| Now look carefully, where could you save without | | | | get to gather to celebrate without necessarily |
| scrimping? Here are a few ideas : | | | | expecting you to pay for an amazing venue and |
| 1) Use the car of a friend or family friend instead of | | | | dinner. |
| hiring one. You are bound to know someone with a | | | | The most important thing when planning on a budget is |
| lovely car which would look perfect. | | | | to be realistic both with the amount you can realistically |
| 2) Don’t be afraid to haggle, especially for | | | | save and how far you can stretch your money. |
| things that are very expensive or things you are | | | | Setting up a separate ‘wedding |
| buying in bulk. Suppliers know they are in a competitive | | | | account’ can allow you to save without being |
| business and would like you as a client! | | | | tempted to dip into the kitty! |
| 3) Wedding dresses can be so expensive so there | | | | So good luck and when the big day is over you will be |
| are a few ways you could save a little money. Use a | | | | able to go on to a life together free from debt.... |
| family heirloom, it can be altered to fit you and a few | | | | |