Getting married has always been expensive, but there are ways of making savings and still have the perfect wedding.
Your wedding day should be everything you ever dreamed of, but we also understand with the cost of living and bills continuing to rise, and other financial constraints, you may be looking for ways to save money on your wedding plans.
Here are 5 tips for great ways to save money that no one will notice…and, if they do, your guests will love these too.
money-saving tips for wedding plans and your wedding guests
1: get crafty and clever with DIY decorations
There are so many wonderful types of wedding decorations, flower arrangements and table centrepieces that can be made by yourselves. Go exploring on sites like Pinterest or just do a simple Google search and you will be flooded with ideas.
There are great ways to recycle old jars, boxes and baskets. You will also find great sustainable ideas, such as using dried flowers, which can also be cost-saving.
Have you received a hampers.com gift recently, like the Gin Lover's Cream Tea Hamper perhaps, or our Gourmet Food and Wine Hamper from our wedding hamper range? If so, reuse the signature box or willow tray to present kids’ activities for your younger guests to choose from, to store the wedding favours and as a memory box.
2: ask for help instead of gifts
Florist…photographer…wedding stationery designer…cake maker…
Approaching all of these professionals can be hard work for you both, as the bride and groom. Getting quotes. Working out what you can afford and who you want to work with.
But, have you thought about looking ‘closer to home’? Do you have an aunty who is a dab hand at flower arranging? Or an uncle with a vintage car? Do you have a friend who is an excellent baker? Do you have a cousin who could design your invitations and table plan display for your wedding?
Ask for their help and skills. You can offer to pay them, of course, or you may want to ask if they could help you out instead of a wedding gift. Many people adore being involved in weddings and helping out the couple where they can.
Helping and supporting you to make your dream day come to fruition feels great…put your loved ones' skills to good use and save some pennies along the way.
3: buy vintage or pre-loved wedding outfits
How many wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen suits and wedding day guests’ outfits are worn just once? What a waste!
Take a look at what vintage, second hand and upcycled wedding outfits are available…many at half the price of buying new. Encourage your wedding guests to wear that dress lingering at the back of their wardrobe or to visit their local charity shop or dress agency too.
Encourage the sense that there is no need to ‘buy new’ for your wedding…let’s reuse the beautiful clothing ready-made and waiting for another outing! You can even mention it would be a very special additional wedding gift to you both.
4: keep your wedding guest list small and exclusive
Many weddings are priced ‘per head’ – especially for the ceremony and the traditional wedding breakfast reception – so, consider having a smaller and more intimate wedding. It can be made to feel very exclusive, including only those who both the bride and groom know equally. Choose those really important to you both.
You could then have a series of smaller receptions or party-style events too, giving you the chance to invite more people, but separately, so that you get the chance to see and talk with more of your guests.
A smaller guest list can also give you more choice on where to host your reception. Hire the local hall, meet in a local woodland for a picnic or have your post-wedding party in a pub function room or garden. It can often be cheaper than the usual wedding reception locations, but still just as lovely.
5: sell on unused or reusable items after your wedding
After the big day, you may feel a bit exhausted, as well as a little down that it is all over. However, why not focus on bringing joy to another couple by selling anything you didn’t use or anything which could be easily reused? From table decorations to extra wedding favours, there is a wide range of selling sites that make it easy to pass on anything that was left over or that can be washed, cleaned and used again.
You can offer another bride or groom the chance to have something simply beautiful at their wedding, but at a reduced cost. In turn, you also earn back a little money for yourselves too.
wedding plans - sorted and with savings
We hope you find these 5 money saving tips helpful when planning your wedding. Speaking of wedding plans, if you do get lots of people involved in your wedding you are probably going to want to show your gratitude. Do take a look at this post to inspire you and help you get 'buy wedding party gifts' off of your to do list:
…And remember, hampers.com have a wide range of hampers, food baskets and gift boxes to suit all budgets.