Getting married has always been expensive, but there are ways to save added cost, and yet still have the perfect wedding.
Your wedding day should be everything you ever dreamed of, but we also understand that with the cost of living and bills continuing to rise, you may be looking for ways to save money on your wedding plans.
Here are 5 money saving tips for wedding planning that no one will notice.
money-saving tips for weddings
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, make a beautiful vision board, and you will be flooded with new ideas.
There are great ways to recycle old jars, boxes and baskets. You will also find 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, or use them to store the wedding favours, or 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 the bride and groom. Getting quotes and working out what you can afford, and who you want to work with, can also add stress to the big day.
But, have you thought about looking closer to home? Do you have an aunt 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 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 giving a wedding gift. Many people adore being involved in weddings and helping out the happy couple where they can.
Helping and supporting you to make your dream day come to fruition feels great, so 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 and groomsmen suits are worn just once? What a waste!
Take a look at what vintage, second hand and up-cycled wedding outfits are available. Many of which are 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, too.
Encourage the sense that there is no need to buy new items for your wedding - let’s reuse the beautiful clothing which is already owned, and waiting for another outing! You can even mention that this 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 attendee – 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 who are 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 function room or garden. It can often be cheaper than the usual wedding reception locations, but still just as lovely.
5: sell 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 re-used?
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!
We hope you find these 5 money saving tips helpful when planning your wedding. Speaking of wedding plans, if you do have lots of people involved in your wedding, you are probably going to want to show your gratitude.
Do take a look at this guide to inspire you and help you choose the perfect wedding party gifts:
And remember, hampers.com have a wide range of hampers, food baskets and gift boxes. Why not explore the full range, below?: