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Remember certain days and dates will be more expensive e.g. Saturdays are always the most popular as are bank holiday weekends. May, June and July are the most popular months. To keep costs down consider midweek or Sundays
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Cull your guest list! Think hard about who you really want there. Is a more intimate wedding more you?
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You can have a small wedding and wedding breakfast followed by a larger, less formal party for more people when you return from honeymoon
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Look around at different suppliers and get the one you like the most to match the lowest price
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Think about the sales: buy your decorations, stationary or even larger items such as the Bridesmaids' dresses in the sales through out the year - this requires some forethought but can save you considerable sums
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Plan your expenditure: buying something each month will soften the blow of the final bills and adds to the mounting excitement!
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Having a buffet instead of a sit down served meal will always be cheaper
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Do your own flowers (or a friend or family member to do them)
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If doing your own flowers makes you stress, ask your florist for ideas on how to save money e.g. the pew-end flowers could also be your table decorations
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You can always have your wedding later in the day so you only need to feed your guests once
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Few people will notice if you choose the house wine instead - but make sure you have a tasting beforehand!
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Some times it is cheaper to buy your wine in bulk beforehand; check that the venue will allow corkage i.e. they will charge you to open your bottles and serve them.
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Ask the venue to only open what wine is necessary and to buy back any bottles you have paid for in advance but have not used
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Serve sparkling wine instead of champagne
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A disco is always cheaper than a live band
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Serve your cake instead of a separate pudding
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Has a friend got a really nice car to get you to the wedding and church?
