Cutting Costs
Set the Date for a Less Traditional Time
Many venues and suppliers will offer you a substantially discounted price for a weekday wedding, and you'll find that you'll be able to get much better deals on just about every wedding service if you schedule your wedding in one of the "off season" months. Avoid the very busy summer months, Christmas, New Year and Valentine's Day.
Control your Guest List
Difficult though it may be, there is no easier way to cut your budget than by reducing the size of the event. Be as brutal as you need to be - you don't have to invite children, you don't need to include a "plus guest" invite to those single people not in a relationship, and you certainly don't need to invite casual acquaintances just because they invited you to their wedding five years ago.
Choose Flowers that are in Season and Available Locally
Do this, and you'll probably find you save significantly on cost - especially if you make it clear to your florist that you're working to a tight budget. See if any of your family or friends are willing (and capable!) to do the flower arranging themselves.
Cut Down on the Drinks Bill
Consider making a trip to France a few weeks before your wedding to stock up on wine and beer. The supermarkets there carry the same items as they do in this country at a fraction of the cost; find a few that you like by buying them in advance and trying them before you go so that you are sure of what you are getting.
Supermarkets here in the UK are also a good option for purchase of alcohol, they may offer you a bulk discount deal, and they very often provide glasses free of charge. Remember though, if you are providing your own drinks, you will probably have to pay the venue or the caterers a corkage fee.
Don't feel that you have to serve champagne; a good sparkling wine is better than a cheap champagne. If you would like to offer a cheaper alternative to champagne as your guests arrive, you could offer Pimms or sangria during the summer, or mulled wine at a winter wedding.
