Your wedding budget
What’s important to one couple may not even make it onto another’s wish list so, before you part with any money, make a list of what’s really key to the look and feel of your big day. Once you’ve allocated cash to your must-haves within your wedding budget you can see what’s left in the pot and where you’d like to spend it. There are no hard and fast rules but, as a starting point, here’s our top tips on where you can save some money without your guests missing a thing.
Splurge: Canapés
Weddings often start early and finish late so your guests will appreciate nibbles to go with their welcome cocktails, while you’re likely to be off having your photographs taken. Make sure you offer good-quality bites – and that there’s enough to go around.
Save: Dessert
The wedding cake, especially a non-traditional and flavoured one, can easily take the place of dessert and is often cut and served with coffee. Dessert tables are popular – again replacing the dessert course – allowing guests to choose between macarons, biscuits, sweets and mini pastries.
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Splurge: Your shoes
There’s nothing like a pair of show-off shoes to make you feel glamorous. Many brides invest in footwear and compromise on the price of their dress – shoes are that important to some girls. But if you pick a style in a neutral shade you can always wear them again for future special occasions.
Save: The veil
You may feel a veil is a must for your ceremony, but it may be discarded as the day progresses. So stick with a simple design and minimal embellishment to keep costs down.
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Splurge: The bouquet
The bouquet is a key part of your outfit and if you want to carry a big bunch of English roses, go for it. You can cut the cost of your maids’ posies by using cheaper blooms in the same colour.
Save: Flower girl
Have your little maid scatter dried or fabric petals down the aisle ahead of your entrance as an alternative to her carrying a pricey posy or pomander.
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Splurge: Your dress
You have to love your wedding dress and although this doesn’t mean anything goes with the budget, your dream dress is definitely a splurge. Maybe look at cheaper fabrics, or something similar with less beading, (they all add to the price). Or see if your favourite designer has a sale coming up where you can pick up a bargain.
Save: Hair and make-up
A lot of girls feel they have to become a different person on their wedding day, but it’s much better to aim for the very best version of the usual you. Think about doing your own make-up and getting a local salon to do your hair. Or sound out a talented friend with wedding-worthy skills.
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Splurge: Photography
You’ve planned this day for such a long time, you definitely want a top-notch record that you can treasure. This is one area where having a talented friend snapping away may not work. Ideally, your photographer will have an assistant to do some candid reportage shots of your nearest and dearest, while the more traditional line-ups and must-take shots are being covered by the main photographer.
Save: Favours
There’s so much more choice these days than just sugared almonds. How about making a donation to your favourite charity on behalf of your guests? Let them know what you’ve done by leaving a note on their plate about it.