Wire Flower Nylon

There's no getting away from the fact that getting married is an expensive business, with over f20,000 being the average spend for a UK wedding in 2008. The current credit crunch means that couples are finding it increasingly difficult to afford their dream day, with many either postponing their wedding, sacrificing what they really want for cheaper options, or starting married life with huge wedding debts.

However, with some careful planning you can still make savings and have the wedding of your dreams. London wedding planner Helen Carter offers her top tips on how to make the most of your wedding budget.

Be Flexible With Your Date

The date of your wedding can have a significant impact on your budget. Venues often charge higher rates during peak season (usually June-August) and for weekend dates. Opting for a week-day or off-season wedding can save you hundreds, sometimes thousands, of pounds.

Talk to Venues

An increasing number of venues are offering discount-rate packages, which include items such as room hire, reception drinks, the wedding breakfast and evening buffet. These can be more cost-effective than booking everything separately, but do make sure you are fully aware of what is and isn't included in the fee, as well as any specific conditions (e.g. minimum number of guests). Also check with your local venues for late availability - there are some excellent late deals available at the moment, so opting for a shorter engagement could save you several hundred pounds.

Be Strict with Your Guest List

The size of your guest list will affect the cost of several areas of your wedding, such as the number of table centrepieces, invitations and favours, but most notably the catering. The bigger your guest list, the bigger the bill! Invite only close family and friends to the main part of the day, as this is where you will have the greatest outlay for food and drink. Other friends and work colleagues can join you in the evening, where you can provide a less expensive buffet.

Eat, Drink and Save Money!

The catering for your wedding will be one of your biggest expenses, so think carefully about how you can minimise the cost. Do you really need to serve canap s and a 3-course meal, or could your canap s act as a starter instead? Why not serve your wedding cake as a dessert along with tea and coffee?

Talk to your venue/caterer about the different menu options available, and consider having a hot buffet or barbecue instead of a served meal. This will require fewer waiting staff, so should cut down on costs.

When it comes to refreshments, use less expensive alternatives to champagne for your reception drinks and toasts, such as sparkling wine or Prosecco. If you can provide your own alcohol you may save money by purchasing directly from a wholesaler, but make sure you check with your venue as to whether they apply a corkage fee.

Keep Your Blooms Within Budget

Use flowers that are in season at the time of your wedding - out of season blooms will need to be imported and will be far more expensive. If you want flowers like orchids or lilies that tend to be quite expensive, use them for the bridal bouquet and groom's buttonhole only, and choose less costly alternatives for your other arrangements.

Consider an Alternative to Live Entertainment

Instead of hiring a live band or DJ, consider playing an I-pod through amplified speakers. Try to test the set-up beforehand to check the sound and also make sure you have someone that will keep an eye on things for you. You can add a really personal touch by asking your guests to state their favourite song in their invitation reply, and then playing these tunes during your evening reception.

Make the Most of Helping Hands

If you have friends and relatives with particular talents, then ask them to help with your wedding. For example, maybe you have an aunt that could make your wedding cake, a sister that could arrange your flowers, or a friend that could do your make-up on the day. Involving friends and family also adds a very personal touch to the day, but make sure they are happy to help and are comfortable with what you want them to do.

Be Creative and Do-It-Yourself

If you have an artistic flair, consider designing and creating your own stationery. If you're not quite confident enough to start from scratch, look for DIY invitations that are partially completed and just need assembling. You could also make your favours, rather than purchasing ready-made items (e.g. home-made jam or biscuits).

Go Bargain Hunting

Just because you are trying to save money doesn't mean you should go for second best, and we're not suggesting you should buy your wedding dress from a charity shop unless you really want to. However, there are loads of bargains to be had if you invest a little time and effort. For example, charity shops, antique fairs and craft markets can be great for sourcing decorations, particularly more unusual or quirky items.

Take a Break

If you can't afford the holiday of a lifetime straight after your wedding, compromise by taking a short, romantic break instead and give yourself extra time to save up for what you really want. Many couples now ask for money to put towards their honeymoon instead of having a gift list, particularly if they already have everything they need for their home. It's no longer considered rude or offensive to ask for money, as long as you do so politely!

Helen Carter is the director of Helen Carter Weddings and provides bespoke wedding planning for London and the South East of England. Please visit for more information.