I've been engaged for 8 years now ...the main reason being we can't afford a big wedding.... We both have big families . can anyone tell me how they got around this. I've suggested to my partner about just having immediate family at ceremony then go for a meal afterwards then have a party at night for the rest but he's not keen on this.
CommentAuthorInDreamland
Go abroad!?
I like your suggestion. My family is huge but because we live on the other side of the world to most of them our numbers got cut down significantly.
Maybe it's cheaper to do a buffet rather than big wedding breakfast and have a later wedding ceremony so you only need to feed guests once.
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
CommentAuthorInDreamland
Also, be flexible with your date, go for mid-week and off peak season, Monday to Wednesday weddings are the cheapest and October through to April are cheaper too.
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
CommentAuthorAprilS61
They would have been my suggestions too.
Mr & Mrs Swan 04/04/15
CommentAuthorInDreamland
DIY is also a good money saver. Plenty of idea on this site from all the lovely members.
The other thing with off peak mid week weddings is that more suppliers are available and also tend to charge less.
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
pr3-10v3d wedding gown if you don't mind not having a brand new dress or a dress from sample sale diy invites, place setting favours etc late wedding and then straight in to a buffet rather than a meal pick a colour scheme and ask bms to buy own out fits if you are not fussed on style, that or qu1z do some great dresses for £30-£60 buy plain sponge cakes from m@rk5 or t35c0 and decorate with ribbon yourself. there are lots of ways to reduce costs you just have to be creative and negotiate everything with everyone. you can get a discount on almost everything xx
EDIT: COMPANY NAMES DISGUISED AS THEY ARE NOT ALLLOWED ON THE FORUM. MODS
CommentAuthorInDreamland
If you don't mind me asking how many people are on the provisional guest list and what budget are you working with?
Married the love of my life on Saturday 11th May 2013 xxx
Had our dream perfect honeymoon in Hawaii!
CommentAuthorGemmaB596
What kind of ceremony do you want? I think a service at the registry office will be cheaper than a religious or civil ceremony elsewhere (although I don't think they have room for many guests?). Also, looking at hiring out village hall/sports grounds will be cheaper than places that usually advertise for weddings (perhaps look for places that just say "for hire" rather than specifically for weddings, as places do hike up the prices for weddings!). You could go for a BBQ or a buffet rather than a sit down meal - there are a lot of hot & cold buffets, international buffets, etc now. Could you utilise skills from friends and relatives who would like to help out - do you know anybody who is into photography, who is a good baker and could make your cake, etc? You could also save the costs on entertainment by setting up a playlist on your phone/laptop/tablet and hook that up to a speaker for your music. You could even ask family to contibute by making up/bringing platters or items to BBQ. Also, there are so many add ons people say you "have" to have for a wedding, but don't feel that you have to do everything just because that's what others have done before. Pick what aspects of the day are most important to you and your other half and work your way down. If there is something you are not particularly fussed about, then don't waste your money on it.