Inflation is up, interest rates are rising and the cost of living is biting! As our monthly expenditures increase, those planning a wedding may be struggling to justify some of the costs.

We take a look at ways you can save and plan the wedding of your dreams while sticking to your budget.

Plan a budget and stick to it 

If you have a budget, it’s important that you stick to it. Even if you see the dress of your dreams that £500 more – if you are determined to have it, you will need to save this money in other areas. Set yourself up a budget planner and keep a keen eye on it to ensure you are sticking to your prices and don’t get any nasty surprises. 

Cut the guest list

This can be tricky but, since the pandemic when reduced guest lists were enforced, it has become more feasible to have smaller guest lists. You can cut your bridal party too and reduce the number of groomsmen. Maybe have one bridesmaid and a best man. 

Hire don’t buy

Buying items for one day isn’t the most cost-effective use of funds. While many of us want a brand new gown or a spanking new suit, it can be hard to justify spending so much on something you are going to wear for one day, especially in today’s current climate. At Salters of Rugby, we can hire one suit, or a number of suits, to match the theme and style of your wedding.

Recycle and Reuse 

Wedding decorations, centrepieces, floral arrangements… if you look on local selling sites you can pick up some proper bargains from people who are selling these items after their own wedding. Often, they are selling enough to satisfy the requirements of a large wedding. Not only will you save some money you are also helping the environment. 

Be flexible with the date

While many people want to get married on a Saturday, you can actually save a fortune by getting married on a Monday or a Thursday for example as venues will offer cheaper prices to use their venues during off-peak times. This also goes for being flexible with your months and getting married during winter months rather than the height of summer. The venue and catering can be around 50% of your total budget so it’s also where a large amount of savings can be made. It’s also worth bringing the date forward to fill a date that may become available. Of course, you and your guests need to be flexible in this instance. 

Combine the ceremony and reception

If you aren’t steadfast on a church ceremony, you could save money on a combined venue for both the ceremony and the reception. This can also save money on cars for example transporting the bride and groom from the wedding to the reception. 

Swap the sit-down meal for a buffet

This is a great way to save money and can reduce your food budget by a few hundred pounds if done properly. If truth be told, many guests will probably prefer the chance to eat what they want and go up for seconds! 

Save on luxuries 

What can you save money on by doing things yourself? Could you make your own invitations or save the date cards? Why not go digital with your invites? It is a great way to be environmentally friendly too! Perhaps you can make your own favours – or even cut them out altogether or create your own table arrangements. Maybe you could make your own buttonholes even if you’re having a professional bouquet. There are so many ways in which you can save money to stay within your budget. 

Do you have any tips for saving money on a wedding? We’d love to hear them.