It’s no secret that getting married requires some financial planning. Any couple planning their wedding will have a clear idea of what they want from the day. With something as exciting as our wedding day, expenses are bound to add up in the course of realising our dreams.

We’ve written before about how choosing an off-peak date for your wedding is one of the best ways to save money. This is certainly true, but it’s far from the only trick in the book. This week, we’ll be looking at some other ways in which you can have a thriftier wedding, without sacrificing style or class. If this sounds like something you might find helpful, please, read on!

Plan the Wedding Yourself

There’s no doubt that hiring a wedding planner will make your life easier. The weeks and months leading up to your wedding will be busy, and having an expert on hand to assist you can be reassuring and helpful. A professional wedding planner will be committed to delivering a quality service, and naturally this inspires confidence.

Of course, this confidence comes with a price tag. Wedding planners provide a professional service, and they charge accordingly. However, while the work they do is valuable, it’s not indispensable. If you have the time and the organisational skills to plan your own wedding, doing so without a wedding planner can save you thousands. There may be added stress involved, but you might enjoy yourself too!

Don’t Rule Out Alternatives to a Sit-down Dinner

A sit-down dinner with several courses may be the most traditional option, but it’s not absolutely necessary. A buffet meal may be much more cost-effective, saving on both food and service charges. It also allows you to offer a greater variety of food. This could be something which your guests will appreciate, especially the choosy eaters!

You could also consider avoiding a full meal altogether. For example, a cocktail reception with tapas or hors d’oeuvre could be stylish, as well as thrifty.

You should also remember that your wedding cake doesn’t need to be big enough for everyone to have a piece. Not all of your guests will have a sweet tooth, so planning to have enough cake for three quarters of your guests should be safe. A cake with some non-edible, decorative layers can save money while still making a big impression. This is definitely something you should bear in mind when ordering your cake.

Consider Your Options When It Comes to Entertainment

Music is an essential feature of any wedding reception, but that doesn’t mean it has to come at a huge cost. Although many wedding bands will be expensive, there are other options.

You may have musically talented friends. Consider asking them if they would be willing to provide entertainment instead of a wedding gift. Alternatively, you could approach students at a local music college or school, who will often charge less for their services.

Many people will choose to hire a DJ instead of a band, or for afterwards. A DJ will be less expensive than a band, but you can save even more by being your own DJ. It’s easy to create your own playlist of songs, and it doesn’t cost anything. As long as your chosen music-playing device is compatible with the venue’s sound system, being your own DJ is easy, not to mention fun!

Take a Sensible Approach to Choosing Your Flowers

Flowers can be a huge expense, but just being sensible can help a great deal with keeping the costs down. Make sure to choose flowers that are in season. Transport your flower arrangements from the ceremony to the reception, instead of having separate arrangements for each.

A talented florist can create beautiful arrangements using inexpensive flowers, like carnations. Fresh flowers can also be supplemented with candles and artificial flowers to create impressive arrangements at a lower cost. Be sure speak to as many florists as necessary, and explore all the possibilities.

Don’t Be Afraid to Limit Your Drinks Budget

As with flowers, the cost of drinks for your guests can really add up to unsettling proportions, but if you’re sensible it doesn’t have to. A full open bar may be an unnecessary and extremely expensive luxury. Likewise, offering a choice of spirits can really drive the cost upwards. Your guests may be perfectly happy with a simple choice of wine or beer.

Some venues may have a policy of allowing you to bring your own refreshments. Buying in bulk and bringing your own supply of drinks can save a huge amount of money. This is worth bearing in mind when you’re choosing a venue. Taking this approach may mean some extra work, but it’s sure to have a positive impact on your budget.

These are just a few of the ways in which you can stretch your wedding budget further. We hope you’ll find them helpful. Please check back from time to time for more useful tips and ideas.