Sue’s Guide To Weddings On A Budget...
If you’re celebrating a family wedding this year, you could get a headache before the first sip of fizz if you’re the one paying the bill.
Some wedding websites make out that you have to spend a fortune, but there are lots of ways you can have a special day to remember and save money as well!
The biggest saving is usually on the venue itself. Saturdays are often booked years in advance so go for a Sunday – in fact, any day other than Saturday – and you’ll get cheaper prices.
Wine and fizz can be pricey, so ask if you can bring your own. Some pubs or restaurants allow this for a “corkage fee”. Stocking up at the supermarket works out a lot cheaper than paying inhouse prices. When it comes to food, a buffet can work out cheaper than a full sit-down meal. It may mean that guests mix and chat more this way too.
Photos are a big part of the day but having a photographer on hand to capture every second can be expensive. I’ve also been to a few weddings where some even take over and get quite bossy! Ask around as there may be keen photographers in the family, or ask friends to go round taking casual shots of small groups rather than traditional posed snaps.
At our wedding we gave guests disposable cameras during the evening and now have a lovely album of all those fun off-guard memories and moments we didn’t get to see on the day!