lovely wedding but on budget - is it possible?

[choc lover]

Does anyone know places/websites where to look?
or any other tips of how to keep costs down?
We are only just starting out on planning so any tips welcome!!

[sherrardk]

Just wanted to say well done on planning a budget wedding - if I was to do it again I wouldn't spend the money that we did (hate to think how much the equivalent would cost today) - when my brother recently got married he spent a fortune but I knew there was no point in telling him not to spend the money. Good luck. x

[heathfield]

Colorado, USA. Get a Marriage Licence Form at any County Clerk's Office. Both Fill it in and sign it there and then. Hand it back. Get it stamped. Pay US$10. You're married.

[redcrx]

http://messageboards.....co.uk/iv-ukrlwedding try a message forum like this one too.

Plenty of ideas on there.

[Chasingcars]

Well I am in the process of planning my wedding in April and have been since November 08. We are having a fairly big wedding but have still aimed at getting value for money and not ripped off!
For a start generally speaking mid-week weddings or weddings in the winter months are much cheaper than Saturdays and / or summer months.
Rather than have a sit down reception meal and evening food as well, have a late sit down meal early evening to avoid having two lots of food costs.
The key thing I have learned is ask for discounts on everything!! Even if people say no, well you tried. I have gained over £3000 off in total across flowers/ venue/ food/ dress/ suits etc etc.
For your dress maybe go 2nd hand - many are unworn by brides who didnt make it down the aisle. Often ex shop display samples are cheaper too. Could you make your own?
Likwise do you have family or friends that could make the cake or provide flowers or transport? These things all add up!
I hope this helps :)

[Nummy]

my friend got married on a thursday, because it's cheaper dress hire etc, as there's more demand for a saturday.

But depends how cheap you want to go...you can buy a "pre-loved" dress from a charity shop or ebay and get it altered or re-shaped relatively cheaply. They have a wedding selection at BHS and Monsoon.

Obviously keep the number of bridesmaids down - saves on dresses

Photographer...are any of your friends interested in photography? or maybe you could ask at a local photography course to see if anyone is willing, as they all use digital now, you'd only have to pay for what they print - or pay for a disc with all the photos taken and get them printed yourself at e.g. Boots

or get a few disposable cameras and get everyone to take piccies - then get them developed

make your own invitations...if you keep them basic it should be quite cheap and you can get friends to help out making them. or email them

cake - you can buy plain white iced cakes from M&S, then you can decorate it yourself...a few simple cake decorations won't cost much.

ask your friends and family what talents they have that they can contribute - maybe they can help do a buffet? make/decorate the cake?

if you're hiring services try and haggle and see what added extras they can throw in for you...if you don't ask you don't get

or do a runner to Gretna...that'll keep the numbers down and spare you tons of money, and later you can hold a party for friends and family

[zzxxee]

gretna green?

[choc lover]

thank you! there are some great tips!!