PAUL HINDLEY, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE BEST WESTERN CRESTA COURT HOTEL:
One of the most difficult parts to a wedding can be monitoring the budget. With the average budget often overstepping the £20,000 mark and a wealth of amazing wedding choices to make, it can be difficult to know where you can save money in your budget - whilst still getting the dream style you want for your big day. We work with bridal parties of all sizes and budgets, and have learnt a thing or two about saving them money where nobody will notice, whilst investing the money where it really counts.
To start with it’s really important to know what your budget is. You’ll be surprised how many couples don’t even know how much money they are working with. Clearly set out what you can spend and any donations from family.
One of the first things to think about is the venue and what day you want to get married on. If you have chosen your venue, but it’s too pricey then think about moving the day to during the week as opposed to a Saturday. Also consider the time of the year – venues may have more affordable rates during autumn or between Christmas and New Year, as opposed to the middle of July.
Interrogate the guest list. It’s always best to work backwards – calculate how many people you can afford to invite and draft the list accordingly. If you are having a wedding breakfast and an evening reception, then invite family and close friends to the ceremony and breakfast and invite any remaining friends to the evening party. If you‘re having one list of invitees then be ruthless - and only invite guests that both parties are friends with.
Times are a changing and we know lots of bridal parties that have emailed out their invites instead of having them designed, printed on top notch stationery and then posted out. It can add up so think of sending an email invite instead. There are lots of template designs available online which are cost effective.
To help with the cost of flowers choose ones that are in season and remember that supermarkets and online retailers can offer a lovely selection of fresh flowers that you can arrange yourself – just choose three compatible colours to match your theme for a simple, striking floral style. Instead of flowers you could use coloured candles in a range of inexpensive and eclectic holders – these days this can be anything from ornate vintage bottles to rustic mini-milk churns depending on your theme and spirit of creativity. Or think about using fresh fruits or sprayed foliage instead of flowers – they can match colour themes beautifully and provide an ‘edible’, fresh summer feel.
When save on catering costs, think about opting for a late wedding ceremony and just oneevening meal and great party, instead of a wedding breakfast and evening buffet. It gives you more money to invest in making that one meal really special, perhaps by upgradingwines or offer liqueurs afterwards. Or perhaps join a growing band of couples and try an afternoon tea reception served later in the day, followed by a fabulous buffet or bowl food served in the evening. Again, less expensive than the traditional options.
When it comes to the drinks, ensure you ask for wines on consumption so you only pay for what is opened, not the whole amount ordered. Choose sparkling Cava or Prosecco instead of Champagne and blend with fruit juices for less expensive summer cocktails – they taste delicious!
The majority of weddings have cut out favours so they can economise on the budget. They aren’t part and parcel of the wedding anymore so don’t feel guilty about not including them.
Recruit friends and family to help. People love to help out and if you’re mother in law is a fantastic baker, then ask her to make the wedding cake. If a friend is a florist ask if they can help out. If your bridesmaids are fab at make-up, can they do the make up instead of paying for a professional? Think about ways in which friends and family can lend a hand.
Keep to your budget plan – I’ve worked with so many couples that have gone over budget. It doesn’t have to be this way. If you’re having your wedding at a hotel make it very clear to the wedding co-ordinator what budget you are working to, and work together to stick within it. It can be done!
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