Ways To Cut The Cost Of Your Wedding Without Remortgaging Your Home!

The Guardian reported in 2010 that the average price of a wedding in the UK has reached a staggering £21,000. Many couples begin their married bliss with huge wedding debts whereas the truth is that you can easily slash your wedding costs with some imagination and careful planning. Here are eight ways to cut the cost of your wedding without having to find the best remortgage deals:

1 A dress with one careful owner: Now I can just imagine the cries of horror of women all over as they read this suggestion. However, before you dismiss it point blank, it may be worth considering the fact that some of the top designers donate their dresses to charity; good quality designer dresses at that! Oxfam alone has 11 stores dedicated to bridal wear in the UK. Or if this really doesn't float your boat, look around your local area, often you'll find smaller seamstress or independent shops whose prices dramatically undercut high-street prices without compromising on quality. We do understand how important the dress is for the bride, but the perfect one doesn't have to cost the earth.

2 Ask for money instead of gifts you won't use: Forget the John Lewis wedding list; it might make more sense to ask for financial contributions towards the cost of the wedding instead of the gifts. This could be used for specific costs, such as the honeymoon, you could ask for holiday vouchers or air miles, alternatively ask nearest and dearest to chip in for the booze, evening entertainment or some of the reception costs. Your costs could easily plummet and be of more use than those three coffee machines you'll inevitably receive.

3 Find a cheap photographer: Many people these days have digital cameras and so you can save money by asking a friend to take your wedding photographs for you. Many people also put disposable cameras on the tables and couples increasingly request that guests post their wedding photos online so they can be shared with everyone.

4 Consider that you will be in bed for most of your honeymoon: On average the cost of a honeymoon is now over £3000 and is reported as the second highest wedding expense. Considering a shorter UK break or a cheaper European location could cut this cost considerably. You could book a late deal and grab a real bargain or consider booking at a less expensive time, you don't have to go straight after the wedding!

5 You can make your own wedding invitations: Alison Wren from weddingcrafter.co.uk recently revealed that "stationary can easily set you back £300". That seems one ridiculous amount just for a bit of paper that your guests are likely to throw out after the day. Make your own invitations and save hundreds - stationary, hobby and craft shops provide all kinds of creative stationary to help you make your own invitations without breaking the bank.

6 Don't tell anyone: While we don't mean elope to Las Vegas, consumer group Which? has found evidence that as soon as the magic word 'wedding' is mentioned, some hotels, florists, caterers, photographers and every other wedding related service provider will increase prices, some quite steeply. Ask for quotes without mentioning it's for a wedding, just say birthday or retirement party if they insist on knowing what the event is for.

7 Plan your wedding for the quiet period: No matter what venue you are looking at for the special day, be that a lavish stately home, a traditional church or an intimate registry office, ask when their quieter times are. Liz Taylor, a wedding planner of Lynn Corporation (who also, coincidently recently planned the ceremony between Eamonn Holmes and Ruth Langsford) highlights that "even the very best venues have quieter times, so check when they are and look to negotiate costs". The discounted costs could really help in cutting the costs of the day.

8 Food that's simple but nice: It's very easy to get carried away with extravagant menus, eating food we wouldn't dream of normally. Most guest want good, simple food that hits the spot, it doesn't have to be over the top, just good. Simplifying your menu's and carefully picking the time you get married can reduce the cost of the meal and reduce the number of sitting you will be expected to serve.

Believe it or not, you can save £200 a time by cutting a tier from the wedding cake, save more money by making the cake the dessert after the main meal/buffet.


------

Timothy Frodsham works for JustRemortgages.com who aim to find you the best remortgage deals and remortgage rates in the market. Simple really!