Or better yet, as per tip 9, if you know someone who is a hairdresser or make-up artist (or just a friend who’s really good with a blusher brush!) ask them to help.
14. Make your own cake. There are plenty of ways to make your wedding cake cheaper and this is certainly one of them. Another option is to have your baker make a fancy cake with just a couple of layers (or with a couple of fake layers) and a tray cake out the back decorated the same to be served to your guests. Or have a simply decorated cake with a show stopping cake topper. This will still draw your guests attention but will save money on the decoration of the cake.
15. Instead of having an open bar, have a drinks reception with a choice of two or three different drinks while the photos are being taken, have wine and water on the table and have champagne or sparkling wine just for the speeches and toasts. Make sure the bar is open if people want other drinks but this shows you’ve offered free drinks without being left with a gigantic tab. People are also more likely to drink what’s on offer if they know that they have to pay for something else!
16. If you want to be extravagant but really can’t afford it then have the pricey ingredients such as lobster in your canapés rather than in your starter or main. You’ll still be serving it, just in much smaller quantities.
17. If your caterer will allow, have your cake as dessert. This will save you the cost of an additional course and while you may still need to pay for it to be cut up and served, this is likely to be much cheaper. If they stat a minimum of three courses then ask if they would count canapés as a course. These can then be served to your guests while you’re having your pictures taken and its extra food for them without the price for you.
18. Consider having your whole day in one place. Finding a venue that is licenced for ceremonies as well as the reception will save you money not only in transportation costs but decorations can be moved from one room to the other which saves the need to buy more. Your day can also flow a bit better as there’ll be no rushing about from place to place so this will cut down on the stress too. You’ll also only pay one venue hire fee which is usually cheaper than two individual hire fees put together.