According to the Hitched National Wedding Survey of 1,800 couples, the average cost of a UK wedding in 2023 was £20,700, up from £18,400 in 2022. So that’s quite a big amount for couples who are affected by the cost of living at the moment and want to know how to save money on a wedding.
In this blog, I will give you five quick tips that couples, in my experience, have reduced the cost of their wedding or vow renewal, which may, in turn, provide you with some inspiration for planning a wedding or vow renewal on a budget.
Top Tips for Reducing Your Wedding Costs - budget planning
Sit down together and set a total budget for your wedding. It is easy to get carried away with organizing a wedding by the number of choices and wedding suppliers. First of all, take time to discuss with each other what you think is a realistic amount you would like to spend on your wedding, being aware that prices will increase year on year.
Consider your existing expenditure, any savings you may have, and what you could borrow safely. Can your family help you financially or will they offer help in kind, in some other way?
Once you have decided on your budget, put together a basic spreadsheet in Excel to track expenditure, with expected and actual costs. This will help you keep a handle on overall expenditure since Hitched says ‘59% of couples admitted to going over budget when planning, which is up 3% from the previous year’.
If you can allow yourself more time before the wedding, this can also reduce the pressure and help you look for bargains or better value services, as well as give you more time to talk to suppliers.
Affordable Wedding Ideas: decide on YOUR style and theme
Decide on the priorities for your wedding or vow renewal. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the choice, but it’s your wedding and you’ll want to put your style onto it. By working out what’s important to you both, the must-haves, the nice-to-haves, and what is not that important.
Once you decide on a theme and a style, it will become easier for you to focus on finding these because the choice is endless. You could buy something that does not fit in with the overall vibe of your wedding.
Then you can go ahead and book your registrar,
My key advice for all couples is to contact your council registration office early, ideally just over a year before your planned wedding date. Alternatively, you may wish to do this after you have decided on your budget if you do not have a lot of time. It is best to book your registrar at least a year in advance if possible to get the date and ceremony you are looking for.
A wedding celebration led by a celebrant is separate from a legal marriage by a registrar. So to get married in a UK registry office, you need to contact your local registrar via the council.
Ask for a Statutory Ceremony (2+2) or a simple or intimate ceremony. These are the cheapest, although you may choose to have more people at a full civil ceremony. Book your civil ceremony with a registrar ASAP to know the requirements and give notice. In a Statutory Ceremony, personal vows and ring exchange are optional.
Creative Ways to Cut Wedding Expenses - the Venue
The most expensive item for a wedding according to Hitched is the venue. Give yourself time to shop around and decide if you want a large or small venue depending on the number of guests you are inviting. Don’t forget to take a list of questions to ask what deals are available so you know you are getting cost-effective wedding venues.
Think about sustainability too, how can you save the planet as well as save money in your wedding? Ask your friends for advice and look online for inspiration.
Do your research, check reviews from diverse sources, and visit a couple of times to make sure it is right for you both and your budget. Today there are so many wonderful options you will be spoiled for choice.
As a UK wedding celebrant, I specialise in outdoor weddings. The couples I have worked with have chosen front and back gardens, fields, and woodland for their beautiful vow renewals and wedding ceremonies. This could be yours, your family’s or friends’ garden, field, or woodland, or an Airbnb.
Remember, always ask the landowner’s permission if you decide to use an area that is not yours, and it is best to get it in writing, just in case of any misunderstandings at a later date.
Planning a Wedding or Vow Renewal Ceremony on a Budget: Speaking to Your Celebrant
Speak to your celebrant to see what prices they offer for their service. It may be that they have a range, and you were not aware of that, and they can offer diverse types of wedding ceremony content and Affordable wedding planning tips.
Also, check if you can help them with the script in some way, for example, provide some copy for the wedding ceremony or translations if your wedding is in another language. You could choose a celebrant who is based nearer to the venue, so this reduces any mileage cost (if they charge it) or choose a celebrant who has cheaper travel costs or includes it in their price ( as I do).
Bear in mind that celebrants are small businesses and they will have their costs just like any other supplier when discussing fees. Some celebrants offer reduced prices if your wedding is booked at the beginning of the calendar year, they have an exclusive offer available, or you are booking way in advance, or in the winter months, or you have a referral code.
If you want a wedding or vow renewal as well as another ceremony such as a naming ceremony, the celebrant, like myself, may be able to give you a deal for booking two ceremonies.
I would advise against just basing your decision solely on the fees for a celebrant since you need to have a good relationship with them too, and like their style and suggestions. For example, I also offer a wedding ceremony audit and advice on planning the wedding so this may be of help to you also
In summary
In this blog post, we explore tips for reducing wedding expenses and practical ways to reduce the cost of your wedding or vow renewal. With the average cost of a UK wedding rising to £20,700 in 2023, it’s essential to find ways to save money without compromising on your special day.
From setting a realistic budget and tracking expenses to prioritising what’s important and choosing cost-effective venues, these tips will help you plan a beautiful wedding that fits your financial situation.
Have you found any creative ways to save money on your wedding? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below! For more information on my celebrant wedding and renewal of vow services please see here Country Weddings & Vow Renewals | Rites of Way
Don't hesitate to contact me at 07305002858 and ritesofw@gmail.com to discuss your ideas and how I can help you make your dreams come true.
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