1. THE FOOD & DRINK

If you have a Mum/Uncle/Cousin who loves baking then ask them to make you a cake, nine times out of ten they’ll be flattered and accept your invitation. Instead of having a wedding cake, have a Bake-Off style dessert table – ask people to bring cakes and desserts instead of presents or have a cake of cheese so you don’t need to provide an evening buffet. Consider your menu choices. Opt for a BBQ or even a picnic style if your venue will let you. Buffet style food doesn’t have to feel 80s, it can be really stylish if you put it together well. If your venue allows for it, buy booze in bulk when it’s on offer at the supermarket or cash and carry and display in a old bath tub/wheelbarrow/bin – check out Pinterest.

2. THE FASHION

Use social media to find the style and dress that you’d love. Follow the Instagram accounts of the bridal designers and boutiques you love as this is where they will announce their sample sales. Don’t be afraid of getting in the car and driving across the country for one – if you’re saving 50-60% on the cost of your dream dress than a tank of petrol is nothing. Consider wearing a second hand wedding dress – check Ebay out and other second hand e-marketplaces.. As long as you own it, no-one needs to know it!

3. THE DECOR

A classy subtle decor on the head table can be a key factor to creating the the perfect venue.

Use wild and seasonal flowers and display in different vases (for example), old tins, pots etc.. This looks really pretty and is very easy to do yourself. Opt for lots of foliage instead of flowers, essentially you can source this locally and can be completely free! Give single flower stems as favours – they serve as decor (wrap them in a fancy ribbon around the napkin) and girls can wear them in their hair and blokes in their buttonholes for the reception. Favours, Florals, AND making your guests blend in with the overall aesthetic. We’re kind of joking but kind of not. Ask guests to send you photos of themselves with the RSVP – interactive guest decor that is also FREE. Have a menu board instead of menu print outs, saving you money on your stationery budget. Wooden palettes can be made into all sorts of things. Signs, somewhere to display your table plan, your cake, your flowers etc. You can also source these for free – keep an eye out outside local shops and businesses or even farms.

4. THE VENUE

Look at cheaper alternative wedding venues like village halls, parents’ back gardens, holiday homes as far as wedding ideas on a budget goes. Even YOUR home…It really pays to think outside the box when it comes to venue. Our Laura’s wedding was SIGNIFICANTLY cheaper than her initial budget because she did this. Think of all ideas – whether that’s speaking with local farmers, charities based in amazing buildings or woodland trusts. Don’t think anything is off limits until you know for certain that it is. This is a really difficult one, but try not to mention the wedding word in the first intance . If you’re booking a space purely for the reception, then call it a family party (in all honesty that’s exactly what it is. To be honest,  a venue shouldn’t be charging you more for a wedding just because it’s a wedding).

5. THE ENTERTAINMENT

Hiring a band or DJ can be incredibly expensive and a well considered Spotify playlist is guaranteed to keep people dancing. Ask friends and family members for wedding ideas on a budget, and if they know any local musicians such as buskers or students, often people do and they will be more than happy to play at your wedding for a small fee.

6. TRANSPORT

Ask around for people with nice cars to help out. There’s often a friendly old Grandad around who would absolutely love for his motor to feature in your big day. SO there we are a complete round up of wedding ideas on a budget.