Penny Wise Tips For Weddings Without Compromise?

We're rapidly approaching engagement season. Social media will soon be awash with photos of smiley, glowing faces, dreamy couple's portraits and sparkly ring posts. But, as Big Ben chimes in 2026, the serious planning starts and many couples will combat the January blues by taking their first steps towards making their dream day a reality.

Once the initial euphoria has subsided, it's common to discover that in order to realise absolutely everything on your wish list, you might have to take on several more jobs or sell a kidney! Well, I'm here to tell you that with careful planning and savvy shopping, it is possible to create a wedding day that feels perfect for you, without completely breaking the bank. So take a deep breath, be open minded and OK, maybe compromise - just a teeny bit. Here are my top 10 tips.

1. BOOK EARLY! From florists to photographers, wedding suppliers get busy in spring and summer, so to secure your spot, get in early...12-18 months if at all possible. But booking early is not simply to ensure you get the supplier you want, it also locks in prices on offer at that time. During the quiet winter months, many suppliers (including myself) start the process of overhauling their website and turn their attention to revising packages and prices - often upwards to reflect the ever increasing cost of living. Wait too long and you risk paying a higher price.

2. PRIORITISE! Make a list of your top priorities, be it venue style, floral decorations, photography or entertainment. Discuss. Re-write if necessary. Ask yourselves tough questions. For example, do I really need a champagne tower, horse drawn princess carriage, monogrammed everything and an outfit change? Maximum impact, minimum fuss is a good mantra.

3. TRIM THE LIST. Be kind, but be honest and pragmatic. If you're looking for an intimate wedding vibe, then extended family and casual acquaintances will totally understand that they might not make the guest list. Emphasise venue limitations, intimate style and budget by way of explanation.

   
   

   

4. SHOP AROUND. Consider an all inclusive venue, but also make sure you do your homework. Venues that include tables, chairs, linen and some in house decor may be more affordable but it's not guaranteed. Facebook Marketplace is awash with wedding decorations and seating, so shop around before jumping in. If you're planning an outdoor wedding, then also bear in mind that outdoor wedding venues are often naturally beautiful and may not need as much window dressing.

   
   

5. DATE AWARENESS. Timing is key. Off peak weddings are often cheaper - particularly November to March and mid week. Also opting for a Twilight Wedding could be a cool option, as you can move seamlessly and stylishly from magical torch lit/twinkly light festooned ceremony to evening reception, nicely dodging the cost of a wedding breakfast.

   
   

6. LET THEM EAT CAKE! Budget reducing catering options include serving wedding cake as dessert (accompanied by cream and berries in summer, custard in winter), or opting for food trucks, buffets or sharing platters which are more informal and affordable.

   

   
   

7. GO GREEN. Let's talk seasonal flowers. The average price of a bouquet is £120. Asking for hand tied bouquets using fewer flowers, flowers in season or even 100% green foliage can all reduce the price tag.

   
   

   

   
   

8. THE DRESS OF DREAMS. Have you thought about hiring your dress or suit? I'll give you a little insight into my own wedding for perspective. My dress, which was beautifully elegant, with a beaded tabard and 1920s vibe, now lies in its original protection packaging in a trunk in my bedroom. I've maybe looked at it once or twice since. Remember, your outfit is going to be immortalised in countless photos and video clips. Do you really need to own it? Are you going to do a supermarket shop in it or wear it every year until you're 80 and giving Miss Haversham vibes? Probably not I'm guessing. Plus, you might find that you can afford the hire price tag on that designer style dress that would otherwise elude you.

   
   

   

9. DIY. You're probably more creative than you give yourself credit for. Check out some online tutorials that might inspire you to create your own wedding favours or table numbers/decorations. Your new skills could also extend to the invitations or you could go fully digital and eco friendly on these and make another saving.

10. TAKE IT TO THE FLOOR. As for evening entertainment, think outside the box. Karaoke can be a fun option or perhaps a talented and more affordable DJ instead of a live band. You could also blast out your own Spotify playlist through some decent speakers and dance without judgment into the wee small hours.

If nothing else, remember this. Planning a wedding doesn't have to be stressful. It should be fun, spark creativity and be a talking point for months before and years after the best day of your life!