Go for a 70s dress for a boho feel, 60s for crisp tailoring or the 80s for flirty frills – and if there’s something you want slightly changing, you can take it to a seamstress and make it truly your own.
Do your own wedding makeup
Professional makeup artists do amazing work, but it does come at a price, so if you can get confident doing your own beauty look it’s a great way to save money.
Not there yet? We’ve put together a handy guide detailing every step from skincare to finishing touches when it comes to DIY bridal makeup, so you can be stress-free on the day.
Swap an expensive cake for a DIY treat table
If a four-tier, ultra-luxe wedding cake was never your dream, you can swap it out for a DIY version that’s just as delicious.
Opt for a smaller cake that’s still a special centrepiece – you can buy it from a smaller bakery or even have a go at making it yourself or with a friend or family member. Then, fill your dessert table with all your other favourite baked goods, whether it’s doughnuts, pastries, eclairs or cupcakes. You can simply pick them up at the supermarket and arrange them beautifully.
Go digital with your invitations
Paper wedding invites are ultra pretty, no doubt, and are very important to some couples. But they aren’t the most environmental choice, and can be very expensive, especially if you have lots of guests – so if you aren’t attached to the idea of IRL invites, it’s a cost you just don’t need.
Digital invites can be just as beautiful as paper ones, too – brands like Paperless Post will create an animation of your invitation coming out of its envelope for the receiver, or you can also purchase chic designs from Etsy to send to your guests.
Or consider buying second-hand or vintage once again. If you’d love your bridesmaids to match, online retailers like ASOS have plenty of pretty dresses on offer from as little as £18 in the sale.
Cut the guest list – and the bridal party
Like it or not, the more people you have, the more it will cost – so consider a smaller, more intimate wedding in order to save on food and drink. If you have less bridesmaids and groomsmen, there’ll be less to spend on outfits, accessories, hair and makeup, too – but you can get them involved in other ways, such as reading during the ceremony.
Go for a low-key venue
If you’re serious about savings, consider thinking outside of the box when it comes to your wedding venue. Ever thought about a pub wedding, or a village hall? The hiring costs will be much cheaper, plus you’ll get much more freedom when it comes to decoration, catering and the flow of the day.
Do your own flowers – or some of them
If you want to really save some money, you consider DIYing all your floral arrangements. But if that’s a stretch, enlist the professionals for your bouquets and boutonnieres, but have a go at doing your own table flowers. You can keep it simple by scattering wildflowers in jars and bottles for a laidback look.
Cut down your printing costs
If you want to provide things like menus and order of services, consider printing less and having your guests share them. You can put one menu at the centre of each table, and the order of service can easily be shared between two.
Swap a sit-down meal for a buffet
A buffet can be just as beautiful! Put on spread instead of a sit-down three courses to massively save on catering – plus your guests will love the opportunity for seconds (before heading to the dessert table, of course).
Make your own music
A band or a DJ can be a huge outlay, so you could get creative and make your own playlist. You’ll need hours worth of tracks – but get your guests involved and get them to suggest their favourite songs, too.
Forget the wedding favours
Wedding favours are a lovely gesture, but your guests will treasure the memories of your day more than any freebie.