Ten Tips for cutting costs

1.Weekday wedding: consider having your wedding on a weekday as venues may be cheaper. Honeymoon travel may also be cheaper midweek. But do consider how this might affect your guests with regards to time off from work.

2.Dress: consider buying an end-of-line sample, second-hand, buying off the internet or hiring. If you or a friend can sew well, consider making your own. Alternatively, borrow! Ask your married friends if they would consider lending you their dress. Buy or make dresses for Bridesmaids that can be worn again. Go away in your wedding clothes rather than buying new outfits.

3.Reception: restrict the main reception to close family and friends. Invite others to a less formal reception before or after the ceremony. Alternatively, invite them just for cake and speeches.

4.Drink: if the venue allows, bring your own wine (but check corkage charges). Serve a cheaper sparkling wine instead of champagne. Provide a paying bar for an evening reception. Alternatively, serve soft drinks only, for example, fruit punch or elderflower cordial with sparkling water.

5.Food: ask each guest to bring a dish or ask a friend to do the catering.

6.Cake: ask a friend or family member to make it or buy it ready made from any large supermarket store, then ice it yourself.

7.Flowers: choose flowers that are in season. Ask a friend to arrange the flowers for you. Have a single flower (e.g. a gerbera) in a bottle on each table. Carry an informal bunch of flowers rather than a grand bouquet.

8.Transport: ask friends with suitable cars to put ribbons on them and act as chauffeurs.

9.Music: make your own playlist and use an mp3 player at the reception rather than hiring a band.

10.Photographs: ask friends to take photographs and video footage and send you copies. Alternatively, use a photographer with a smaller business who does not need to charge VAT.

And finally... beware of 'wedding inflation'. Many retailers will automatically add 10% or more to the cost if they know that your purchase is for a wedding. This can apply almost anything; dresses and suits, shoes, cake, etc. Be wise to this fact, and when you ask for an initial quote, don't mention the wedding!

Adapted from 'Rules of Engagement' by Katharine and Richard Hill