Getting married! Any advice?

Miss_Ratty

Whoop whoop, I'm getting married soon, well in the next 18 months or so. I was just wondering if anyone had any money saving wedding advice. We're looking to spend no more than 5k, and would like to get married in a hotel or country house, but one where the dog will be welcome in his little tux! We've thought of a few money saving ideas, like we'll do our own music (OH a bit of a dj in his spare time), bro-in-law-to-be will be the photographer (studies photography), aunt to do hair (hairdresser), booze cruise etc. etc. We'd like to involve as many people as possible (i.e. keep it cheap by giving everyone jobs!!!).

I was wondering if anyone had any additional advice or had come across any hurdles with theirs???

Degeneratemoo

I'm not getting married until 2011 but one thing I've always been told is be very careful with the photographer, there is nothing worse than finding your pictures didn't come out very well.

becs

If you know someone who is a good cook they could make your cake for you, could try this one.
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/6417/orange-berry-wedding-cake
I would also suggest getting bits and pieces as you go along, so could get shoes one month, jewellery another so spreading the cost. Also check out ebay for favours and other wedding items. I bought my shoes off there, they were brand new and alot cheaper than others I'd seen in the shops. I bought a fairly plain pair but then bought some diamonte clips to add on so completely unique. I think it's a lovely idea to involve lots of people as it makes it really special for everyone. I did my venue/reception flowers the day before the wedding with my Mum, my Aunt and Uncle and it was really nice.

Kim_Possible

:hello: Hello,
I was looking for info regarding a cruise and ur "booze cruise" keywords came up in my search.
Have you ever thought of entering competitions? I know it could be pot luck whether you win or not, but you might be lucky and anything is a bonus.

I searched on the competition forum of this site keyword wedding [search utility under the page count]and it returned over 50 competitions, wide range of things.

eg. Wedding favours with scottish bridal
£500 towards your wedding rings
A photo shoot worth over £1500

This is just a thought ive recently started entering competitions and won a few things and with so many wedding competitions out there your bound to win something- hopefully.

Miss_Ratty

Ooooh, super plan!!! To be honest, that didn't even cross my mind!!! An old friend of mine used to "comp" as the pros call it, and she wons loads of stuff - admittedley she was doing it all day when she was supposed to be working, and not much chance of that where I work!!! I'll defo give it a go, the OH has just been bought some "fascinating" electronics books, so it can be my hobby whilst he's playing with LEDs and diodes!

The biggest thing i've found which will wee on my costs is the sheer price of corkage in some places, one was £18.00!!! Without asking my guests to bring vodka in water bottles, I think that price is outrageous.

We're trying to find a really nice venue, but the cheapest about, and one which is dog-friendly as well. Hopefully near us, and the whole thing (wedding including honeymoon etc.) is to be under 5k...so far I'm not getting anywhere.

We will have minimum amounts of guests in the ceremony, and a few extra at the night do, but the cheapest I can find so far is £35 for the "wedding breakfast" (which confused me as it's actually dinner!). I found a lovely place the other night whilst hungover from new years, which did a carvery option at 15 a head - and which met the rest of the criteria as well, and I'll be damned if I can find it now

Thanks for the tips though, and I'll keep trying to get my cheapy-poo wedding, that doesn't look to cheapy-poo!

Degeneratemoo

I believe it is called the breakfast as it's the first meal of the marriage.

Although I know there are far more expensive places to go I'm sure you could find cheaper than £35, the place I am looking at is £25 a head for the breakfast. Have you considered a week day for the ceremony? Places are usually far cheaper during the week.

babybug

One thing to check with corkage - some places do it per head, though most do it per bottle.

If it's per head then chances are it'll be cheaper than using their wine list, if it's per bottle it'll often be way more expensive.

One way to get round it is to buy magnums of champagne for the toast and do the rest as cocktails ~ large bottle of vodka = lots of drinks but only one corkage fee.

Kim_Possible

Glad to be of help. Cant actually give you advise on the wedding itself tho!
Id say "browse" the magazines in the newsagents but Id say ull find the competitions are already posted on the competition forum- they are quick!
Also it took a while for me to win something, but youve plently of time so dont give up! Plus there are lots of competitions on there so your bound to get something! Make sure you enter the big competitions! you never know:D

creased-leach

Miss Ratty- have you tried searching through your browsing history to dig out the place you found the other day? Unless you've cleared your history since, the page will still be there.

Good luck with the wedding.

foxxymynx

Make your own inviations! They cost a fortune to buy.

Oh - and don't let anyone else dictate what you both want, it's your day!

Miss_Ratty

Thanks everyone! I'm still digging for that place, there are just so many things in my history its taking ages to trawl through it!

I'm feeling a bit creative even now, and am looking forward to making invitations etc. I'm actually quite excited about trying to have a really good day on a shoestring - a wedding challenge!