Wedding Tips start here...

sunshinejoclaire

thanks for that link Jellybean - I have just been wetting myself at the 'Personal' ads on there

jellybean78

there is a certain amount of "filtering" required on gumtree (!) but I did have a hilarious afternoon with my single friend looking at the personal ads! Some very unusual individuals out there!

Just bought my wedding shoes from ebay for £8! So they're second hand, but they've only been wore for one day (and have been broken in, so that part's taken care of!) and best of all the seller is around the corner from me, so no postage to pay!

My afternoon tea has been sorted, a friend's parents own a bakery, so have nabbed enough to feed an army for 22p each! WOW!

My hubby to be's cousin is getting married next year, and i'm consulting them on all the money saving tips i've accumulated... I wonder if there's a market for a money saving wedding planner?!

budgetbride

Hi all,

I've just got engaged and we are looking to book something for July 2008 (although I'm now aware that this is actually really short notice!), as we have some Australian friends coming over and would love them to be there. I've been trawling through this post and there's loads of really good ideas, which I'm sure will make our meagre budget go a bit further.

I'll still, however, a bit stuck on venue. Can anyone recommend somewhere in Northumberland, that it not the usual 'take your eyes out' package deal. Ideally I would love it to be manor house / stately home / castle (!) where we can hire out, but arrange the extras ourselves. My fiances eyes nearly popped out when he saw the £1000 price tag, so a budget version would be fab.

Also, any recommendations for a dress maker in the Northumberland, Newcastle or even Durham area would be appreciated. I've seen a gorgeous Sophia Tolli dress, but I think its in the £800 - £1200 price range, which is too much and I'mn hoping someone can do a version of this at a fraction of the price.

Any advice much appreciated and thanks for all the tips so far!

sunshinejoclaire

Budgetbride - I am getting wed at Shotton Hall just outside of Peterlee and it is fairly cheap. You do have to take the food through them, but you can had a hot buffet fro less than £8 per head. It is an ex statley home

http://www.peterlee.gov.uk/about/culture-and-heritage/13-4296.asp

http://www.peterlee.gov.uk/town-council/services/13-4314.asp

excitedbride2be

Can anyone help me??!! I live in Nottingham and am looking for somewhere to have both a Civil Ceremony and Reception afterwards but am struggling to find somewhere nice but also on a budget. I have found some lovely places but all wanted way toooo much money. I would rather spend more money on my honeymoon than the one day!!! Help me someone!!!!

MrsTinks

Try looking at hotels that do weddings near where you are. Some of them are stunning and can work out at a fraction of the price
And shop around!

shelovestobuystuff

I have added my wedding date to my signature again.I deleted it as we thought we were going to postpone the wedding so that we could pay for a new bathroom after the floor collapsed.We still have no bathrooom but have decided to go ahead and be married anyway,despite money worries,because if we let other things get in the way we may end up never getting married at all.
I have a 10 year endowment policy which matures in a couple of weeks and that is going to pay for the venue deposit.Thereafter I will do what I can when finances allow.
So far I have the venue,a small highland castle for a week at a rent of £3,500(£750 deposit will be paid in 2 weeks).
I think it will cost me about £7,000 in total but of course will work backwards from that maximum target figure and see what I can save.

shelovestobuystuff

Thought of a good way to make better use of the entertainment budget for my wedding.I had allowed £500 plus expenses for a string quartet to play for 3 hours.Instead I have bought my kids and my niece violins and am initially having them practice with free web lessons then will pay for group lessons.It will still cost me about £500 but my kids will be able to play at my wedding and will have learned a new skill.
Free music lessons and loads of other great video guides,including how to do your own wedding flowers on www.expertvillage.com
http://www.expertvillage.com/interviews/beginner-violin.htm

sunshinejoclaire

http://www.silverjewelryclub.com/default.aspx very very cheap, pretty sterling sliver jewellery. I have ordered some peridot and topaz earrings and a topaz ring for myself to assess the quality. If they are nice i plan to get some bits for my bridesmaid's gifts

Sarahsaver

Check your intended's internet cache so you avoid any expensive mistakes :eek: