Cheapest way to get married

Gloomendoom

My first wedding cost less than £100.

The divorce, considerably more.

Georgiegirl256

Idiophreak wrote: »

We spent more than 18k. We'd already bought a house. I suppose we could have overpaid the mortgage, or topped up our pensions, or dabbled in stocks and shares....instead, we threw a massive party for all of our family and friends, declared our love for each other and spent a month in the States celebrating.

If it means a couple of miserable scrooges on the internet call me bonkers...well, I can live with that.

Was there any need for that last sentence? Just because people have small weddings/don't spend a lot doesn't make them 'miserable Scrooges' anymore than you are apparently 'bonkers' now does it?

The only time IMO that it's bonkers is when people that spend that kind of money can't actually afford it. If you've got the money than why not I guess? It isn't something that I would do because I love a bargain, but I can see how it all adds up. But I do think some people spend for spendings sake.

Idiophreak

Georgiegirl256 wrote: »

Was there any need for that last sentence? Just because people have small weddings/don't spend a lot doesn't make them 'miserable Scrooges' anymore than you are apparently 'bonkers' now does it?

The only time IMO that it's bonkers is when people that spend that kind of money can't actually afford it. If you've got the money than why not I guess? It isn't something that I would do because I love a bargain, but I can see how it all adds up. But I do think some people spend for spendings sake.

I've no problem with people having small weddings and categorically *did not* imply that I thought *they* were Scrooges.

I was referring to people who go around these boards spouting off their bile, snobbery and intolerance of people who have different priorities to them.

Personally, I don't think people spending a lot of money on having a good time is "bonkers". But I do I feel calling people "bonkers" for spending their money on what they want to is "miserable" and "scroogey". People are welcome to call me bonkers, I'm welcome to call them Scrooge...that's the wonder of the internet.

And FWIW, if you love a bargain, you should see the amount I *saved* on my wedding Moneysaving is, afterall, about getting what you want at the best possible price

lazer

Idiophreak wrote: »

I've no problem with people having small weddings and categorically *did not* imply that I thought *they* were Scrooges.

I was referring to people who go around these boards spouting off their bile, snobbery and intolerance of people who have different priorities to them.

Personally, I don't think people spending a lot of money on having a good time is "bonkers". But I do I feel calling people "bonkers" for spending their money on what they want to is "miserable" and "scroogey". People are welcome to call me bonkers, I'm welcome to call them Scrooge...that's the wonder of the internet.

And FWIW, if you love a bargain, you should see the amount I *saved* on my wedding Moneysaving is, afterall, about getting what you want at the best possible price

Our wedding was around £15k - £20k (£5k Of this is the honeymoon), and honestly it was worth every penny.
It is very rare to get an opportunity to have a day dedicated to your love for you partner, and to me the important thing about the wedding was to be able to share that day with my family and friends.

The most significant cost was the Reception and providing good food, good service, entertainment, nice sorrundings etc was important. I wanted to give something to the guests (Friends and family who are impotant to us), some of whom had travelled a long way, gave us lovely presents etc.

I too am sick of people complaining that people spend too much on weddings. We have no debt, already have a house etc, we could afford it and our parents also gave us some money towards it (which was not asked for) because the wanted to give us a lovely day and because they wanted to invite some of their friends etc.

It is up to each couple how they choose to get married and what kind of day they want, if they want to spend loads of money, thy can, if they want to get into debt for it, they can and equally if they want cheap and cheerfult, that is their choice.

Brighton_belle

Idiophreak wrote: »

I've no problem with people having small weddings and categorically *did not* imply that I thought *they* were Scrooges.

I was referring to people who go around these boards spouting off their bile, snobbery and intolerance of people who have different priorities to them.

Personally, I don't think people spending a lot of money on having a good time is "bonkers". But I do I feel calling people "bonkers" for spending their money on what they want to is "miserable" and "scroogey". People are welcome to call me bonkers, I'm welcome to call them Scrooge...that's the wonder of the internet.

And FWIW, if you love a bargain, you should see the amount I *saved* on my wedding Moneysaving is, afterall, about getting what you want at the best possible price

I do agree with you Idiophreak: though I fall in to the camp of thinking £20,000+ on a wedding is bonkers , but am more than happy for you to call me an anti social cheapskate for the small cheap wedding we had . The point is, you and me are both happy with the wedding we had, neither of us has stretched ourselves financially. And even if we had the money we would of had small wedding all over in 3 hrs start to finish.
I think the general feeling towards many thousand spent on a wedding is toward people, particularly youngsters who have no savings or money behind them at all and possible put themselves in debt. For established older couples with very good salaries, savings and pensions etc and who love socialising, go for it.


And 'this 'moneysaving site' is about getting the best deal you can for what you want, not about not spending money on nice things or luxury.

Georgiegirl256

Idiophreak wrote: »

And FWIW, if you love a bargain, you should see the amount I *saved* on my wedding Moneysaving is, afterall, about getting what you want at the best possible price

:T Glad to hear it! I think what a person spends is up to them and if they get the day that they want then that's great! So while I wouldn't do it personally, I wouldn't call them bonkers either....if they have the money that is. What does make me cringe though is when people get into debt over it.

We had our honeymoon in the states too! A month there sounds awesome!

InsideInsurance

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

£18k?!! People must be stark raving bonkers. That's a house deposit.

Its a lot of money but what is included in the "my wedding cost" type statements vary massively. Certainly some of the "average wedding costs" numbers I have seen posted say that they also include the engagement ring, honeymoon etc in the figure and it isnt just how much was paid on the day of the wedding itself.

Based on their broader definition ours would have been coming close to the "average" but a lot of it was spent outside of the actual day itself.


Cheapest is going to be £125 ish for a civil wedding. A religious wedding ultimately comes down to an agreement between you and your priest/ pastor or equiv. CoE as standard charge £440 for no bells and whistles but often expect "donations" however the priest is able to waive charges in the case of hardship.

Jackie132

I think, no marriage will be cheapest than this as it is merely costing 125£, and I don't think so it is too much cost.

maman

Georgiegirl256 wrote: »

:T Glad to hear it! I think what a person spends is up to them and if they get the day that they want then that's great! So while I wouldn't do it personally, I wouldn't call them bonkers either....if they have the money that is. What does make me cringe though is when people get into debt over it.

We had our honeymoon in the states too! A month there sounds awesome!

I'd also defend the right of anyone to spend their own money in any way they wish. People have different spending priorities.


What really infuriates me is when I read threads from people who patently can't afford it. Often they have a subsidised home, some children, and often debts as well but then they write that they're planning a fancy wedding. I don't pay my taxes towards the benefit system (which I gladly do for those in genuine need) for people to have fancy weddings.


To OP, I'd say go for the cheapest option if you have to but if you really love each other then try to make it a bit special too.

littlemiss_pretty

I am planning a wedding myself and just the venues alone (dry hire) is costing me between £2000-£3000 Food is coming up to £5000 with decorations. Wish I could just go the registry office and do it simply but being from an asian family I have to do the whole lot.