Top 10 Tips for a Wedding on a budget

Has the cost-of-living crisis put a dampener on your wedding plans? Do you feel you've waved goodbye to your dream wedding? Think again...

You can still have the most wonderful and special wedding day without breaking the bank. Here are our top 10 tips:

Decide on an affordable budget and stick to it. It's really easy to get carried away with adding a few extras here and there which can add ££££'s to the cost!
Most wedding venues charge significantly less for a midweek wedding - as long as you give your guests plenty of notice so that they can book the time off, this can be a real cost saving.
Catering can be one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, particularly if you are looking at a formal three course wedding breakfast. And, let's face it, with limited menu choices to offer your guests you're not going to keep everyone happy. Instead, look at buffet options. Cold finger buffets are much less expensive, more informal and generally have something on offer that everyone will enjoy. If you want something hot, you could consider a visit from a food truck offering popular street food. It's important to note that not all venues will allow you the freedom to select your choice of caterer, so be sure to ask that question when you visit.
Still on the subject of food, if you arrange a wedding ceremony later in the day, say 3pm or 4pm, you will only really need to feed your guests once.
Get creative! If your chosen wedding venue allows it, why not save a bundle by providing and decorating the room yourself. It requires a bit of work surfing the internet to find what you like and will mean putting aside plenty of time to create your decorations. However, think how rewarding this will be and, you will have something totally unique! If you decide to do this, it's strongly recommended that you get a team together to help you to set up your decorations and clear away at the end of the night.
Upcycle or hire - rather than splashing out on wedding gowns, suits and bridesmaid outfits and accessories, why not consider hiring or finding pre-loved bargains. This is a real cost saver and kinder on the environment too.
Skip the pre-paid drinks. Paying out for reception arrival drinks, drinks for a toast and table wine is going to challenge that budget and, although it's a lovely gesture, your choices are not always appreciated by your guests. Your friends and family are just delighted to be celebrating your special day with you and will be quite happy buying their own tipple from the bar.
Music and Entertainment - if your venue offers hire of their PA system, you'll save around hundreds on hiring a disco. Simply put a playlist together with all your favourite tracks!
Wedding cake - you can be sure that most couples have a family member or a friend that's a fantastic baker. The chances are they will offer to make your wedding cake as a gift.
And finally (but most importantly), choose your wedding venue carefully. Many venues dictate that you must use their preferred suppliers and they may have an in-house caterer that you are compelled to use. Consider looking for venues that offer a 'dry hire' and allow you the freedom to select suppliers of your choice and budget.

So, there you have it! It's official that fabulous weddings don't need to cost a small fortune!

Contact the team at Town Hall Great Yarmouth today for more information and prices on affordable weddings at our stunning Grade II listed venue.

by telephone to 01493 846154
by email to events@great-yarmouth.gov.uk