Be Creative with your Choice of Wedding Dress

Bridal shops often have sales of gowns, and you may be able to make good savings on end of season lines. Consider visiting one of the major wedding shows that take place in London, Glasgow and Birmingham; many of the bridal wear suppliers here sell off their previous season's gowns at less than half price.

You may also find the perfect wedding dress for you amongst the bridesmaid dresses, or even the women's eveningwear section of a department store.

Another good option is to look in the local newspaper and national wedding magazines for second hand dresses. Very often wedding and bridesmaid's dresses are advertised for sale at remarkable reductions from their original sale price.

Cutting the Cake Costs

The cake might seem like an important consideration; however, most people only see the small piece on their plate at the reception, and the photographs afterwards.

Think about having a single-tier cake iced in the traditional manner, and used for the 'cutting of the cake' part of the reception. Behind the scenes, you could also have a traditional home-made cake which is top-iced only, with no fancy decoration. Both cakes can be cut and offered to guests at the end of the reception. This could halve the cost of your cake.

Be Flexible with your Location Choice

If you are prepared to be open to the choice of reception venue, you may be able to save a great deal of money. Local halls or community centres will be a fraction of the price of more lavish venues. You could also consider using a hotel that will not charge, as their fee is within the cost of the food.

Another option is to have the wedding at home, but be careful: this option won't cut costs if you have to bring in additional toilet facilities, seating, lighting, etc.

Save on Catering

The cheapest way of feeding your guests is to provide a sandwich buffet or canapés for a cocktail party. The most expensive is a three-course, sit-down banquet.

The choice of catering depends upon the time of day that the wedding is to take place. A simple morning brunch will cost you far less than a full 3 course evening dinner. And there will usually be far less alcohol consumed before lunchtime ... depending on your guests of course!

Another option would be to serve old favourites such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. You might even consider hiring a fish and chip van to cater for you!

Crop your Photography Bill

One important thing to remember about your wedding photographs is that you will have them for the rest of your life. If you would like a professional photographer, but feel that the cost is too great, employ the best that you can, but use their minimum service - which should cover leaving the bride's home, the formal photographs before and after the ceremony and up to the cutting of the cake.

Delay the Honeymoon

Another way to spread the cost of your wedding is to honeymoon sometime after the wedding date itself. This will give you time to settle down after all the excitement, get used to married life, and still give you something to look forward to.

Ask for Help from your Friends

Do not be afraid to ask for help with the cost of your wedding by asking for something that you need as a wedding gift. If your cousin has a suitable car, ask if he could drive it for you on the day as his wedding present; if your Aunt is excellent at making cakes, ask her to present you with a wedding cake as a gift.

People will be only too pleased to help, and they will be happy to think that they can give you something that nobody else can, rather than just another toaster or set of glasses!