You hear talk of weddings costing on average £16,000 but not everyone can afford that and there is no need to spend so much, especially in these credit crunch times.  You can get everything from the dress to the jewellery cheaper if you organise in advance and look around.  As far as jewellery is concerned, there are wedding and engagement rings to suit every pocket.

The internet should be your first port of call – check out wedding dresses, photographers and jewellers.  Don’t forget eBay – you can pick up a gorgeous wedding dress or bridesmaid’s dress there for very little money.  There are lots of jewellers on line too with very reasonable prices – most will supply you with a ring gauge, so you can work out your exact size.  Check out the high street stores too – they often have sales, especially in mid-summer and just after Christmas.  You could bag yourself a bargain if you time it right.

 Remember local knowledge is good.  Ask around for the best florists and photographers and try if possible to speak to anyone who has recently been involved in a wedding.  Also ask about prices.  Don’t be frightened to negotiate.  In these credit crunch times, the professionals are just pleased to have your business and will probably bend over backwards to help.  Tell them how much you’re willing to pay.

Look around at all the local hotels.  Compare their prices and ask about any deals.  If possible, don’t be rushed into a decision.  Take time to consider all the possibilities.  As for the wedding cake, ask around too.  Maybe someone you know is a fantastic baker.  Or you can sometimes order cakes from High Street stores – they will make it to order for you.  Don’t feel you always have to go to a specialist.

On the internet, there are websites devoted to weddings on the cheap.  Visit all these.  Arm yourself with as much information as possible before making any decisions.

A source of family arguments can be the guest list and here you have to take control.  Inform your family that the numbers have to be limited.  Don’t be bullied into inviting everyone vaguely related to you or everyone your mother has ever known.  It’s your wedding after all.  If you wish a small wedding with only close family and a few friends, then draw up a list and stick to it.  Remind everyone politely that it’s your wedding.

After all, wouldn’t you rather have more money to spend on a honeymoon or on your house, rather than a wedding with guests whom you only ever see every 10 years or so ….. And may never see again?

Have fun and enjoy that credit crunch wedding!  The rest of your life as a couple lies ahead of you.