Recent research by Barclays has found that 29% of Brits find budgeting for their wedding to be the hardest part of getting married. Collectively, Brits break the budget by almost two billion pounds a year. With this in mind luxury wedding planner Mark Niemierko shares his top tips on how to create your perfect wedding- whatever your budget.
Weddings on Female First
Mark said: "I've worked in the wedding planning world for over a decade and have observed my fair share of pre-wedding quarrels. There are certain pressures that affect all couples in the run up to their wedding and sticking to a budget is high on that list for most- even high society couples and celebrities. Everyone wants to create a beautiful and unique day that is memorable for both them and their guests, but doing this while sticking to a budget can be a real challenge. I'm often asked for my top tips and tricks for planning the perfect wedding, and first and foremost, I am a big believer in making what you've got work for you. You definitely don't need to break the bank to have the perfect day".
Think about the different stages of your wedding - from ceremony to dinner to dancing - and make each of them your own
Don't make your guests wait - at the bar, outside the loos, for transport - make sure it keeps moving and everything is easy
The most important ingredient at a wedding is the guest list, so put loads of thought into who you invite and where they sit to make sure everyone has an amazing time, then you will too!
Why not turn the cake cutting into a big event! Get the band to start playing, hand out confetti and make it into a moment that brings everyone together
A slate tile with colourful cakes (e.g. macaroons) is an easy way to add colour and wow for a wedding
City weddings are often cheaper because suppliers are on your doorstep. Lots of couples don't consider the additional expenses or arranging suppliers for a wedding in a remote field, where they may have to pay for accommodation and travel on top of everything else
Be brave when trying on wedding dresses - try lots of different styles
Marquees are the most expensive option - avoid them unless you have a big budget
Ditch the hotel ballroom (and whopping room hire fee) - take over a restaurant for your reception
Break with tradition - instead of hosting an expensive meal, have a standing reception with fun canapes
Candles, candles, candles - use them instead of expensive flowers for that magical sparkle
Keep your guests guessing - never have your dining room set up with an empty stage or an empty dancefloor
Reuse flowers from the ceremony as table centres for the reception - practical and budget-saving
You can always tell a good wedding from the loos - fill them with toiletries and products for your guests
Add a personal note for that extra touch - why not create bespoke ribbons with your names on
Your wedding is yours, make it your own - don't follow peer pressure or Pinterest too much!
This week, Barclays launches an online personal finance hub, Financial Wings, designed to give people the knowledge and confidence to take control of their money.