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How to Reduce the Cost of Your Wedding: Tips from Bredenbury Court Barns

Weddings are expensive affairs in the United Kingdom. The average cost of a wedding is £27,000, and that’s not including the honeymoon! There are many ways to reduce the cost of your wedding, however, and we at Bredenbury Court Barns would like to share some tips with you. In this blog post, we will discuss why weddings are so expensive, how to budget for your big day and some ideas on how to save money without compromising on quality. We hope that this information will help you have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank!

Average wedding costs are often high because couples want to create a memorable event that their guests will talk about for years to come. While there is nothing wrong with this goal, it is important to remember that your wedding day is about you and your spouse-to-be, not about impressing others.

With this in mind, you can save a lot of money by scaling back on some of the more extraneous details. For example, do you really need to have a five-tiered wedding cake or can you get by with a simple two- or three-tier design? Do you need to have live music at your reception or will a DJ suffice? These are just some of the questions you should ask yourselves as you begin planning your wedding.

When it comes to budgeting for your big day, it is important to be realistic. Have a frank discussion with your partner about what you can afford to spend and be sure to factor in all of the major expenses, such as the cost of the venue, catering, transportation, etc. Once you have a solid understanding of your budget, you can begin looking for ways to save money.

One way to save money on your wedding is to host the event during the off-season. For example, winter weddings can often be cheaper than summer weddings as there is less demand for venues and services. Another way to save money is to have your wedding on a Friday or Sunday, as opposed to a Saturday. While this may not be ideal for all, it is a wedding budget secret that can save you a lot of money!

At Bredenbury Court Barns, we understand that your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. We also understand that weddings can be expensive. That is why we offer a variety of services and packages to suit every budget. Whether you are looking for a simple ceremony or a more extravagant affair, we can help you create the wedding of your dreams without costing a fortune. Contact us today to learn more!

Plated wedding breakfast

The Ultimate Wedding Budgeting Guide:

Weddings are expensive. There’s no doubt about it. But there are ways to keep the cost down without compromising on quality or your vision for the big day. Here are our top tips when it comes to costing a wedding:

Set a budget and stick to it:

This is easier said than done, but it’s important to have a realistic idea of how much you can afford to spend on your wedding. Once you have a number in mind, start looking for ways to save money without sacrificing the things that are most important to you.

Have a smaller guest list:

One of the biggest expenses associated with weddings is food and drink. By cutting down on the number of guests, you can save a significant amount of money. If you’re worried about offending people by not inviting them, consider having a smaller ceremony followed by a larger reception or vice versa. This will mean they can still sign your wedding guest book even if they don’t attend the main ceremony!

DIY where possible:

There are many aspects of weddings that can be DIYed, from the invitations to the decorations. With a little creativity and effort, you can save a lot of money by doing things yourself. One of the most important things to remember when DIYing your wedding is to start early! This will give you plenty of time to complete everything without feeling stressed. Often, creating your own wedding favours & wedding gifts can be a great way to personalise your big day whilst also saving some money.

Shop around for vendors:

Get quotes from a few different vendors before making any decisions. This will give you a better idea of what’s available and how much things should cost. Be sure to also ask about discounts or special offers that may be available. When it comes to booking suppliers for your wedding, don’t be afraid to negotiate with vendors – they want your business and are often willing to work with you on price.

Choose an off-peak date:

Wedding venues and vendors are typically cheaper during the week or in the months of January, February and March. If you’re flexible with your wedding date, you may be able to save a significant amount of money by having a winter wedding ceremony.

FAQs on Wedding Costs:

How much does the average UK wedding cost?

The average wedding cost in the UK is £27,000. This includes the venue, food and drink, decorations, flowers, wedding dress, music, photography, and more. If you’re looking to have a smaller or more intimate wedding, however, the cost will be significantly less. A recent survey found that the average cost of a small wedding is £12,000.

Who pays for what at a wedding?

Traditionally, the bride’s family pays for the majority of the wedding expenses. This includes the cost of the venue, food and drink, decorations, flowers, music, and photography. The groom’s family typically pays for the bride’s wedding dress, as well as their own travel and accommodation expenses. The bride and groom are responsible for paying for their own wedding rings, as well as the cost of the honeymoon.

The average cost of a wedding dress:

The average cost of a wedding dress in the UK is £1000. If you are looking to save money on your wedding dress, there are a few things you can do:

Firstly, try shopping at bridal sample sales or trunk shows. These are events where designers sell off their samples or excess stock at a discounted price. This is a fantastic way to find a designer dress for a fraction of the cost.

You can also look for second-hand wedding dresses online or in consignment shops. Some brides love to keep their wedding dresses, whereas others are happy to sell them on for a fraction of the price… All we know is that this is a great way to save money on your dream dress!

Another option is to borrow a dress from a friend or family member. This can be a great way to save money, as well as be sentimental. Some families have traditions where they pass down wedding dresses from one generation to the next, so why not ask and start that tradition for your family?

Alternatively, you can rent a dress instead of buying one. This can be a great way to save money if you’re only going to wear the dress once. Most wedding dress rental companies will allow you to rent the dress for a fraction of the price of buying it outright.

A realistic budget for a wedding:

Gone are the days where you can have a wedding for a few hundred pounds, they’re long gone in fact… If you’re looking to have a small or intimate wedding, your budget should be around £12,000. This will cover the cost of the wedding venue, food and drink, decorations, wedding flowers, music, photography, and more. If you’re wanting a larger wedding with all the bells and whistles, your budget should be closer to £27,000.

What percentage of wedding invitees attend?

The average number of guests who attend weddings is 80%. This means that if you invite 100 people to your wedding, you can expect around 80 of them to attend. However, this number can vary depending on the size and location of your wedding, as well as the time of year that it takes place.

How much do wedding flowers cost?

The average cost of wedding flowers is £500. This includes the bride’s bouquet, as well as floral arrangements for the ceremony and reception. If you’re looking to save money on your wedding flowers, consider opting for seasonal blooms or using potted plants instead of cut flowers.

How much does a wedding photographer cost?

The average cost of a wedding photographer is £1200. However, prices can vary drastically depending on the style of photography you’re looking for, as well as the number of hours you want the photographer to be present.

If you want someone with more expertise, be prepared to pay a bit more. Also, if you’re looking for a specific style of photography, such as candid or photojournalistic, you may have to pay more as well.

While thinking about costs is important, it is also important to remember that your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Be sure to factor in your overall budget, as well as what is most important to you and your fiance. Wedding photography is all you’ll have to remember your day, so be sure to choose a photographer that you love!

Some venues, like ours, also offer in-house photography services, which can be a cost-effective option. Be sure to ask about this when you’re inquiring about venues!

How much does a wedding cake cost?

The average cost of a wedding cake is £350. However, prices can vary depending on the size and design of the cake. If you’re looking to save money on your wedding cake, consider opting for a simple design or choosing cupcakes instead of a traditional tiered cake. Choosing your wedding cake is a very personal decision, so be sure to take time to explore all of your options before making a final decision.

Average wedding rings cost

Wedding ring prices can differ significantly depending on the materials used. The average cost of gold wedding rings is £500, while the average cost of platinum wedding rings is £2000. Other variables such as the size, diamond shape, band material, and engraving can also affect the cost of your wedding rings.

If you’re looking to cut costs with your wedding ring, consider opting for a less expensive metal such as silver or titanium. You can also look for second-hand wedding rings or vintage rings. These can often be found for a fraction of the cost of new rings.

Trends in wedding spending in 2023:

Wedding spending is expected to rise in 2023, with the average cost of a wedding estimated to be £30,000. This is due to a number of factors, including the rising cost of living and the increased popularity of destination weddings. Couples are also increasingly opting for more luxurious wedding experiences, such as hiring live music or ordering bespoke wedding cakes or even choosing venues abroad.

Wedding costs in the UK have been rising steadily for a number of years, but it seems that couples are finally starting to wise up to ways to save money. According to a recent survey, the average cost of a wedding in the UK is now £27,000 – a significant increase from the £21,000 price tag just a few years ago. With the average salary in the UK only just over £26,000, it’s no wonder that many couples are starting to feel the pinch when it comes to planning their big day.

Wedding transportation costs:

A common wedding cost often neglected is your wedding car and guest transportation costs. If you’re hiring a wedding car, the average cost is £250. However, this can vary depending on the type of car you’re hiring and the length of time you need it for.

Many wedding budgets often neglect to factor in the cost of guest transportation, which can be a significant expense if you have a large number of guests. Depending on the size of your wedding and the location, you may need to hire a coach or multiple vehicles to transport your guests. This can cost anywhere from £500 to £2000.

If you’re looking to save money on your wedding transportation, consider using public transport or arranging for guests to share taxis. You can also ask guests to drive themselves to the wedding if it’s within a reasonable distance.

Average Wedding Cost Verdict:

As you can see, there are a number of ways to save money on your wedding. By being mindful of your budget and choosing off-peak dates or simple designs, you can have the wedding of your dreams without breaking the bank. Bredenbury Court Barns is a beautiful, rustic venue that is perfect for intimate weddings. We offer a range of affordable packages to suit your needs and budget. Contact us today to learn more about our special offers.

Happy wedding planning from everyone at Bredenbury Court!

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