Let’s have a look at ways you can have budget friendly weddings with International celebrant Rosie Anstey.
Let’s look at your ceremony
I understand that weddings can be expensive and that most people are working to a budget. However you still want your day to be magical and perfect. Because of this, I offer budget friendly wedding ideas and ceremonies which range from de-luxe ceremonies to simple ceremonies and elopements.
As a member of the UK Society of Celebrants I have trained to the highest standards. When you book me your ceremony will be tailored to you. You may want a traditional, romantic, religious, non-religious or same sex ceremony, I cover all of those including inter faith. For those of you who want something completely different you may choose a themed and fun ceremony.
Every ceremony is “Custom” which means from the welcome to the vows, and ring exchange, to the pronouncement to everything else. Firstly I guide you through the options. Afterwards, we work together in a personal planning session. This means you have the ceremony you have always wanted.
I tell your love story. “Personal” means (and this is the best part!) I’m not just pulling platitudes out of a can from the wedding I did the week before.
There is unquestionably magic in how you met, became engaged, and love each other. Therefore there is even more magic in telling your family and friends your love story on your wedding day.
“Unique” means I offer special elements to make your day even more memorable and amazing. From helping you choose the right location, to delivering the ceremony of your dreams. You will have your day just the way you want it. Therefore, all you have to do is use your imagination, and following your dreams, together we will make it happen.
Based in Cyprus in the Mediterranean I not only perform ceremonies here. I am available travel internationally to perform wedding, vow renewal, and civil ceremonies. I work mainly in the Mediterranean countries as well as Turkey, UK and Greek Islands. Because I’m licensed, I am able perform legal marriages in the USA.
I understand that you are looking for budget friendly weddings so contact me to discuss your vision for your special day and let’s chat about the options.
Pick your wedding day
You can get your perfect location for a lot less by choosing not to get married on a Saturday or having a wedding out of season.
According to Bridebook’s UK Wedding Report 2023. Some 17% marry on a Friday and 8% of couples opt for Sunday which saves money and gives you more options.
Reduce the guest list
Cutting down on the guest list is another way to keep costs down. But tread carefully, you don’t want to upset people.
When you choose to marry abroad, by making the commitment to come your guests really want to be at your wedding.
Choose a unique wedding venue
It is not necessary to have your big day in a conventional or licensed location when you have a celebrant led ceremony, therefore you have options.
For instance in the UK , pubs, campsites, village halls and even sports clubs can make lovely, inexpensive wedding venues. You can have your ceremony virtually anywhere.
Consider renting a big holiday property, or private villa that doubles as a wedding venue and accommodation can also be a great way to save money. Just remember to get permission from the owner. This is a very viable option in many countries across the globe.
Consider wedding packages
When considering having a ceremony abroad tour operators have special packages available.
Many wedding venues offer packages that include food and drinks.
- This can cut costs and can sometimes work out cheaper than booking everything yourself.
- It is worth comparing them with the total cost of a venue hire plus a local caterer’s fee.
Buy your own drinks.
Most wedding venues charge “corkage” if you bring your own alcohol, but sourcing at least some of it from a wholesaler or supermarket can save you money.
- Say a bottle of house champagne costs £75 with the wedding supplier or if you bought your own, the “corkage” per bottle would be £20
- By buying the highly rated drinks rather than the known brands you can save you money.
Cut your hair, beauty and make-up costs
In the UK local hairdressing, beauty or training schools often offer special deals for brides and bridesmaids. You might even get it done for free. Check out the local training schools for the area you want to get married.
Another option is to get you make up done at a department store beauty counter – or just do it yourself. (Although in a hot climate with humidity that might not be such a great option).
Ask local salons if they have any offers and check out beauty and nail treatments that you can do yourself at home.
Organise an event at home where you invite your friends over. Give each other facials, pedicures etc, and have a relaxed and fun time together.
Save money on your dress
Modern brides do not have to stick to convention.
- Specialist dress suppliers are not the only places to look.
- Check out the evening dress shops because they will have some amazing options.
- Look for bridesmaid dresses from your favourite designers because they can work out a lot more budget friendly.
If you do want a conventional wedding dress – look in the sales!
Buying second is a way to get the wedding dress of your dreams without draining your bank balance.
- Wedding websites such as Preloved have loads of options.
- Oxfam also have bridal departments around the country. You can find a wide range of dresses, some of which are brand new.
If you are really working on a tight budget consider borrowing bridesmaids dresses. Do any of your friends or colleagues have a large wardrobe of evening or event wear ? Modern brides do not have to stick to convention – it’s your day and you set the rules.
Become creative.
You don’t have to have wedding stationery from printers or shops.
- Design and print your own invitations using online services such as Wedding Chicks and Etsy.
- If you want people to save the date, just send them a Whatsapp, text or email.
Making your own decorations can be fun and save you a lot of money.
- Check out Pinterest for ideas.
- You could even try finding your own wedding flowers. Check out Temu, E-bay and local wholesalers.
- Make your own wedding favours, ask your friends and family to help you.
Photo booths have become very popular.
- Try this idea …You can collect hilarious pictures by simply putting a tablet computer on a tripod to capture those fun shots.
- Check out fancy dress shops, or charity shops for some silly hats.
Who do you know?
Does your guest list include a florist, chef, hairdresser, or photographer? Or is one of your family members a talented baker or DJ?
Maybe they would gift their time rather than buying a wedding gift.
Think outside the box when it comes to catering for a budget friendly wedding .
You do not have to stick to convention. BBQ’s can prove delicious and your party could be even more fun than having a sit down meal.
- If you would rather stick to more traditional wedding food, passing on the wedding breakfast and providing a buffet is a lot cheaper than putting on a three-course meal.
- Consider the time of year and location. Have you thought of an Ice Cream stand for a summer wedding. The kids will love it.
- Some couples have their ceremony in the morning because it is less expensive to serve a breakfast or lunch to their guests.
Fake the cake
Big tiered wedding cakes that cost hundreds of pounds often go to waste.
- Some couples in have started “faking” a big wedding cake. By using fake blocks which are decorated to create the lower layers you can save yourself a great deal of money
- Another budget friendly wedding idea tip is buying a basic cake and decorating it yourself. Check out supermarkets for cakes that you can decorate yourself.
- Cheese wheels are a fantastic alternative to a conventional cake.
- Local patisseries abroad have some great options that don’t cost the earth.
Think about your gift list
It can be awkward asking friends and family for money instead of a wedding gift.
Have you considered asking for travel or store vouchers e.g. from John Lewis ?
- In some European countries, giving cash is normal. In Greece and Cyprus it is the custom to pin money on the bride and groom. In Italy money is nearly always given to the wedding couple in an envelope.
What are your priorities.
Discuss your priorities with your partner because you both want to agree on what is most important at your wedding. For instance,
Firstly, Is it great photographs?
Secondly, is it fantastic sit down meal?
Thirdly, is having a Big wedding gown a priority ?
Whatever your priorities, make a list and have a look where you can make some savings if you want a budget friendly wedding.
Is it less expensive to get married abroad ?
Firstly, the average cost of a wedding abroad is £11,099, according to comparison website money.co.uk. Therefore getting married abroad offers you budget friendly options as well as guaranteed good weather in some locations. Of course, this will depend on the destination and how lavish you want to be. Because the average cost of a UK wedding is around £18,000 many couples look to combine their wedding and honeymoon by having their wedding abroad.
Secondly, weddings abroad are often cheaper because there are fewer guests, and you can make it a holiday – honeymoon too.
Take into account fluctuations in currency though as this can mean prices go up or down unexpectedly.
Thirdly, avoid peak season. This will vary depending on the country you want to have your wedding.
If you have your wedding and honeymoon in the same location it can work out cheaper. In conclusion, when marrying abroad check out the local national holidays. Weekday weddings are often easier to plan and more budget friendly.
Wedding cancellation insurance. Should we buy it?
It’s a good idea to buy wedding insurance. You never know what unexpected circumstances mean that you have to change your plans.
Make sure you read the small print before buying an insurance policy as some might not cover you for very last minute emergencies.
Travel Insurance.
I would always recommend buying medical and travel insurance when travelling abroad. Shop around for the best cover and deals.
Can a wedding planner save me money on a budget friendly wedding?
It depends on the help you need. Are you good at organising ? Do you have the time to organise everything yourself?
It is always a good idea to speak to a local because they understand how everything works. When choosing to marry abroad customs and expectations can vary so be specific about what you want for instance timings, levels of service and standards of catering.
Some planners charge a flat fee, whilst others make a charge of 15%-20% of the services you book.
Consider a partial wedding planner to save money. They can take a lot of stress out of your day and they know the local suppliers.
Therefore a wedding planner can help you save money if you want a budget friendly wedding because:
- Recommending the right suppliers to fit your budget
- Minimising costs by giving you alternative ideas
- Cutting out the stress.
- They understand how to organise everything so your day runs smoothly.
How about a themed wedding ?
If you have a passion in life consider having a themed ceremony. Some couples love certain music, films or books and have their wedding theme built around that.
Check out the ceremonies and services I offer please click on the link.www.cypruscelebrant.com
