Weddings, for many, aren’t the grand affair they used to
Weddings, for many, aren’t the grand affair they used to be. Where once the happy couple could rely on the not-so-happy parents to foot the bill, nowadays many couples have to pay for the big day themselves. Along with paying, or saving for, mortgages and deposits for homes, plus the increased cost of living, and supporting families, a lavish wedding may seem at best, an extravagance and at worst, a waste of money.
Doing it yourself doesn’t have to be all gloom and doom, though many a Bridezilla might tell you otherwise.
From outdoor solar lights to getting your friends working, here are some tips to make your day bigger and better without breaking the bank:
Location, location, location
Find somewhere that you love to hold the ceremony and the party. They could be in the same place or two separate places. Choose a field, or pull in favours from friends in high places.
Get themed up
If your choice of location is a bit off-beat, create the day to fit around it. Holding the party in a local church hall for example, lends itself beautifully to a retro and vintage feeling affair. Think how much fun you will have finding an original dress or suit!
Pull in help from all sides
Instead of getting rubbish presents you could ask people to do specific tasks. One friend could DJ, another could do flowers, and perhaps another can help with food. It’s important to choose people you can rely on, and also get enough people to help so that your mate Jack isn’t stuck pouring drinks all night while everyone else is on the dancefloor.
Details are everything
Don’t skimp on alcohol and get the best food you can afford. Flowers, tablecloths and decoration are important too. Consider lighting: solar garden lights will make the outside useable, and given that smoking is no longer legal inside public spaces, any outdoor solar lights will make smokers comfortable and less likely to light up inside. Using solar garden lights will give your wedding a green theme, which can be continued by ensuring you recycle and buy local and organic where you can.

