Saving for yourWedding Day

The benefits of hiring an alternative venue for your wedding

• You can get it at a much cheaper price – Some of these venues are free to use while others come with a much lower cost to rent out.
• You can arrange your own caterers – That means you get to eat exactly what you fancy and can find a supplier at a price that suits your budget.
• You can bring your own booze – That means no corkage fees and you can buy what you need from cheaper supermarkets or wholesalers. Just ensure you check it has a license to serve alcohol first!
• You decide the decor – You’ll need to arrange everything from chair sashes to napkins and will need to ask for help from the whole wedding party to get the place ready but you’ll have total control over how your venue looks.
• There are few limitations – It’s unlikely you’ll have to turn the music off at 11 pm and you can serve alcohol you’ve purchased yourself.

Things to remember when looking into alternative venues

You will need to ask permission

You may need to ask permission from whoever owns the venue if there is no set way of booking it. You’ll also need to check if there is anywhere people should specifically park or, if it’s a field, if the owner allows people to camp there.

You may need to have a humanist ceremony

If you want to have a ceremony at an unlicensed venue you can do this, but bear in mind it won’t be legal and binding.

Humanist celebrants can conduct a ceremony that looks and feels exactly like a “real” wedding: you can exchange rings, say vows and sign a certificate but you will need to organise a separate legal ceremony at a register office if being legally wed is as important to you as a symbolic marriage.

This can be done relatively cheaply if you arrange to have a ceremony with just yourself and your betrothed, and two witnesses present.

Get it in writing

Local village halls and more unusual venues that require permission may not automatically provide you with a contract or written agreement confirming the date of your wedding. Make sure you get written confirmation that you are allowed to use the venue, along with the duration you can use it for, and any restrictions that may be in place.

Alternative wedding venue ideas

A back garden

This could be your own, your parents or a family or friend’s back garden. It’s free to use (hopefully!) plus you’ll have basic requirements close by such as toilets, a power supply, and running water.

It’s a great location for an easy going wedding. You can have a marquee set up to keep everyone under cover, organise a caterer to come in and cook a delicious meal and play music until late for everyone to dance to. Plus, set up an arch and lay out the chairs and you can even have your ceremony in the space.

What to think about when using a back garden as a wedding venue

• Is there enough space? You may need to limit your guest list, depending on the size of the garden.
• Where will you get chairs and tables from? You’ll need to think about chairs or benches for the ceremony and where will people sit to eat if you’re providing food? You may need to hire chairs and tables or ask friends and family if they have any furniture you can borrow for the day.
• What will the weather be like? If you want good weather for your wedding, then it’s best to plan it in the summer months. June to August doesn’t guarantee dry weather but does improve your chances of enjoying a warmer day.
• Can you get the vendors in? If you’re hiring out a bar, can they get through the gate and into the garden? Think about access and if this will affect organising people on the day.
• Does it need any work doing beforehand? Is it a blank canvas with a large lawn or are there elements that need moving or installing before the wedding to ensure it goes without a hitch? Consider this before you decide.
• Are there enough bathrooms? You’ll likely need at least two, to ensure there aren’t any massive queues later in the night.

A village hall or community centre

These spaces are made for parties and if they’re big enough can accommodate a ceremony, dinner and reception. Before hotels stole the show, the local village hall was all the rage as a wedding venue in the 70s and 80s. A wedding in a village hall will definitely be a more hands-on affair, as you’ll need to decorate the venue and set up the chairs and tables, but get your wedding party involved and you’ll be done in no time.

Village halls typically cost a couple of hundred pounds to hire out and you can ask for access the day before and the day after to set up and pack away. Plus, if it’s local you can walk to and from the venue! No need to worry about expensive wedding cars and transporting guests.

What to think about when using a village hall as a wedding venue

• Is it large enough? Village halls can vary enormously in size. Some larger halls can accommodate hundreds of people, but you really need to think about how much space you will have and how many guests you can comfortably squeeze in for a sit-down or buffet meal. That said, most regular wedding venues can only seat around 60 people, so unless you’re planning a guest-list in the hundreds, you shouldn’t need to cut back too much.
• Where will the vendors go? If you’re hiring a caterer and a bar, you’ll need to speak to both to find out what they need to do to prepare and serve food and drink for your guests and make sure your venue has a space where they can do their job.
• Are there time limits for music? Many village halls are in residential areas and have to consider local residents. So it is worth checking if they have a curfew for music and closing the hall before you book the venue and make sure that the times will suit the party you are planning.
• Will it be cleaned before you arrive? Check if the hall will be cleaned thoroughly before you set up and how much you may need to pay for this.
• Is there parking? Most offer some parking, but you may also need to ask local businesses if your guests can use their spaces if they’re situated close by, to ensure they aren’t blocking the road.

Field or piece of land

An empty field is a perfect base for a festival inspired wedding. Encourage guests to turn up in their best festival dress, wellies and play the music loud once the evening rolls around.

Hire a marquee to shelter everyone for dinner and host the ceremony outside featuring fun streamers and plenty of glitter.

What to think about when using a field as a wedding venue

• Do you have permission? Whether it’s public or private you will need permission from the owner before you proceed. Allow plenty of time to organise this to avoid being let down at the last minute!
• Is it suitable for a wedding? Is the ground even and dry or does it need some prep before you set up?
• Is it private? You don’t want the general public to access your wedding and crash the party, so a location that’s out of the way and not readily accessible to the public is a good choice.
• What facilities are there? Will you need to think about things like hiring out toilets or electrical outlets? Or is there somewhere you can access these?

Museum

What could be cooler than getting married in a museum or gallery venue, perhaps somewhere you and your partner went on a first date? Say ‘I do’ on magnificently tiled floors, surrounded by art, history and maybe even dinosaurs!

There are a wide range of museums in the UK that offer wedding packages; we’ve listed a few that you might not have thought of below.

National Railway Museum, North Yorkshire

Fan of train rides with your loved one? Host your wedding in this stunning setting. For those with large families, it can accommodate up to 500 people!

Great North Museum, Hancock

Get married under a T-Rex in this stunning location with a gorgeous dining space and room for 400 guests. It’s a licensed venue, too.

River and Rowing Museum, Henley on Thames

This quaint museum is ideal for smaller weddings and sits on the River Thames, offering a gorgeous backdrop for those all-important photos on the day.

Clifton Observatory, Bristol

With a terrace rooftop offering 360° views of the city, banqueting rooms and the choice of a tower or the unique Giant’s Cave. This can hold 20 people and overlooks the Avon Gorge, with a viewing platform to say your vows. It’s a venue your guests will remember for years to come.

Forest area

A ceremony under a natural canopy of trees and birdsong as the accompanying music can be incredibly romantic. Bring in a bar and a caterer that can set up anywhere, and you have a party after you’ve said ‘I do’.

You could organise an intimate humanist ceremony, with just a few close family friends in a wooded area near your wedding reception location. You’ll enjoy the natural beauty in a place that is special to you and your partner for a lower price than a traditional venue.

What to consider when planning a ceremony in a forest area

• Is it secluded? Consider if the location is on a public path or whether you can keep things private and out of the way.
• Is it suitable? Does the area need any prep, for example, is it muddy or overgrown? You may need to clear some elements.
• Are there facilities close by? Are there toilets and electrical outlets available or will you need to find a way to supply these?

Restaurant

Who says you have to hire out a whole hotel for your wedding reception? Once the ceremony is done - whether you’ve opted for a religious venue or a register office setting - you can simply head to a restaurant you love for dinner with your nearest and dearest.

Many restaurants offer a private room to rent out with everything you need, so you won’t have the public encroaching on your celebrations, but it may mean a reduced guest list. If you’re inclined, you can then move onto a bar for drinks and dancing in your fancy clothes. Plus, you won’t need to worry about background music, decorating the tables or elements like linen and cutlery as it is all provided for you.

How to book a restaurant for a wedding reception

Whether you love Italian food, prefer to tuck into a Mexican feast or like to keep it traditional with pub grub, speak to your favourite restaurant about how they can accommodate you.

Chances are they’ll be delighted that you want to celebrate such a special occasion with them! It’s likely that the price to rent out a space at the back or a large table is much cheaper than a full wedding reception location. Then you can meet up with everyone else later and celebrate!

The garden wedding

Nothing is more classic and chic than all white linen on tables outside, twinkling lights as dusk draws in and lots of gorgeous natural greenery. Garden themed and outdoor weddings are rising in popularity so if you’re having your special day in a large outdoor space, such as your parent’s garden or even a field, here are some tips to help you create that stunning scene for less.

• Pick up foliage from the supermarket, local market or friends or families gardens – You can easily place branches of greenery on the tables, pick up bouquets of foliage from the supermarket or take the secateurs out into the garden.
• Keep things simple – Basic white tablecloths and napkins create a clean minimalist look and should come with a lower price, whether you’re organising your own or within a linens package.
• Drape sheer curtains over tables – Pick up some simple sheer curtains and drape these over the tables for an elegant feel that doesn't cost a lot. You can grab these for around £7 a pair, from a homeware store such as Dunelm.
• Use solar fairy lights – You can buy packs of these for a low price on sites such as Amazon or eBay and they can be wound around tree branches, laid along pathways and woven in between decor on tables to create a whimsical, magical vibe. Plus, being solar powered, you won’t need to worry about trailing wires and finding power sockets.

The rustic aesthetic

Woodland vibes, natural greenery and lace embellishments make rustic wedding themes timelessly popular. Hessian fabrics, chopped wood and wildflowers create a theme inspired by the shabby chic and natural world.

• Create hessian table runners – Hessian fabric is relatively inexpensive for large quantities, grab a roll and cut a long strip to go across the head table to add that rustic, country vibe.
• Buy seasonal flowers – Flowers in season are generally cheaper and easier to come by at local markets or the supermarket.
• Keep an eye out for felled trees – Councils do regular maintenance along roadsides, look out for any tree cutters in your neighbourhood and ask if you can take away any large branches or even logs to use in your wedding decor.
• Recycle pallets, old baskets and crates – Friends and family may be able to help you source some of these items - your Gran may have a wooden crate in the shed you can borrow, for example, or perhaps your mum has an old wooden wheelbarrow you can use outside. You could even speak to your local garden centre about taking away a pallet or two that they’ve received with a delivery - these look great with table plans pinned to them or as a welcome board.
• Opt for a “naked” wedding cake – Not only can these cakes cost less as there is no fondant or decoration but they can be quickly dressed with fresh fruits and flowers yourself for a stunning, natural vibe.
• Feature pinecones, acorns and conkers – Bring the outside in and create table decor for very little. Pinecones look sweet with a card label attached featuring the person’s name, while acorns and conkers look cute scattered across the tables.

The geeky vibe

Are you and your partner big gaming fans? Love comic books? Or are you major film buffs? Adding a personalised touch and creating a theme doesn’t have to be expensive - here are some ideas for cheap ways to introduce a theme into your special day while still sticking to the budget.

• Create confetti out of comics or pages from your favourite book – These look effective when spread across the tables, all you need is a heart-shaped hole punch, a strong arm and some time. Pick up a copy of the book or comics you don’t mind destroying then get punching to create confetti that can be recycled too!
• Ask guests to create the table centrepieces – Fill a bowl with LEGO™ building bricks and leave a note asking guests to make their own creative centrepieces! Fun for them, less effort for you and you can either keep their creations or pop the bricks back in the box at home.
• Create your own cake toppers – No need to opt for the usual Mr and Mrs style topper, have fun with dinosaur toys spray painted gold (with an added Sharpie bow tie if there is a groom), a LEGO™ wedding couple, or Funko Pops of your favourite characters sat on top of the cake.
• Have fun with table settings – LOTR fans? Buy basic napkin rings, spray paint them gold then carefully copy Elvish script onto them or create Harry Potter inspired wands with sticks, hot glue and some paint.

A colourful affair

Rainbow themed weddings are rising in popularity as more and more couples want to celebrate their sexuality or add vibrant colour to their big day. If you’re erring towards featuring a wide palette of colours within your theme, here are some ways to do it for less.

• Create your own streamers – You’ll see coloured streamers all over Pinterest wedding boards, these pretty additions add a simple but cheery touch to wedding venues. Create yours by taking tissue paper, cutting this into long strips and securing it to a long piece of fishing wire or string.
• Have a range of flowers – Don’t just stick to one colour when it comes to bouquets, feature all varieties, sizes and shades. Each groomsman can also wear a different coloured buttonhole on their suit to create a fun rainbow effect. You can find out how to make your own buttonholes here, in our DIY guide.
• Choose different coloured bridesmaid dresses – Have a lot of bridesmaids? Get them to each pick a colour of the rainbow and choose a dress in that shade for the day. They can be similar in length and style but they’ll create a stunning visual when grouped together in photos.
• Feature balloons – Multi-coloured balloons grouped together on tables create a striking effect, add height to the room and look amazing in photos, plus they’re relatively inexpensive to source. Have some on stand by for your wedding shoot with your new husband or wife after the ceremony.
• Add food colouring to floral table displays – Feature one or two simple flowers in a jar or bottle and drop some different shades of food colouring into the water, to create a rainbow effect across the tables.
• Create watercolour table place names – Follow our DIY decorations tutorial to create table names in an array of colours.
• Add colour with napkins – If you have a blank slate, with white tablecloths and minimal decor, bring in a pop of colour with a range of coloured napkins. Create a rainbow effect around the table with one of each shade, for very little cost.

Three Pinterest inspired decor ideas on a budget

There are a range of Pinterest trends you can do for less; here are three of the most popular to try.

• The doughnut wall – Doughnut walls look great and double up as dessert, but you don’t need to pay a fortune to rent one. Look at a site such as Ginger Ray, which sells relatively cheap but stylish ways to display doughnuts from £14.99 to £24.99 - then grab the doughnuts from your nearest supermarket for 60p a packet. In total, dessert could cost you around £30!
• Personalised neon signs – Pinterest is inspiring couples to write their surname in lights. You can buy strips of bendy neon lighting that you can shape to spell out a word. Look on Amazon, Argos or eBay for kits that you can play around with to spell out your preferred word - they cost around £10 - £20 per kit.
• Flower garlands – Searches for flower garlands have increased by 1,154% on Pinterest in 2019 proving that when it comes to wedding flowers, the more the better. Pick up bunches of flowers with larger heads from the supermarket or market, think carnations, posies and gerberas, and gather these on tables and along windowsills to create a striking effect.

What to cut out of the wedding plans to save money

Don’t tell potential suppliers you need a quote for a wedding

If it’s a DJ or a caterer, tell them the quote is for a party instead of a wedding. Sometimes just mentioning the W word can up the final price.

Plan your wedding in the off-season

Wedding season - May to October - bumps up the price when it comes to venues and suppliers. We’ve looked into which times of year are the cheapest for weddings here. Save some cash and book your special day around those quieter periods.

If you really want to save money, don’t plan your wedding on a Saturday. Weekday ceremonies and receptions are much cheaper - plus your guests can book a little mini-break during the week to really enjoy themselves. Just ensure you give them plenty of notice!

Don’t be afraid to haggle with suppliers

Suppliers, from wedding photographers to florists, understand that everyone has a budget, so if you’re open and honest about the maximum you want to spend they may be able to accommodate this or even be haggled down.

We’ve written up a guide to haggling for your wedding here, with tips and tricks from real wedding suppliers.

DIY your decor

A little DIY adds a personalised touch and can save you money. Have a go at creating your own table centrepieces, whip up favours for guests to enjoy or create the table plan sign with your own two hands. Take a look at our DIY decorations guide on how to create some of the key elements for your big day on a budget.

Shop second hand

You can find second-hand wedding dresses, decor and accessories online, for a much lower price than originally purchased. Some people sell packages of wedding decor in a particular theme, as they have no reason to keep them and you could swoop in and get everything you need for a bargain. Here are some great places to look for second-hand wedding decor and clothing:

Buy your gift bouquets from the supermarket

Pick up bouquets as gifts for mothers and bridesmaids for a fraction of the price. Many cost anywhere between £5 and £20, compared to £35 - £50 from a florist and look just as lovely. You could even use these to create bunches for your bridesmaids and to feature in table arrangements and buttonholes. Click here to find out how to make your own buttonholes at home.

Swap real flowers for paper ones

Pretty card is relatively inexpensive and you can create a bouquet that lasts long after your special day.

Ask a family member or friend to help with tailoring

Having the wedding dress, suits and the bridesmaid dresses adjusted can cost a fair amount with a professional tailor but if someone close to you is a dab hand with a needle and thread, ask if they can help turn up some hems or adjust some straps.

Enlist the help of the avid family baker

It’s no secret that wedding cakes are pricey - on average they cost around £300 - so if someone you know is a great baker ask if they can help. You may not get the many-tiered cake of your Pinterest dreams, but you will get a yummy dessert made with love.

Hire glasses from your nearest supermarket

If your venue doesn’t supply glasses for dinner, head to a supermarket and ask about their glass hire service. Some require a deposit but allow you to take away glasses to use on the day to return later.

It’s cheaper than buying glasses or renting them from a dedicated supplier. The amount you can borrow varies and some locations may not offer the service so check beforehand to make sure you’re not dependent on this option!

Supermarkets that offer a glass hire service

• Morrisons – Each store can normally offer around 100 glasses, with wine glasses, tumblers, champagne flutes and sherry glasses available.
• Waitrose – You can hire out pint glasses, wine glasses and champagne flutes.
• Tesco – Available in some stores.

Look for venues that don’t charge corkage and let you bring in your own caterers

This means you can buy your own alcohol for a much lower price - saving a fair amount of money in the long run. Lidl and Aldi are great supermarkets for booze on a budget, stick to wine and beer to save more.

Finding caterers yourself can take a little longer, but the savings are worth it. Most venues charge around £40 per head for dinner, whereas an outside caterer can offer something delicious for less than half price - around £15 per head.

Plus, it gives you a little more freedom to personalise your menu based on your favourites - you could have a giant paella dish, serve up slices of pizza or have guests tuck into a yummy summer BBQ.

Skip the DJ

Create an amazing playlist and hire some speakers to play this throughout the night. Task a groomsman or bridesmaid with ensuring the music matches the mood and to control the tunes for the night.

Head to the high street for bridesmaid dresses and suits

Topshop, ASOS, River Island, New Look - you’ll find gorgeous occasion dresses and men’s suits for a much lower price than those in your local bridal shop. Plus, if it’s a high street outfit it’s likely they’ll wear it again in the future. You can even head to the high street for the wedding dress - take a look at our full guide on buying a cheaper dress here.

Look into buying a cancelled wedding package

A site such as Canceled Weddings could help you save an incredible amount of money as it sells packages at wedding venues for a lower rate to book up last minute availability and cancellations. When we say these offers are relatively last minute, we mean it - you’ll likely have a couple of months to organise everything else before the day - but the savings are huge.

Ask friends and family to bring flowers for your bouquet

The bride can either collect these as they walk down the aisle or have a flower girl or bridesmaid do this, but it’s a great way of saving money and getting the guests involved in contributing to a truly meaningful part of your day. They could be flowers from the garden, supermarket or that they’ve grown specifically for the day.

Order your cake from a supermarket

Supermarkets offer incredible cakes that can be used for your wedding. Tesco supplies a tiered cheese tower that’s great for those who want something a little different, while M&S offer gorgeous tiered cakes that you can pre-order in time for your day.

Serve your wedding cake as dessert

Save some money and have the venue or caterer serve up your cake as dessert once dinner is over - just ensure you get that special cake cutting picture beforehand!

Set up a camera to film the ceremony

Videographers can cost £1,000 at a minimum, so if your budget doesn’t stretch that far consider borrowing a camera or even a top of the range smartphone, set this up on a tripod in a spot that will cover the ceremony and capture those all-important vows. You’ll still be able to look back on it and remember that special moment and there are lots of free apps and software you can use to adjust the brightness and the sound.

Don’t print off order of service leaflets

It’s safe to say the guests will likely leave these behind once the ceremony is over or if they do take them home they’ll end up in a drawer, so if you do want to create an order of service, make a large board that they can stop to take a look at as they enter. This can be done with a large piece of card, placed on a tripod or easel.

Choose wedding shoes you’ll wear again

You can buy these to wear for work or for special occasions, bringing down the cost per wear. A tan pair of shoes that can be worn with that navy suit but also for the office work great for a groom, while a pair of heels in a shade that also complements your favourite party dress is ideal for brides.

Ask other brides if they have any decor you can borrow

You’ll likely get your hands on some pretty Just Married bunting or unused confetti or perhaps some rustic chalkboard signs to direct guests to the venue. They’ll be more than happy to lend them out, knowing their money has gone a little further, while you enjoy the savings!

Spread the cost

Don’t leave everything until the last minute, try to buy little bits here and there to spread the cost of everything from the decor to accessories. If you’re buying alcohol, pick up a bottle or two each time you go for a food shop and store it in the garage or a spare room until the day. You’ll build up what you need without having to find all the money at once. The sooner you can start picking up bits for your wedding, the better.

Things to remember when haggling with wedding suppliers

• Be respectful. These are trained professionals who are highly skilled and talented in their craft and they deserve fair compensation for their services.
• Remember, this is probably their main source of income.
• There are certain times of the year where you’ll get better discounts.
• If it sounds cheeky in your head, it probably is.
• See what extras you can get for free, instead of trying to get a discount.
• If you do get any discounts or free items, get it in writing.

When is the best time of year to haggle?

You’ll have a better chance of successfully haggling down prices if your wedding is taking place outside of the peak summer wedding season. The off-season is a slower time of year for suppliers, so not only will you likely find it easier to book in with them, they’ll be more flexible on prices when there’s less demand for their services.

We’ve rounded up the cheapest times of year to get married in this guide, so take a look to discover when is considered to be off-peak before chatting to your suppliers.

Jon Fellowes, from Last Minute Musicians says: “As is the case for many wedding suppliers, wedding bands will have their peak times of the year, and offer a better rate at the times they aren't so busy. Enquiries for January, February and March will likely receive a better rate than those over the summer. Similarly, many function bands will get busy with corporate gigs and office parties in December, and so enquiries for October and November may also receive a modest discount.”

Tips for haggling with cake makers

Wedding cake design is a fine art but you can discuss lower prices with these talented bakers and designers to save some money. Here are some ways to reduce the cost:

• Ask to only have one real cake tier – Speak to your cake designer about creating two fake tiers and one real one that can be cut and served on the day. This will save you money as they don’t need to bake two additional cakes, just decorate them with fondant.
• Avoid extravagant designs – Laborious designs that take hours to sculpt and create cost more, so keep your cake as simple as possible. A naked cake that you then decorate yourself with edible flowers at the venue is a good cost-saving concept.
• Keep the flavours basic – A victoria sponge cake or fruit cake is traditional, if you decide you want chocolate or red velvet or any other flavour it’s likely this will cost more.
• Bear in mind their cost not only covers the price of supplies but also their time, skill and training over the years – Don’t undermine this by going in too low.

Tips for haggling with your venue

Your venue could be one of the biggest expenses of your wedding, shortly followed by the food and so haggling could get you some free or cheaper elements.

If you’re getting married and having your reception in a hotel, they may be able to offer you a deal when it comes to the room if you agree to fill so many you could get your room for the night for free.

You could also ask about lawn games or entertainment they offer and ask if this can be included in the package. Some venues have giant Jenga and Connect 4 they usually charge for hire but you may be able to get it included in your price.

Tips for haggling with wedding bands or entertainers

Jon Fellowes of Last Minute Musicians says: “…while negotiating with your wedding entertainment is pretty normal, always be reasonable.

"This includes their experience (sometimes higher education training), cost of insurance, travel and transport, equipment outlay and maintenance, rehearsal time and space, advertising costs, taxes, agency fees and many others.

“Try and put yourself in the position of your band when negotiating. If you can improve the conditions for them by providing a reasonable arrival time, cutting down on the amount of time they will have to be hanging around after set up and sound check, providing a space for them to get changed/store valuables and provide them with a hot meal or other food, then they are going to be much more receptive.”

Tips for haggling with photographers

Ben Davis, Cambridgeshire Wedding Photography:

“Try to make a personal connection with the photographer – let them know you love their work and come across as easy to work with. We're all a bit of a narcissist deep down so appeal to their ego. If I instantly like someone and feel that they value my work, I'd be more inclined to help with a discount. If you come across as being focused on the money then the photographer is likely to turn cold and not budge on the price.”

“...remember, this person is a professional who has spent years honing their craft. Be honest, polite and up front. Create a list of points to tell the photographer about why you want to hire them, then explain that you have a set budget and ask if they could make a deal.”

Ben Davis, Cambridgeshire Wedding Photography:

“I can make my packages cheaper for couples by removing the USB delivery and replacing it with a download-only option, and perhaps offering reduced hours in the package. Maybe suggest you don't mind waiting much longer for your photographs, as the editing process takes a while and most photographers have a serious backlog throughout the summer and autumn.

“Some may be able to offer a free pre-wedding shoot – it typically takes an hour or so and is a great opportunity for the photographer and couple to get to know each other better. If this is something you'd like to try and haggle for free, then be flexible – choose a location that is close to the photographer and be willing to do it on a weekday.”

Matty Graham, All Kinds of Happy Photography:

“Giving away things like prints and albums often isn’t on the cards, but some photographers might throw in added extras like free re-touching on the images (trust me, there’s always an aunt or uncle blinking in the group shots, or they could be willing to throw in download links of high-resolution images at no extra cost – remember, some photographers will only supply a limited number of high-res images before charging extra.”

What can you potentially get for free?

Many suppliers may not be inclined to offer services for a lower cost but there could be some elements they can throw in for no extra charge. Here’s a quick list of potential things you could ask your wedding suppliers to add to their package:

• Ask your cake maker if you can pick up the cake yourself to avoid any delivery charges to the venue. They may also be able to provide a topper for no extra charge.
• You could ask for some extra lights or an upgraded dancefloor from your DJ.
• Your florist may agree to a bundle style deal on your order, for example, you could ask them to create 10 buttonholes for the price of 9.
• If you are hiring linen - such as chair covers and tablecloths - dress these yourself to avoid an extra charge from the hiring company.
• If your venue provides accommodation, they may give you your room for the night for free if you ask.

Be prepared to discuss options such as these with wedding suppliers. As the saying goes, ‘don’t ask, don’t get’ - just remember to be respectful at all times while haggling.

Making your own buttonholes

Make your own watercolour place names

Make your own framed table numbers