The cheaper the better

Choose a theme that suits your venue, so that you can maximise decor that it already there and not be fighting against it. For instance, if you are getting married in a rustic barn then go for rustic decor. If your venue is ultra modern then roll with it. We're getting married in a sailing club so we chose a coastal theme.


We've made loads of things for our wedding, signs, centrepieces, favours, flowers etc. I've enjoyed it and it's saved a ton of money, but it has been time very consuming, so just be aware if you're not the sort of person who enjoys making things and has craft materials already.

View quoted message Thank you for the tips

If you’ve got the budget for a wedding venue, consider a weekday and/or month that’s less popular. Some of the venues we viewed had Monday-Thursday dates that were 30%-40% less and some offered much lower rates out of season, E.g. January-March and November dates.

I’ve seen lots of threads here discussing registry office ceremonies, followed by a reception in a nice pub or town hall/sports club. Venues that can be hired for events but aren’t ‘wedding venues’ are more affordable.

Choosing a venue that allows external catering can save a lot of money as you’re free to choose and bring in your own caterers. So can choosing a venue that doesn’t charge corkage if you supply your own alcohol.
I’d also second what Haz mentioned above! I’ve made/am making our Save the Dates, invites, place names, seating plan, favours, signs etc. myself. I love crafts/making things but it is really time consuming!
I’ve seen lots of lovely brides here recommending Wed2B and Monsoon for affordable wedding dresses. Along with photographers that offer 1/2 day packages.
Good luck with planning!

View quoted message That was helpful thank you

You could look in your local shope or shein and etsy amazon have some lovely cheap decorations to cut cost b&m is good xx💗

Sellmywedding is also a good place to buy wedding decorations that have only been used once. I made my own bunting from old clothes and pillow cases. It cost £25 for the bias binding and wonderweb and I’ve made 150 metres and no sewing!

I found some wedding signage stencils on Etsy and acrylic sheets are cheap in bulk so making all our signage myself. For table pieces I’ve found a some little vases in a charity shop and going to put some dried flowers in them. Or fake. The Range have a really good variety of fake flowers. And as we’re having an autumn wedding so I’m getting little squashes and pumpkins and dried fruit for decor around the place too. There is a lot you can do if you’re committed to doing it.


The rock my wedding website has a recycle my wedding section where people sell stuff from their own wedding. I’m considering a second half dress from stillwhite.com or new from wed2b which are mostly sub £700.

Go rustic. Way easier to get DIY stuff that looks good that way.