There are many issues young couples must face when deciding to tie the knot, such as who to invite? Where should the wedding be? Will the families get on? But the key question for most couples will be how will they afford it? After all, getting into a lot of debt isn't the best way to begin married life.
The average cost of a wedding can be anywhere between ?10,000 and ?16,000, so there is no doubt that it is an expensive occasion, especially if the couple are paying for the wedding themselves without parental support. But a lot of the inherent expenses could be avoided if a little care is taken and proper planning is done.
For example, wedding dresses can cost thousands of pounds, but is there any need to go to such expense for something that will never be worn again, when one can be hired at a fraction of the cost? Of course the wedding is a special day, but if getting into debt is a real concern that may take years of scrimping to pay off, the question has to be, is it worth it?
Similarly, savings can be made at most stages of the wedding-planning process. For instance, venues are usually cheaper to hire midweek than at weekends. Also, as photographers tend to charge by the hour, consider using them for the formal wedding photographs and let the wedding guests take care of the evening reception, as many of the guests will have their own camera anyway.
These are just some of the ways to save money on a wedding. But perhaps the most important point to make is most weddings are planned at least a year or two in advance, which leaves plenty of time for the happy couple to save for the big day. It is worth opening a savings account into which each person can pay a set amount each month. A standing order can even be set up with the bank so that money is transferred automatically each week or month to coincide with payday.
It's also worth remembering that most couples will receive many items as gifts on their big day. So in the period of time preceding the wedding, create a wedding list of all the things that are really needed and try and make do without them until the big day. By doing this, all the money that is saved can go towards the cost of the wedding and honeymoon.
Many young couples don't have the financial support to help them as they look to tie the knot. But married life doesn't have to begin with a lot of debt if proper care is taken to prepare and plan the wedding properly. After all, the big day is about the couple not the guests!
