With the costs of arranging a wedding ever spiraling upwards, it is very easy to spend more than you can afford. The reception, the dress, flowers, limousines and all the other paraphernalia that goes into making the day memorable come at a significant price. A wedding is a very special occasion and one that, you hope, is never repeated, so you really want to push the boat out with the best of everything. Although understandable, if there is not a limitless supply of money, do you really need to start your married life with a huge debt? This is why many couples are opting for a budget wedding, so below there are some ways where you can economise and still have a great wedding day.

The wedding dress is an area where huge amounts of money are often spent as brides, quite naturally, want a unique custom made outfit. As this is something that will only ever be worn once, a previously owned dress is worth considering. It is easy to buy a wedding dress that has only been worn once for less than half the price at a specialist bride shop. You can then sell it on at not much less than you paid for it. Another alternative is to hire your wedding dress but remember to arrange to get it back to the shop on time to avoid penalty payments.

The largest single cost is that of the wedding reception but even here savings are possible. You may not believe it but statistics show that an average of 189 guests attend so when you are planning your cheap wedding, this is where most savings take place. Don’t invite everyone you know, in particular relatives that you haven’t seen since you were a child or people who are just acquaintances. Where the meal is concerned, why not have a buffet instead of a full, waited on, three or four course blow out. Further reductions can be made in the choice of the wedding reception venue. Instead of a fancy hotel, it could take place in a friend’s house or a local club where money could be saved on both food and drink if you either make them yourself or get friends to help.

Although most professional photographers are employed for the entire day, this isn’t strictly necessary as the majority of guests will be taking photos anyway and would be willing to share them. You could even dispense with the services of a photographer completely providing you have a friend or relative who is a keen photographer and who would be happy to do this for you.

Your wedding stationery is a prime area for making savings, providing you have access to a computer and a good quality printer, however it is probably a false economy to choose cheap paper as people like to keep them. Presentation is everything so always get the best you can afford. Your word processor should be able to handle the normal type of invites etc., but you could also be more creative by incorporating photos or graphics.

Flowers will take up a considerable piece of the budget as they are used in many different ways. Doing the arrangements yourself or with friends is a classic budget wedding option, although it will have to be a last minute item as you do not want your flowers to wilt on the big day. If you can find out where there is a flower arranging class being held, you could ask for volunteers who will probably be willing to try out their new found skills.

Wedding cakes are another costly item which can easily be made by a talented friend. The traditional three tiered fruit cake is often ignored for a funkier sponge cake which can have many layers and fillings. Another way is to buy three ordinary fruit cakes, then ice them yourself and buy the cake pillars and cake toppers separately.

It is probably every girls dream to arrive at the church in a Rolls Royce or other limousine but this is another expense that could be easily shaved off the budget. Ask around your friends if they have a decent car or if they know somebody who has and would be willing to give up a couple of hours to drive you. You may be having a budget wedding, but as long as everybody has a good time, they will not care that lavish amounts of money have not been spent, only that you will be happy for the rest of your life.