Dear Terry,
Thank you for your email. As posted on NewlyWeds-Uk.com on 28th December 2007.
Getting married is a costly business. You have been very sensible in determining your budget before planning the big day.
The cost of any Wedding really depends on the numbers you want to invite.
I would suggest that you opt for a small but intimate Wedding. Your Church will charge to get married there but if you just have the basic options you can keep the cost down. Alternatively you might like to opt for a Register Office instead?
Then depending on the number of people you want to invite - take them out for dinner stick to a set menu to keep the cost down. And to give you some idea of what you'll be spending. The Hilton Hotel in Southampton are offering a 3 course Sunday lunch at £15.95 per adult between 12.30pm and 3pm, and kids eat free! And with accompaniment from the resident vocalist/ pianist ... this could be perfect! (Click on the Hilton link and look under current deals, other hotel specials, UK and Ireland). You can get married here too - so you could opt for a Civil Ceremony followed by the lunch?
Or hire a village hall or pub and hire a disco or entertainment of your choice! If you're hiring the hall consider providing a buffet. If you're going for this option get married late e.g. 5pm this way you can avoid providing a traditional sit down meal. Order a Wedding Cake from a supermarket and serve it as desert.
This leaves you suit hire, a Wedding Dress, Rings and Flowers.
This time of year is ideal for buying Rings many of the high street stores have sales on which you can take advantage of.
Check out Wedding Rings from as little as £10 ... bargain!
Suit hire can be taken care of with Moss Boss and I would suggest a Wedding Dress from a high street store in order to keep the cost down, go for a dazzling evening gown in the January sales. In terms of Flowers, order a bouquet of roses for the bride and a single rose as a button hole.
And of course don't forget Invitations at John Lewis, pack of 10 for £4. (Look under Home and Garden and then the subsection stationary).
This doesn't take into account of what I'd call the luxuries such as transport, bridesmaids dresses, photographer etc. You can choose to include these if you can save money elsewhere!
I hope this gives you some help - at least being somewhere to start. I usually suggest that invitations are sent out 3 months in advance so you really need to get your skates on a book the church/ register office and the Reception.
Elle
Fairydust Weddings
