Your East Midlands Wedding - Feb/Mar 2019 (Issue 30)

COUNTING THE Melissa Barker reveals how you can save money on your big day W e all know how expensive weddings can be. With the average celebration costing a whopping £20,000-£30,000 it’s no surprise couples are looking for ways to save money. I’ve put together a handy guide to help you cut costs and look for any hidden price tags. Last night of freedom Your hen or stag do is one of the most exciting nights of your life but it can work out expensive for both you and your friends. With more and more couples opting for weekend-long celebrations, it’s easy to get carried away and spend more than you originally anticipated. Work out in advance who’s paying for what and settle any outstanding deposits to reduce the risk of people cancelling. ALTERATIONS The majority of dresses will require some form of alteration, whether it’s hemming the skirt or taking in the sides. Most stores don’t include these services on the price tag so find out how much it will cost before committing. TAXES, GRATUITIES AND SERVICE FEES Most vendors don’t include gratuity or VAT in their original quote so make sure you enquire about any additional costs before booking. Get written confirmation and make sure you have the all-inclusive price so you know where you stand. Paper train If you’ve invited loved ones from far and wide the amount you’ll be spending on postage can soon rack up. Set aside money for your save-the-dates, invites and thank you cards to avoid any unexpected costs. Corkage If your venue’s supplying the booze then you can sit back and relax, but if you’re planning to bring your own, check to see if there’s a fee involved first! pennies 96