My wife and I got married 2 years ago in Cheshire. Wasn't really my choice, had to compromise to have children lol.
We paid around 18k which included top notch food, alot of booze, photographer, dresses, suits etc, we could of done it cheaper but the location and food were better then budget.
We saved on bits were others may spend more ie flowers, cake and dresses etc.
It's all kind of case by case but I would echo the point made where by you need to set a budget because once you mention wedding the 0's soon get added on.
My wife said it helps to know priorities so you know where you can save money, e.g. we like food so spent money there but wasn't too fussed about too many decorations etc.
Dresses and suits can be cheaper from the high street shops rather then hiring.
Here's a rough idea on what we paid;
The venue £3.5k
Registrar £400ish
Food and drinks £6k
Dress £1200
3x suits and 3x shoes £400
2x bridesmaids dresses £160
Cake £200
Photographer £750
Band £700
Rings £1600
Flowers and decorations £600
Make up and hair £400
Favours £100
Miscellaneous gifts £300
Mini moon £500
Various other bits along the way
We got married on a Wednesday as it happens to be our anniversary which was also 3k cheaper.
There are some very good hotel packages available these days for around 3-5k which will include some form of entertainment, food and drink sometimes decorations and the hire of the venue.
Off season times such as November, January(not new years lol), February(not Valentine's lol) and March are cheaper and you can pick up cheaper photographer's, bands, caterers etc around then.
Haggle on everything, the worst they can say is no. Most high street jewellers will give 10% off if you ask for a deal.
Prices do go up each year too so some times is counter intuitive if your thinking of saving and having a longer engagement.
I hope this helps lol.
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