14 Winter Wedding Money-Saving Tips for the Thrifty Bride
02 Nov 2015
Thrifty brides do not fret – we have 14 creative ways to cut costs at winter weddings without looking as though you’ve scrimped and saved all the way to the altar. Take a look at these top tips which cover everything from the bridal party to catering choices
Picking up pine cones, creating homemade gifts, popping to the nearest dress hire shop, putting a bridal party in muted colours – those are just some of the ways to save money on a winter wedding.
It’s easy enough for wedding costs to run away with you, so why not get thrifty and save yourself fretting about the bank balance with these top tips from the money saving team at PromotionalCodes.org.uk
“Winter weddings not only look beautiful but can also be a great way to save money on your big day,”Darren Williams from PromotionalCodes.org.uk says.
“Guests are often grateful at the opportunity to spread weddings out throughout the year rather than being concentrated in summer. Our ideas help guests find ways to save money as well as couples who are planning a winter wedding and want to cut some costs,” he adds.
Wedding decor
1. Pick up pine cones
In the weeks leading up to the big day pick up any pine cones you see. They’re completely free and can look beautiful as a table centrepiece on their own or spray-painted silver.
2. Look through your garden
Gorgeous winter foliage can really set your wedding apart. Why not try streaming ivy down the aisle of the church and making Christmas wreaths for the table centrepieces.
3. Opt for cheaper flowers
Summer weddings often require a wide variety of colour in the floral arrangements but winter weddings can be simpler. Gypsophila (or ‘baby’s breath’) is a beautiful flower that be bought directly from the flower market for a tiny price.
Bridal party
4. Simple bridesmaid dresses
If you choose to focus attention on decor you can opt for a simpler look for bridesmaids. Go for a dark, block colour such as navy or charcoal for a classy and sophisticated look.
5. Simple suits for groomsmen and ushers
A positive about a winter wedding is that many dark colours can be used. Ask groomsmen what colour suits they already own and chances are they will already have, or can easily borrow, the same colour. Great choices include grey and black.
Bride’s accessories
6. Get theatrical
Winter weddings allow brides to be a lot more theatrical as guests tend to expect more glitz and glamour. Therefore, brides can buy a cheap dress but make it look more expensive by hiring accessories such as elegant white gloves, tiaras and fake-fur stoles from a dress hire shop.
Wedding guest attire
7. Wear a dress you already own
In summer, repeating the same outfit more than once is tricky because you may be seeing the same people at different events throughout the season. In winter, there are probably far fewer weddings to go to so grab a dress from the summer and change around your hair, accessories and shoes.
8. Ask friends and family for a glamorous coat
If attending a winter wedding you need to have a warm coat in case you’re caught out in the cold for photos. Don’t spend a fortune on a new jacket for just one day; instead ask friends and family if they have one to borrow. Older relatives might have something perfect stashed away in their wardrobe.
9. Try wearing boots instead of sandals
If you’re nervous about getting your toes out in those strappy sandals then try wearing some sassy Chelsea boots and line them with well-hidden warm socks. The trend of wearing skirts and dresses with boots is really in right now, so if Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne can do it, why can’t you?
Gifts and wedding favours
10. Gift for the wedding couple
Use their winter wedding as an opportunity to be creative with the couple’s wedding gift. Try making something yourself such as a DIY snow globe or buy some cheap slippers and sew ‘Mr’& ‘Mrs’on top.
Wedding favours
11. Keep wedding favours Christmassy as a way of keeping costs down while still making guests feel appreciated. Candy canes are an adorable way of saying ‘thank you for coming’as are Christmas tree baubles.
Food and drink
12. Festive drinks instead of Champagne
Champagne is traditionally associated with weddings but is very expensive. Serve something festive such as mulled wine or spiced cider for a fraction of the cost.
13. Shop-bought canapés
It might distress your caterer but if they allow it, suggest serving shop bought canapés. At Christmastime the supermarkets are teeming with deals on ready-made appetisers ready to just put in the oven and serve to guests.
14. Christmas pudding for dessert
Christmas pudding is a cheap and satisfying dessert option that can only be served in winter –perfect for a winter wedding. Ask your caterer to whip up a cheap recipe that will keep costs down.
