Month: July 2015

How to Save Money on Wedding Stationery

Once you’ve secured some of the biggest aspects of your wedding, such as your venue and catering, you can start thinking about inviting your friends and family to be there on your special day. Of course, that means you need to send out dozens of wedding invitations letting everyone know about the date, time, place, food, gift registry and more.

It’s a super exciting part of your wedding planning journey. However, just like with every other step of planning your wedding, it comes at a cost. 

In the UK, couples spend an average of £400 on wedding stationery, which includes your save-the-date cards, invitations, name cards, seating plans, signage, menus and more. Basically, it includes anything that requires printing or writing onto card or paper. Your stationery certainly isn’t the biggest cost associated with your wedding, but when the average UK wedding costs £20,775, even the smaller costs can make a difference to your overall wedding budget. 

But, that’s not to say that you need to spend even close to this amount on your own wedding stationery if you can’t afford it. There are plenty of tips and tricks you can utilise to spend less but still get wonderful, on-theme invitations and more. In this post, we’re going to explore how to save money on wedding stationery to help you stick well within your budget.

15 ways to save money on wedding stationery

Photo © Wonder Wedding Stationery | See their Bridebook profile

Just because you don’t want to spend anything close to the average doesn’t mean you’ll have sub-par stationery. With a touch of creativity and thriftiness, cheap wedding stationery can still be effective and make an impact. 

Below are 15 ways you can save money on your wedding stationery. For more money-saving tips, see our complete guide on how to save money on your wedding.

1. Go paperless

Photo © Paperless Wedding | See their Bridebook profile

Consider sending paperless post, especially for your save the dates. Save the dates don’t need to be as formal as invitations, so have fun with them and get creative – though you’ll probably want to do a little more than a text. Sending electronic save the dates is great, as they’re cheaper than paper and you can track who opens them too (fantastic if you want to make sure that everyone received and read your important news). Also, websites like Paperless Post have some stunning designs, with designers like Oscar de la Renta and Kate Spade bringing a touch of chic to your online post.

Alternatively, you could create a video save the date, which you can upload to YouTube as unlisted and share with everyone you want to come. Something like this is unique and fun, and will help your guests to remember to keep their calendars free.

2. Shop around

Photo © Papier | See their Bridebook profile

When picking your invitation design, have a look at our enormous directory of fabulous stationery suppliers. There’s a huge selection of styles, as well as opportunities for bespoke design if you’re feeling creative. The best part is, with so many options available, you’ll be practically guaranteed to find a supplier that suits your budget. Many will be able to create unique, handmade invitations that match the style of your wedding.

It’s also worth checking out sites like Vista Print, which will usually be able to print your invitations for a lower rate. The downside is that unless you also hire a professional designer, you’ll have to pick from a selection of templates. If you do this, your invitations won’t be unique to you, but they will save you plenty of budget. So consider what priorities are most important to you. 

3. Stick to your wedding colour scheme

Photo © Something Made | See their Bridebook profile

You know that beautiful colour you’ve chosen that ties your entire style and motif together? You should definitely use it on your stationery. Choosing one colour for your invitations saves on printing and gives them a modern and elegant look. It also helps to keep everything cohesive. 

4. Print you stationery yourself at home

Photo © Deabill & Quince | See their Bridebook profile

This may be risky – especially if you only have a cheap printer – but if you have a decent home-office setup it’s worth considering. Ask for your invitations to be sent to you in PDF format and print them at home yourself. This is especially useful if you have to do some last-minute re-prints or additions. Alternatively, if you have an understanding employer, why not save more money and print a few things from the office? Just make sure you don’t print hundreds of sheets in one go and annoy your colleagues by hogging the printer all afternoon.

Be aware that the DIY printing route may save you money initially, but it isn’t without its drawbacks, and is unlikely to give you the clean, polished look of professionally-printed wedding stationery. And if you mess up, it may cost you more in the long-run, as you’ll have wasted lots of paper and ink. 

5. Ask your guests to RSVP online

Photo © Louise Rowles Designs | See their Bridebook profile

Once you’ve sent your invitations, save some money on return postage and ask your guests to RSVP online. This will be brilliant when you start chasing people up or start on your seating plan. You can even do this for free by setting up a brand new email address: something like [email protected] will more than do the trick. That way, you won’t have to use your own email address and risk emails getting lost among your day-to-day emails.

6. DIY your wedding invitations

Photo © Paperleaf Studios | See their Bridebook profile

While a professional service will produce fantastic state-of-the-art wedding invitations, they’re not necessarily cheap (after all, you get what you pay for). If you have either experience using design software or crafting with paper, you can generally save a lot of money by simply designing your invitations yourself. Then, you’ll have all the designs at your disposal, so you can make any changes you need to later on and not pay a penny.

Alternatively, you could always take a few calligraphy lessons and have a go at hand-writing your invitations for the extra level of class and elegance. Calligraphy is a tricky skill, but there are plenty of tutorial videos available on sites like Calligrascape. Just keep at it and make sure you have plenty of practice before sitting down to write your final invitations.

Do note that while the DIY approach can of course be cost-effective, there are some risks to be aware of. Designing your invites, sourcing the paper, having them printed, assembling your invites, addressing your invites… it all takes a lot of time, especially when you’re also juggling plenty of other pre-wedding tasks. 

Designing, finding the paper, buying the paper, printing the invites or finding someone to print for you, assembling the invites, addressing envelopes… the time all adds up when creating wedding stationery at a moment in your life when you’re juggling lots of pre-wedding tasks. Mulling over the right font and design might be stressful as well, not to mention it might not be as cheap as you think! Beautiful wedding stationery can require expensive kit and materials which isn’t readily available to you in the way that it is for a professional stationer. Plus, many wedding stationers buy their card and embellishments in bulk, and have a well-researched list of wedding suppliers to help them keep costs low. Buying in the smaller quantities or from mainstream retailers used for DIY comes with a premium, so make sure you factor this in, and weigh up both options carefully. 

7. Forgo the personalisation

Photo © IndianWeddingCards | See their Bridebook profile

Instead of printing 80+ personalised invitations, why not reduce time and costs by not including the name of your invited guests? If you do want to include the recipient’s name, you could leave a blank space for you to write it out once the invitations are back from the printers.

8. Keep things simple

Photo © Wolf & Ink | See their Bridebook profile

It can be tempting to create fancy stationery, but every additional ribbon, foil trim or magnet you include will add to the price. If you want something a little more than a rectangular piece of card, consider a little low-cost creativity, such as a uniquely shaped invitation or by including some confetti inside the envelope.

9. Hand-deliver what you can

Photo © Made By Rae Designs | See their Bridebook profile

Remember when you could get a book of stamps for about £1? Unfortunately, those days are long gone, and if you’re sending invitations to friends and family across the country (and beyond) you could end up spending close to £100 on postage alone. There’s nothing wrong with hand-delivering your save the dates and invitations, especially if it saves you a bunch of money.

10. Condense the information

Photo © Flamboyant Invites | See their Bridebook profile

To keep your invitations small (and costs down) only include information that’s relevant and important. For example, if you’re not offering your guests a choice of food, don’t worry about including a menu. And unless your venue is difficult to find, the name of the venue, the town or city, and the postcode should be more than enough.

11. Create a wedding website

Photo © Confetti Sweethearts | See their Bridebook profile

One way to save a heap of space on your invitations is by directing people to your wedding website. If you’re confident in building websites you could do this yourself, or use a tool that offers you templates, like Wix.

Or, you could hire professionals to do it for you, like Simple Wedding Websites. A wedding website can be used for everything from sharing menus, a gift registry, detailed directions to the venue, and a form so your guests can RSVP.

12. Order in bulk to pay less per invitation 

Photo © Eliza May Prints | See their Bridebook profile

Before you skip to the next tip, stick with us. When deciding how many invitations to order, just bear in mind that the more you order, the cheaper the cost will be per invitation. Plus, you’ll probably want to keep a few for yourself to stick on the fridge or frame later on.

For example, if you need 50 invitations, then by ordering 60 you might pay £2 for each, which will cost you £120. But, if you order 75 at £1.50 each, it’ll cost you £112.50. Not only is it cheaper, but you’ll also have some left over to keep or replace if one or two get lost in the post.

13. Use less-than-premium paper

Photo © Dearly Beloved | See their Bridebook profile

Using premium card or paper for your stationery is the way to go if you want that extra touch of luxury, but it could mean that you pay a lot more. Of course, you might not want to choose the cheapest option, but something middle-of-the-road will still be of a reasonable quality without eating into your budget.

14. Learn how to be a good proofreader

Photo © Vida Design | See their Bridebook profile

Before you even consider sending your design to the printers, make sure you proofread your stationery several times. The last thing you want is to open your order and find that ‘Birmingham’ is spelt ‘Birnimgham’, and then have to correct it and have it printed all over again.

If you can, ask several people to proofread it for you. The more eyes the better. If you don’t want to do that, make sure you proofread it yourself at least a day after writing it so you approach it with a fresh pair of eyes. Another handy tip is to print it out so you can read it on paper, and read it aloud. Trust us, doing it this way will help you to catch mistakes that you otherwise might miss.

15. Hunt for online discounts

Photo © Ivy White | See their Bridebook profile

Before placing any orders, search on popular discount sites for codes that will save you money. Printers regularly have offers, like free shipping or 20% off, so don’t hit that final ‘submit’ button until you’ve had a thorough look for a valid code.

Plan your dream wedding with Bridebook

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Happy Planning!

How Much Does Wedding Stationery Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

Your wedding stationery plays a vital role in your big day – after all, without it, you wouldn’t have any guests! Before your guests have even stepped foot inside the venue, your stationery tells them everything they need to know: not just the date, time and location of your wedding, but other information such as the theme and (importantly) the food. It also continues to play a part once your guests have arrived and even after they’ve left, from letting them know where to sit, to a thank you card a week or two later.

In this post, we’re going to take a look at everything to do with the cost of wedding stationery, including the average cost, the cost of individual items, and what factors can affect the price you’ll pay.

What is wedding stationery?

Photo © Wonder Wedding Stationery | See their Bridebook profile

Wedding stationery is the name given to any materials, either printed or written, that are used to provide your guests with information. Examples of wedding stationery include:

  • Save-the-date cards
  • Invitations
  • RSVP cards
  • Welcome signs
  • Order of service
  • Menus
  • Seating plans
  • Signage
  • Table numbers
  • Name cards
  • Thank you cards
  • Maps and directions
  • Accommodation information

Wedding stationery even includes any stag and hen party invites or rehearsal invitations if you’re taking the formal route.

The beautiful thing about wedding stationery is that the only limitations are your imagination. Even on a smaller budget, you can use your creativity to come up with unique designs, formats and styles to suit your taste and the theme of your wedding. If your wedding has a cinematic theme, your invites could be designed to resemble an invite to a movie premiere. If you’re going for a countryside theme, your name cards could be printed on little cardboard trees – the possibilities are only as endless as your creativity.

For more information, we have expert advice on wedding stationery from Papeterie Eugénie.

What’s the average cost of wedding stationery?

Photo © Papier | See their Bridebook profile

In the UK, the average amount spent by couples on professionally designed and printed wedding stationery is £384. This cost includes everything from save-the-date cards sent around a year before the wedding to the thank-you cards sent once you’re settling into married life.

Of course, this figure is an average (as explored in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown), so you can spend as much – or as little – on wedding stationery as your budget allows. You could take the DIY route and cut your spending right back, or have bespoke stationery handmade by a skilled professional.

For a little inspiration, check out our introduction to wedding stationery, or for a few cost-saving suggestions, our wedding stationery money-saving tips guide.

How much do wedding invitations cost?

Photo © Wolf & Ink | See their Bridebook profile

The cost for professionally designed and printed wedding invitations starts from around £1.50 each. However, that cost can rise sharply depending on the skill and experience of the designer, as well as the level of detail and complexity you’re looking for.

For many couples, the single most important piece of wedding stationery is the invitations. So, even if you plan on saving money elsewhere, chances are you’ll be keen to send out perfect invites. That means, spending a little extra on the invitations can be worth it.

What factors can affect the cost of wedding stationery?

Photo © Something Made | See their Bridebook profile

Because there are so many possibilities when it comes to wedding stationery, the cost can vary wildly. Some of the factors that can affect the cost include:

  • Quantity – This may be obvious, but the more guests you invite, the more stationery you’ll have to produce, and therefore the higher the cost will be. However, the more you order the cheaper they’ll often be per piece. For example, 40 invitations could come out at £3.35 each, whereas 50 or more could cost £2.15 each, so if you’re thinking about framing a few invitations, go for it, as it can bring your overall price down.
  • Vendor – A small company with limited staff and resources may charge more than a large company. Similarly, designers with more experience will have higher rates than those new to the industry.
  • Type of paper – there’s a big difference between premium card or paper and the paper you might pinch from the printer in the office. For example, smooth matte will cost around £1.33, whereas luxury pearl will cost closer to £1.60.
  • Printing method – More complex printing methods, such as stamping, engraving, and digital printing can be pricey and will affect the cost.
  • Handmade aspects – Bespoke, handmade pieces take a lot of time and care, so will cost a lot more than printing.
  • Complexity – A simple design will be more affordable than a complex design or a design with more illustrations.
  • Add-ons and decorations – Unique touches such as belly bands, twine wraps, ribbon or wax seals can enhance your stationery, but will also increase the price.
  • Time – Last-minute orders will often cost more than orders placed without a strict delivery date.

Stationery Suites

The price of your wedding stationery can also depend on how extensive you want your suite to be. The more items you have, the higher the overall price. A rough guide to this would be:

 

£85

£139.25

£300

25 wedding invitations and RSVP cards

25 wedding invitations, RSVP cards, thank you cards and save-the-dates.

25 wedding invitations, enclosure cards, RSVP cards, thank you cards, orders of service, menus, favour tags and table numbers.

What do individual wedding stationery items cost?

Photo © Karamele Studio | See their Bridebook profile

We’ve already gone into detail about the overall cost couples pay for wedding stationery, but if you’re only looking for specific items of wedding stationery, below is a rough idea as to what you might pay for a professional service:

Save the dates

  • Cards – from £1.10 each
  • Magnets – from £1.50 each

Invitations

  • Single-sided – from £1.50 each
  • Double-sided – from £2 each
  • Wallets – from £2.50 each
  • RSVPs – from £1 each
  • Information cards – from £1.50 each
  • Map design – from £15

Ceremony stationery

  • Order of service – from £2.50 each
  • Welcome sign – from £10
  • Signs – from £5

Reception stationery

  • Seating plan – from £10
  • Name cards – from £0.50 each
  • Table numbers – from £2 each
  • Menus – from £1.50 each

After the wedding

  • Generic thank you cards – from £1 each
  • Personalised/photo thank you cards – from £2 each

Start planning your wedding with Bridebook

Here at Bridebook, we have a wide range of wedding stationery vendors that can help you design and print your perfect wedding invitations and other stationery. Sign up and start planning your big day today.

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Wedding Invitations: Paper or Online?

“Oh wow – Who’s it from? Look at my name written in beautiful calligraphy! Look at the handcrafted card! Where is the wedding? What is the theme? Oh my goodness, it’s so stunning. I’m going to pop it on my mantelpiece for years to come!” That is the kind of reaction you want when your wedding invitations finally reach people. Your wedding is actually happening and this is the first time people get a proper hint of what to expect, what to wear, what to give you! And not only that, it’s a lifetime souvenir of your big day. At Bridebook, we love a heavy papered, beautifully written wedding invitation, especially when it is landing on our doorstep! But you might be a savvy millennial toying with the idea of going online and saving lots of lovely trees? Let’s work out what you want so you can create the best bit of post (or email) your guests will EVER receive.

Advantages of traditional invitations:

  • The biggest advantage of a traditional wedding invitations is that it makes an awesome keepsake. It is a physical representation of your upcoming marriage and something that your friends and family can keep forever!
  • Once you have collected all the addresses and postcodes, you will be able to use them when sending your thank you notes – bonus!
  • Another advantage of a paper invite is that, well, they are traditional! They follow wedding etiquette to a T and will please everyone, especially the older generation coming to your wedding.
  • Even if you print your e-vite, it won’t have the same high-end quality as a traditional paper invitation. Not quite the same keepsake.

  • You know the conundrum of not inviting children to your wedding? Or including/excluding plus ones? And all the other secrets of wording? All of these can be lost on an online wedding invitation, whereas paper will allow you to be crystal clear about your preferences.
  • The best thing about a paper invitation is the huge variety of choice when it comes to designs. You can pick the style that perfectly complements your wedding: heavy cream paper for a traditional affair, whimsical and fun designs for something more casual. And while the world of weddings is becoming more open to doing online invitations, some guests might still associate them with a casual affair, no matter the design.

Advantages of going online:

  • Online wedding invitations can save you some big pennies! Even if you have to pay a fee for creating a bespoke design, or for sending out the invites, it will cost you less than a paper invitation which also needs postage.
  • Online invitations are guaranteed to save some time between sending and receiving the RSVP’s. This is very useful if you are planning your wedding in a short period of time.
  • Tracking RSVP’s will be much easier if online invites are sent, as you will be able to see who has opened and read the invitations, even if they haven’t accepted or declined your invitation yet – playing it cool!
  • Providing your guests with printed maps and other instructions won’t be necessary, as your online wedding invitations can have links to everything that the guests might need.
  • If you are an eco-friendly couple, sending emails to your guests instead of paper invitations is a great way to save a few precious trees.

Overall, we still recommend (and love) paper invitations – they are beautiful and you can keep them forever! So if you can afford to go all print, then do it! If not, how about printed invites with a little card (even a business card) directing them to your very own basic website. This is where you can collect RSVPs, share the nitty-gritty details, and bonus – it’s easy to make edits. Quirky tip: buy a .wed domain for around £50 to add a personal touch and voila – SarahandTom.wed

Happy Planning!

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Introduction: Your Wedding Stationery

Your wedding stationery is the first glimpse most of your guests will have of your wedding – and no pressure, but you want them to be blown away! This is when you start to reveal who you are as a couple and what your wedding is going to look like (as well as, you know, actually letting everyone know the wheres and whens of it all…) But there’s a whole world of wedding stationery out there – so let’s break down what you need and how to get started choosing it.

Bridebook.co.uk- grey and lace decorated invitations
By forlovepolkadots, via etsy

What Wedding Stationery Do You Need?

This is about what wedding stationery you need, not what wedding stationery you want! At a minimum, we tend to expect most couples to send a save the date, followed by a wedding invitation suite – which is just a fancy way of saying your wedding invitation plus some added extras: an RSVP card and your wedding information sheet. On top of this, you’ll also likely be ordering wedding programmes and place cards for the day.

What Information Should You Include On Your Wedding Invitations?

Keep your wedding invitations short and sweet – that’s why you send an information sheet too! Your wedding invitation should include the following key information:

  • Who’s invited
  • Your names
  • The date and time of your ceremony and/or reception
  • The venue and location of your ceremony and/or reception
  • Dress code
  • Number of +1s (if any)
  • RSVP details
Bridebook.co.uk- photobooth photos save the date
By This and That Photography

What Information Should You Include On Your RSVP Cards?

Your RSVP cards are for your guests to fill out to let you know whether or not they’re attending and any additional details – so they’ll be providing you with the information! Leave them space to:

  • Fill in their names
  • RSVP “yes” or “no”
  • Let you know their meal choice (if relevant)
  • Add any special requests
Bridebook.co.uk- calligraphy themed wedding invitation
By Jolly Edition, via Etsy

How Should You Choose Your Wedding Stationery?

Your invitations should reflect your wedding so start off by thinking about the overall vibe you want for your wedding. If you’re thinking about your stationery, you’ve probably gotten somewhere with finding your venue – so where’s it going to be? Invitations for a rustic countryside affair will likely look pretty different to ones for a chic soirée in the city centre.

If you’re not sure yet, keep it simple. Consider going for traditional cream, white or ivory invitations with gold or black ink, then add any pops of any colours you’re keen to include on your big day.

Next, you’ll want to think about printing. Now, there are a few different ways of getting your invitations printed – and this can have a huge impact on cost as well as aesthetics, so don’t take this decision lightly! The best way to choose what sort of printing you want is to get samples and see what you like when you’re holding it in your hands.

The most high-end option is engraved printing, which creates raised letters on thick paper. This will give your stationary the most luxurious look and feel. Thermographic printing is a good alternative if you’re on a tighter budget, as this gives a similar look at a lower cost. However, bear in mind that the letters will look slightly shiny if you decide on using this method.

Letterpress printing, on the other hand, might be thought of as the opposite of engraved printing as it results in indented, rather than raised, letters. This is slightly different to embossed printing which doesn’t use any ink and tends to be best for details like monograms.

Your two cheapest options are likely to be digital printing and offset printing. Digital printing is incredibly versatile – think of it as a professional version of the printing you might do at home. Offset printing, on the other hand, uses plates to transfer letters and images and can result in a slightly higher quality product.

Bridebook.co.uk- father of the groom order of service
By Weddings Vintage

How Should You Send Your Wedding Stationery?

When you design your wedding stationery, remember you’ll be posting them! Traditionally, wedding invitations are a 4’5 x 6’25 inch rectangle. Today, however, many couples choose to send round, square or custom-shaped invitations – and these unconventional shapes can cost more to send.

If you’re asking your guests to mail their RSVPs back to you, budgeting for and including pre-addressed return envelopes and stamps can be a nice touch.

On a similar note, don’t forget to budget for envelopes! Get these as soon as possible. And if you’ll be addressing your envelopes yourself, do it in stages. This will help avoid making careless mistakes.

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding menu to match invitations laid out on a plate
By Pippa Mackenzie

Final Tips

Proofread, proofread and proofread again! If you can, ask at least two other people to give your invitations a once over as well. Our top tip is to read the text from right to left or end to beginning as this will help you catch any small errors.

Always order a few extra invitations! It’s always good to have a backup in case of any mistakes – and you or your parents might want one as a keepsake too.

If you can, try to order all your wedding stationery in one go. This includes your save the dates, wedding invitation suite and thank you cards, as well as any extras like programmes and place cards.

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11 Questions To Ask Your Cake Maker

Bridebook.co.uk- sugared naked cake decorated with roses
By Anna Clarke Photography

Modern weddings tend to break with tradition. One thing has not changed, having a WEDDING CAKE. Choosing the cake maker is one of our favourite parts – stretchy trousers at the ready – so while you focus on eating everything in sight, we’ve put together some questions to ask before hiring your cake maker.

1) Do you specialise in a particular style of cake?

Some cake-makers will specialise in layered, tiered or structured cakes and you will want to know if first of all, you like their style and secondly if they can create a bespoke cake for you and your requirements.

2) How do you price your cakes? What is the cost of the cake per person/ per slice?

The first thing you want to find out is whether the cake-maker charges for the consultation and tasting session and whether that is included in the overall price. The second thing you want to know is how large the cake slices would be and how much extra you would be charged if you wanted larger slices.

3) What flavours of cake do you offer?

The most popular flavours include vanilla, chocolate, fruit and cheese.

Bridebook.co.uk- flower girl looking up at the cupcake tower
By Jamie Bott Wedding Photography

4) Can you do different flavours for different tiers? (sugar/gluten/lactose free/vanilla/chocolate/fruit).

Don’t worry about having to taste all of these together. Because they are coming from different layers, no one will get a slice of each of the flavours at once! However, if you are going for mixed flavour layers like strawberry buttercream and vanilla cream cheese, we definitely suggest you try it to make sure you love it!

5) Can you make a cake to meet specific dietary requirements?

This is especially important if you have guests who are lactose or gluten intolerant, or have diabetes. You should also ask your cake-maker how to serve these layers so that they don’t come into contact with other flavours.

6) Will you deliver to the venue and set up the cake on the day – how much time do you need?

Many weddings cakes, especially the larger ones will have to be assembled at your venue, as transporting an assembled cake could damage the final product.

Bridebook.co.uk- white cake with metallic accents and a happily ever after topper
By Weddings Vintage

7) Do I need to pay for your travel expenses?

The majority of wedding cake-makers will charge you for delivery. They can have a certain price set for their immediate catchment area and additional charges if they need to travel further, so it is always worth asking and adding the price to your budget.

8) Do you provide the cake stand and pillars?

If your cake-maker does offer the above, you should ask to look at the different options and think about how they will look with your wedding cake. If your cake-maker charges for the stand and pillars, you can always ask to see any non-chargeable options.

9) Should I bring my own toppers, flowers, ribbons? Or can we work out some ideas together? Would you be willing to work with my florist when decorating the cake?

If you want to use your own cake topper, make sure you show your cake designer what you would like to use, so that they can incorporate it into the design.

10) Do you provide the cake knife?

You might want to ask to see the cake knife ahead of time and ask your cake-maker if they provide you with something more suited to your overall wedding style or table settings.

11) Can I see previous customers’ references and cake photos?

Happy customers will be more than willing to tell you how great their wedding cake was, so ask to see a list of their references so that you get a better idea of what to expect!

Bridebook.co.uk- lady bird and beetle cake topper
By Weddings Vintage

Happy Planning!

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How to Save Money on a Wedding Cake

If there’s one thing that’s guaranteed to make people happy, it’s cake. We have cake during so many of life’s special times, like birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas. We don’t even really need an excuse – we Brits love afternoon tea, which is just one big excuse to eat cake in the sun. So, we really don’t need a reason to enjoy a nice cake.

In the UK, the average amount spent by couples on a wedding cake is between £400 – £500. This may seem at first look a lot out of the average overall amount spent on a wedding, which is £20,775. But your cake is more than just that. It can play an incredibly central role in your wedding. It will be a centrepiece and focal point. Of all the decorations and touches you add to your wedding, the most memorable for many will be your cake. Your guests will be on the lookout for your cake and will crowd around you just to watch you make that inaugural cut. They’ll also love helping themselves to a slice.

However, the good news is that there are ways to save money on your wedding cake. In this post, we’re going to dive into the many ways you can stay within budget while making sure your guests can have their cake and eat it too.

Why are wedding cakes so expensive?

Photo © By Yevnig | See their Bridebook profile

Cakes may be mainly sugar, eggs and flour, but so much skill, time and effort goes into making a wedding cake. They’re often far more extravagant and luxurious than the types of cake you might expect at other celebrations and can take several days to plan, design and bake. Not to mention a lot of wedding cakes are absolutely huge, with three being the traditional number of tiers.

So, while the price of a wedding cake may seem high, bear in mind that a lot goes into one to ensure it looks so magical and inviting for your big day:, bear in mind that a lot goes into one to ensure it looks so magical and inviting for your big day:

  • Customisation and design
  • Quality ingredients
  • Skill and expertise
  • Baking and decorating time
  • Delivery and setup time
  • Tools and equipment

The reputation of the cake maker is also likely to determine how much they charge, with professionals with long and respected careers typically able to charge more than those new to the industry.

A professional cake maker really understands the responsibility they have. The cake has to meet the brief in how it looks. It has to last being on display in a heated space, often for many hours, and still needs to taste perfect. They have one chance to get the cake right, knowing that all eyes will be upon it. There are no hiding places, and all this requires so much skill, expertise and preparation.

Do you need a cake at your wedding?

Photo © Edible Essence Couture Cake Co. | See their Bridebook profile

We may have already pointed out that many of your guests will be on the lookout for cake, but it’s important to consider what you want on your wedding day. What are your priorities? Try to please all your guests, and you’ll likely please no one. So, if forking out for a wedding cake isn’t high on your list, and you have a tight budget, you can choose to go without.

Weddings are usually jam-packed with traditions, so even though you won’t get to cut a cake, you’ll still have plenty of opportunities to enjoy other traditions, like the toasts, the first dance and throwing the bouquet. That said, if you and your partner are big on traditions, and can’t bear the thought of not having that fabulous photo opportunity that doubles up as the most incredible dessert, there are still plenty of ways to do so on a budget.

Just be aware that if you’re aiming for a particularly big or show-stopping wedding cake, you can’t expect a professional to make it for next to nothing. Professionally-made wedding cakes aren’t just cakes – they’re unique, edible works of art, which naturally come with a higher price tag.

13 ways to save money on a wedding cake

Photo © Southwell Cakery | See their Bridebook profile

If a wedding cake is a must-have on your big day, but you’re struggling to stay within budget, don’t worry. Below are 13 ways (a bakers’ dozen) you can find an alternative or compromise to save money and keep your budget on track. 

1. Have multiple mini cakes

Photo © Pasticceria Lorena | See their Bridebook profile

Let them eat cake! Or cupcakes. Or doughnuts. Or brownies. Or maybe even sweets? Instead of having a big central cake, which can be expensive, you could always treat yourself (and your guests) to a dessert table full of your favourite sweet treats. Stack your delicacy of choice in a scrumptious and artistic display and encourage your guests to help themselves. Not only will your guests get cake, but they’ll have a wider variety of choices, too. Plus, you’ll save money at the same time.

Do remember that unlike a professionally made show-stopper, a dessert table is unlikely to be able to be out on display all day. Consider whether you really want a doughnut that has been out in a heated room for 7 hours! Many professional bakers offer brownie towers, which means that whilst saving a little bit on the budget, you can still get all the benefits a professional brings. The tower of smaller cakes may also mean you don’t have a cake to cut. A small store-bought cake in addition is a good way of still having that iconic cake-cutting moment.

2. Slice conservatively

Photo © La Belle Cake Company | See their Bridebook profile

There will be plenty of guests at your wedding who are hungry for a slice of cake, but remember, after a three- or four-course breakfast and a pile of buffet food, will they even be that hungry when the time comes for a slice of cake? Ask your caterers to not be too generous when it comes to slicing your cake. This will help a smaller cake go a lot further. And if the odd guest wants seconds, they can just help themselves.

3. Choose a simple design 

Photo © The Sweet Stuff | See their Bridebook profile

A cake with loads of intricate details and delicate sugar work is going to be expensive. So, if you keep your design simple, most of the baker’s efforts can go into simply making a moist and delicious cake rather than into turning it into a show-stopping edible masterpiece.

Depending on the style of the cake, you may even be able to do some decorations yourself. This is, of course, unlikely to rival a professional baker’s expert creation. You may not have the skill, knowledge or experience to pull off intricate latticework. But there’s nothing etched in stone to say a wedding cake has to be complex. Instead of sugar work petals, go for real flowers artfully placed around the edge. Instead of painstakingly cut iced ribbons, go for real ones. Artistic vision is a must-have, but it requires you to be brave. The DIY look can be great – just be aware that it most likely won’t be able to match the intricacy of a professionally-made wedding cake.

4. Have dummy cake layers

Photo © Bake To The Future | See their Bridebook profile

Realistically, not everyone at your wedding will likely want a slice of cake, which breaks our hearts… but it also breaks out hearts to see any cake go to waste. If you still want a tall, multi-tier cake, substitute some of the layers with dummy layers, which are usually lumps of carved polystyrene. These can be decorated in the exact same style as the real layers, but you save on the cost of the cake ingredients and the time spent baking it. It will look just as majestic and yummy, but none of it will go to waste and you’ll save some dough.

That said, be aware that the overall price difference may be quite small. Cake makers usually won’t charge the full amount if some layers are fake, but can still charge close to it. Though you’re saving some ingredient costs and labour, the cake artist will still have to stack and decorate those extra tiers, and as we’ve highlighted above, the decorating is what you’re really paying for in most cases. Ingredient costs can be sometimes be cheaper than the polystyrene purchased to create that fake tier, so it’s best to chat with your cake maker about the most cost-effective option for your specific vision.

5. Ask friends or family

Photo © Penn Wedding Cakes | See their Bridebook profile

It may seem obvious, but that doesn’t make it any less useful – if you have a future Great British Bake Off contestant in the family who’d love to contribute to your big day, ask them if they’d be happy to make your cake. Or, if you have a collection of relatives and friends who all have a signature sweet treat, why not ask everyone to bake their favourite and bring them in on a nice dish, which you can then collate to make a super tasty dessert table out of?

The DIY route can be a great budget-friendly move, but there are some really important considerations which you’ll need to weigh up:

  • It’s never going to be quite the same as a wedding cake made by a skilled professional with years of experience under their belt. If you opt for a cake made by an amateur baker, be prepared to compromise.
  • Tiered cakes aren’t just works of art, but also structural masterpieces. Ask any venue about DIY cakes and they’ll talk about the cakes that slowly leaned more and more or fell due to mispositioned or insufficient dowels. The bake itself also has to match the strength it needs and professionals understand the challenges this throws up. Not many amateurs normally make a three-tiered cake that has to stand for a number of hours. So if you are going DIY, keep it simple. 
  • Your family star baker is unlikely to say no to such a request, but they’re probably going to feel a tremendous amount of pressure. Chances are they won’t relax if they’re a guest until the cake is actually cut into. Again, venues will share stories of seemingly wonderful looking DIY cakes which, when cut into, turned out to be raw, and then the challenge of trying to serve enough not to cause embarrassment for the family member who made it.
  • Dietaries are such an important part of your catering, and the importance of avoiding trace elements from nuts to gluten can be a matter of life or death. A professional cake maker will always leave a full set of ingredients, and highlight any cross-contamination risks and cutting requirements if there are dietaries. With a DIY cake, assumptions can be made that a family member knows of a relative’s allergies, or a guest may assume ingredients will be strictly as listed and fine. So, if you are having a DIY cake, put a sign up thanking whoever made it but letting guests know ALL the ingredients, and that it wasn’t made in a professional kitchen. This may sound overcautious (and is easily forgotten), but equally, don’t assume guests with allergies will know or remember it’s a DIY cake, and that their dietaries shared with the caterers haven’t been passed on.

6. Have a shop-bought cake

Photo © Red Velvet Bakery | See their Bridebook profile

It might not seem like the most obvious choice for a wedding, and it isn’t traditional, but a shop-bought cake from your favourite supermarket can be affordable and delicious. There’s a wide range of shapes, sizes and flavours to choose from, and if you pick up some pillars you can even create a multi-tiered cake yourself. All you have to do is get a little creative with the decorations and be more flexible with your cake vision than if you were to commission something custom-made. Or, you can have a small simple cake for your ceremonial cutting, and a number of shop bought cakes put out for guests to eat afterwards.

For something trendy yet traditional, M&S sells a two-tiered naked cake that looks the part and costs just £45. Or, for something a little more unique that will be tasty and get your guests laughing, M&S also offer a personalised Colin the Caterpillar cake, which you can pair with a personalised Connie the Caterpillar cake to have matching couple cakes. Each cake serves 40, and is priced at just £50, so even if you buy both, that’s cake for 80 guests for just £100, making them a fraction of the typical cost of a traditional bespoke tiered design.

7. Choose a naked cake

Photo © Lotti & Lu | See their Bridebook profile

If you choose to hire a professional cake maker to design your wedding cake, why not ask them for a naked cake? Not only will you still get a premium cake by  a professional, but naked cakes are really in fashion right now with a rustic but elegant look. Plus, they tend to be a lot cheaper because they generally use fewer ingredients and take less time to decorate.

A word of warning though – the icing on wedding cakes can play a big part in the structural strength. Naked cakes may seem an easier option for a DIY cake (after all, the icing looks like the hard part), but they need more dowels, internal supports and the right baking consistency if stacked on top of one another. This is where professionals are even more invaluable.   

8. Only have half the cake decorated

Photo © Sugared Saffron Cake Company | See their Bridebook profile

Looking for a complex and intricate design but don’t have a huge budget? One option is to work with your cake maker to design a cake that is only decorated down one side. By having a sugar work design cascading down one half of your cake you still get the wow factor but will generally only have to pay half the decorating costs. A sugar work cascade is still incredibly striking, and can make for a gorgeous focal point and centrepiece even with less decoration.

9. Buy a local cake

Photo © Bakes From A Hackney Kitchen | See their Bridebook profile

When searching for a wedding cake designer or bakery, try to keep your search as local as possible. Wedding cake delivery can be pricey and the further a cake has to travel the riskier it is – so, if you choose a local professional, it’ll keep delivery and setup costs down. Or, you could even consider collecting your cake a day or so before the big day, which is easier to do if you choose a simple design.

10. Hire an up-and-coming cake maker

Photo © My Little Cakery | See their Bridebook profile

The more experience a baker has, the more likely they are to have a solid portfolio and reputation. As a result, they’re also more likely to charge higher prices. Instead, consider hiring a cake maker who is relatively new to the industry. They’ll still be able to make a fabulous and delicious cake, but charge less than the average. Just remember to see examples of a few other cakes they’ve designed before you hire them – you don’t want a complete novice taking charge of your wedding cake.

11. Bake your own cake

Photo © Terre et Lune Cake Design | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re a keen baker and don’t mind adding an extra responsibility to your ever-growing list, you could just bake your wedding cake yourself. You could even bake the cake a couple of months in advance, then thaw it a few days before your wedding so it’s ready for some homemade decorations. This will naturally save you money, but will be a fair bit of work, so be prepared.

Part of the joy of hiring a professional cake maker is that it’s stress-free and convenient, so you can enjoy your big day without worrying about dodgy ovens and equipment or glazes and ganaches that refuse to set. It’s important to weigh up what matters most to you. The DIY route may save you some money, but it most likely won’t save you time or stress. All of the considerations we listed for asking a friend or family to bake your cake apply here as well. 

12. Choose your flavours wisely

Photo © Two Little Cats Bakery | See their Bridebook profile

Vanilla and chocolate are usually safe, crowd-pleasing flavours that don’t cost too much. If you’ve chosen a multi-tiered cake, you may still want one tier to be a traditional fruit cake, but be prepared to pay a little extra if that’s the case.

Most of your guests won’t be too fussed if you don’t have fruit cake, and a simple vanilla sponge is affordable and tasty.

13. Keep the cake, ditch the dessert 

Photo © Claire Arscott Cake Design | See their Bridebook profile

Have you worked out the menu you plan to serve your guests at the wedding breakfast? We bet part of that meal will include a delicious dessert. Well, instead of doubling up on desserts, why not simply serve your guests a slice of wedding cake?

If this doesn’t suit your timings and you want your dessert before the cake-cutting commences, why not have a smaller, decorated one-tier cake as your main cake for the ceremonial cutting, and a plain, un-decorated version pre-cut and served as dessert for the beforehand?

To make your cake a little more dessert-like and wedding breakfast worthy, why not pair it with a scoop of ice cream or a quenelle of cream for that extra touch of luxury and finesse?

Or, if you want to serve your cake in the evening, consider whether you also need extra evening food. This way, you can make the cake the star of the show in more ways than one . This is a great way to save on your catering budget elsewhere without losing the cake. 

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Introduction: Your Wedding Cake

It’s cake time! Put on those stretchy trousers and let’s get tasting. Oh the joys of wedding planning – when else do you get to sit and eat cake all day? Well today is that day. Hooray.

Bridebook.co.uk- naked cake decorated with yellow roses and berries
By David Christopher Photography

A wedding cake is a staple sight at any wedding, symbolising the first meal eaten as a married couple (awwwww). From wheat cakes traditionally consumed by the Romans, into the endless variety of cakes, cupcakes, doughnuts and other delicacies available, we are going to help you whizz through that sugary sea.

Bridebook.co.uk- mint green wedding cake decorated with a fantasy flower
By Gigi Cakes

1. It’s all about recommendations!

As with anything, start with recommendations! Ask your recently married pals, or even your venue for advice. A delicious cake can be made by your venue, by a patissier, a caterer, a supermarket, a novice or a cake designer, so your choices are ample! And that means there is so much more to taste and try!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom eating their wedding cake and laughing
By Jamie Bott Wedding Photography

2. What flavour?

Can’t decide on flavours? Well you’ve got the traditional fruitcake with marzipan, or anything else your heart desires – vanilla, red velvet, chocolate, the list goes on… In fact, if you can’t decide on just one flavour, why not opt for layers with different flavours? (Just make sure you try all of them first (don’t mind if we do!) and put the heaviest layer on the bottom).

Bridebook.co.uk- cheese wedding cake decorated with berries
By Cinzia Bruschini

3. What about the budget?

On average, a cake will cost £500, but the more decorative and elaborate your cake (think multiple tiers, ingenious designs and sugar flowers) the more it will cost you. Be upfront about your budget when you’re meeting your cake maker, so that you’re both on the same page.

Bridebook.co.uk- three layer pale blue cake decorated with pink roses and lilies
By Chris Giles Photography

4. Watch that cream!

When choosing a flavour with cream, remember that cream-based cakes do not keep unless refrigerated! So if you are having an outdoor or summer wedding, try something else. Also, when considering fresh fruit and flowers think: chocolate and fruit, icing and flowers. (Icing absorbs the juice from the fruit, resulting in a colour mess – just a little trick from us!)

Bridebook.co.uk- five tier white wedding cake topped up with roses
By Chris Giles Photography

5. Take your time

Allow yourself between 9 and 6 months to select your wedding cake. Decorations, stacking or layering can take time to make and order. But that does mean more months of tasting – bonus!

Bridebook.co.uk- white tiered wedding cake decorated with fresh berries
Cinzia Bruschini

6. Size matters

Think about how many guests your cake needs to serve. This will affect price and size, – you don’t want an endless cake for a thirty guest wedding. Similarly, if you want to serve your cake as desert, it will need to be big enough to feed all your guests. Alternatively, you can provide them with yummy treats like cupcakes and then your cake doesn’t need to be as large.  Want a sneaky trick? Use Styrofoam layers instead of real ones and serve sheet cake instead – behind the scenes of course. Regardless of what you decide, be honest about your budget.

Bridebook.co.uk- three layer cheese cake with berries and white roses
By Cinzia Bruschini

7. How tall are you?

Ever thought about your height when picking out a cake? No us neither BUT if you are tall, you could dwarf a small cake and a massive cake can drown you if you are smaller. Also, remember when you are cutting the cake and how it makes an awesome photo? Make sure to angle yourself so that the photographer can actually see you! Aren’t you glad we are here!?

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom having fun cutting the cake with a ceremonial sword
By Ten Twenty One

8. Who has the table?

Don’t forget the cake table! Couples seem to overlook this one until the last minute, but decorating the table and making sure its shape works with the cake is important! The cake will receive a lot of attention, after all.

Bridebook.co.uk- cheese cake decorated with grapes and topped up with bride and groom figurines
By Fiona Kelly

9. Missing guests

If you want to send cakes out to guests who couldn’t attend, ask advice on storage from your cake maker. Do this and you will get brownie points for being the nicest married couple ever.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom cutting their cheese cake
By Chris Giles Photography

10. Yes! Tasting time!

Now for the best bit! Book a tasting. Even if you love the designs available, you can’t buy a cake based on design! So before you buy, have a relaxing afternoon with your beloved (or another trusted advisor) and enjoy all that cake! Here’s where the stretchy trousers come in.

Bridebook.co.uk- mini chocolate cakes
By Chris Giles Photography

11. Freezer

Lastly, the tradition of eating your cake for your anniversary/ the birth of your first child is sweet in theory, but beware of brain freeze! Try to vacuum seal the cake if you do want to freeze it to prevent some of the potential freezer burn. Then you can enjoy it all over again!

Read our article on questions to ask your cake maker for more fun cake information!

Happy Cake-ing!

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13 Questions to Ask Your Wedding Band and/or DJ

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom dancing as guests watch
By Raw Silk Photography

Favourite bit of a wedding? The music and dancing has to be up there – think Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing. Well-chosen music will set the ultimate mood for your wedding day, so selecting awesome entertainment is essential! With our carefully handpicked questions, we guarantee your band or DJ will give you the party of a lifetime and music that everyone can boogie to.

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding band performing as little boy sings along
By Jamie Bott Wedding Photography

1) How would you describe your style?

Make sure that your style goes well with theirs, you don’t want a hard-core rock band playing at a whimsical wedding!

2) How many weddings are you planning to do on my wedding day?

You may want a bad/DJ to focus on your wedding alone so they can give it all their attention on your big day!

3) Is there any way to see you perform live?

We wouldn’t advise you to gate-crash another wedding, but seeing a live recording and talking to other couples is a great place to start!

Bridebook.co.uk- groom lifting the bride during first dance
By Ross Harvey

4) Will you inspect the acoustics of our wedding venue beforehand?

The band/DJ will need to know the allowed sound levels too. It will be helpful for them to check out the venue in advance.

5) Will you take our song selections into account?

Whilst this is easy for a DJ, learning a new song is more complicated for a band, but they should accommodate your tastes. Similarly with a Do Not Play List!

6) How many of you are going to be there on the day?

Always clarify the number of band members and potential DJ assistants – you will probably provide them with food, so get the numbers right!

Bridebook.co.uk- pianist playing as two singers sit on the piano
By Allister Freeman

7) Do you need us to hire any equipment?

You might be asked to hire a piano, speakers, stage, DJ table, or any special effects equipment like lighting or smoke machines.

8) How long is the set-up time and who will be in charge of setting up?

This is important if you need to provide the band/DJ with earlier access to the reception venue!

9) How would you handle song requests?

The options can be throughout the reception as the night unfolds or with an online form sent to the guests ahead of time.

10) What are your various fee/ hour packages? Do you charge extra for travel? What is your overtime fee?

You want to know exactly what you are paying for and whether you will have the music going all night, so that the dance floor is never empty!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom doing the thriller for their first dance
By Allister Freeman

11) Do you have liability insurance?

It’s unlikely that a notable accident will happen on your big day, but you definitely want them to have it just in case!

12) What is your backup plan if one of the band is sick and do you carry back-up equipment?

You don’t want to worry about ANYTHING on your wedding day, so checking that there are back-ups and all eventualities are covered is a must!

13) Will there still be music playing during your breaks?

Most bands will take 15 minute breaks during their sets, whether to grab a glass of water or to re-tune their instruments, so you want to make sure that these gaps are also filled with music to keep the momentum going.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom dancing a traditional first dance
By Stephen Casey Photography

These questions will guide you through the initial meeting and will make your decision making so much easier. 

Happy Planning!

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How to Save Money on Wedding Entertainment

As well as making sure you have all the right music at your wedding, you’ll also need to consider what other entertainment you might want on your big day.

Do you want to start your life as a married couple with a bang by setting off an impressive fireworks display (venue permitting)? Or perhaps you want to wow your guests with a passionate magician or dance group?

If you don’t want to go that big, even a photo booth and kids’ games area are still great ways to entertain your guests – but they all naturally come at a cost.

The average amount spent on wedding entertainment in the UK is £800, which is almost 5% of the overall average cost of a wedding at £20,775. So, if you know you want entertainment at your wedding but don’t want to spend too much, what are your options?

In this post, we’re going to take a look at the many ways you can save money on wedding entertainment while still making sure your guests have a fabulous time.

What are the most expensive types of wedding entertainers?

Photo © The Love Of Dance | See their Bridebook profile

Generally, the more highly-skilled, experienced or technical the entertainment is, the more expensive it’ll be. For example, a fireworks show will cost around £750, which is almost the entire average amount spent on entertainment alone.

Dance troupes and circus acts can also be among the most expensive, as there are a large number of performers and equipment needed. The more members there are in an act, the more expensive it will be. Large dance groups and circus acts have costs starting from around £500.

Also, if an entertainer is well-known or has been featured on TV, like magician Dean Leavy who appeared on Blue Peter and Britain’s Got Talent, they can have higher rates than others.

What’s the cheapest types of wedding entertainment?

Photo © Gedling Bouncy Castle Hire & Entertainments | See their Bridebook profile

There are plenty of options available if you have a limited budget but still want to hire professional entertainment. Some of the most affordable wedding entertainment options include:

  • Bouncy castle – starting at £50
  • Face and glitter artists – starting at £150
  • Children’s entertainer – starting at £180
  • Photobooth – from £200

Check out Bridebook’s wide selection of wedding entertainment options to find a fabulous and affordable entertainer near you.

10 ways to save money on wedding entertainment

Photo © Rustic & Vintage Carts and Props | See their Bridebook profile

If you have your heart set on a certain type of entertainment but aren’t sure it’ll fit within your budget, don’t be disheartened just yet. Below are 10 ways you can save money but still enjoy wonderful entertainment. We also have tips and tricks for saving money on wedding music so you can have the best of both worlds.

1. Have a winter wedding

Photo © Red Hat Magic | See their Bridebook profile

Just like how a winter wedding will lead to lower costs for your venue and catering due to lower demand, so will the cost of your entertainment. Summer is the most popular time to host a wedding, which means entertainers can increase their rates. So, by having a winter wedding you’ll pay far less to hire the same entertainer. Similarly, their rates will also be higher on the weekend than they will be midweek. So, if you plan your wedding for a Tuesday in February, you’ll pay some of the lowest rates available.

2. Hire local entertainers

Photo © Brett Sirrell Magician & Entertainer| See their Bridebook profile

If an entertainer has to travel far to get to your venue, then this will affect how much you pay. Unless you’re really set on one specific entertainer, then try to hire a professional whose catchment area includes your chosen venue. If it doesn’t, they may charge an additional per-mile fee, and if it’s really far they might need to book a hotel, which will be another expense to factor into your budget. 

3. Hire solo entertainers

Photo © Edd Crafer – Your Magical Wedding Host | See their Bridebook profile

Remember how we mentioned above that, generally speaking, the more performers there are in an act, the more expensive it’ll be? For that reason, keep costs down by hiring a solo entertainer. Or, if you want dancers at your wedding, a pair will typically be kinder to your budget than an entire troupe.

4. Choose digital entertainment options

Photo © RCT Entertainment & Events | See their Bridebook profile

Entertainment doesn’t have to rely on a professional doing all the work, and can take so many forms. Karaoke, a quiz or motion-controlled games are both great fun and cost-effective, and a brilliant way to get all your guest involved. 

5. Create a kids’ corner

Photo © The Wedding Crècherz | See their Bridebook profile

If you have a lot of friends and family with kids, then you’re probably conscious that they might get a little bored. Kids’ entertainment, like The Wedding Crècherz and All Events Childcare, are already fantastic affordable professional services, but if you’re on a super tight budget, you could save even more money with a DIY kids’ table. Some colouring books, a box of Lego and some games (which you might already have sitting in the back of a cupboard) could save you hundreds.

6. Put a scavenger hunt together

Photo © Blue Mark Entertainment | See their Bridebook profile

This requires a bit of thought and effort ahead of the wedding (as well as coordination with your chosen venue), but it’s a great way to keep your guests busy throughout the reception as the day goes on, especially as you head off to take photos with your new spouse. A scavenger hunt, where guests have to follow clues to uncover secrets, is an engaging, fun and – importantly, cheap – entertainment idea. You can even offer prizes to the guests who come first.

7. Host a games night

Photo © The Little Red Bus | See their Bridebook profile

We bet you have a few board games and party games gathering dust up in the loft. Why not put them to good use and provide every table with a game they can use to keep themselves busy and interact with each other? There’s nothing quite as funny as watching Nan play Jenga after a couple of glasses of Prosecco.

8. Only hire an entertainer for a limited time

Photo © Chris Priest | See their Bridebook profile

If an entertainer charges a certain day rate, ask them if they’ll charge less if they’re hired for a certain number of hours. If you hire a bouncy castle, you might not want merry adults bouncing on it after a few glasses of fizz anyway – so only hire it for a couple of hours. Or, a magician is a great way to keep guests entertained after the ceremony and during the breakfast, so by the evening they won’t necessarily be needed. By hiring entertainment for a shorter amount of time you’ll pay less but your guests will still have the experience.

9. Do some DIY

Photo © Girl Friday Games | See their Bridebook profile

With a little consideration and creativity, there are plenty of DIY entertainment options. Put a box of props together and fix a digital camera on a tripod for a simple and affordable DIY photo booth. You could build a corn hole set and host a tournament with a winner-takes-all prize. Or buy a face paint kit and encourage your guests to decorate each others’ faces (but after the photographs please). There are plenty of cheap DIY options out there!

10. Ask a friend or family member

Photo © Chris Stewart Close Up Magician | See their Bridebook profile

Do you have a particularly talented friend or relative who could bring out their party trick to impress your guests? Anything from card tricks to juggling or stand-up comedy to acrobatics. Any talent can be good to go when it comes to entertaining your guests. Just make sure they’re up to the task, and don’t rely TOO heavily on them either. After all, they can’t be expected to provide the same level of service and quality as an experienced wedding professional. 

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How Much Does Wedding Entertainment Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

Planning a wedding is a little bit like putting a jigsaw together, and each of the pieces slots together to produce the overall picture that is your big day. Some pieces are bigger than others, like the venue, the flowers and the food, but another important piece that shouldn’t be overlooked is the entertainment.

Wedding entertainment comes in many forms and goes far beyond the music. Great entertainment can be the difference between a beautiful wedding and one that’s truly memorable – however, the cost of a wedding entertainer can vary depending on what you’re looking for.

In this post, we’re going to take a look at how much wedding entertainment costs, the cost of different types of entertainers available, and how important it is to hire an entertainer for your wedding.

What’s the average cost of wedding entertainment?

Photo © Illusion Fireworks Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

Because there’s such a wide variety of wedding entertainment out there, from acrobats to photo experiences, it can be difficult to put an exact figure on the average cost of wedding entertainment. However, as we set out in our ultimate wedding budget breakdown, the average amount couples spend on professional non-music entertainment is around £800.

But, if you have a larger budget to play with and a flair for creativity, there are many fabulous wedding entertainers who can help make your wedding one that they’ll remember forever.

Check out our post on the average cost of wedding music for more information about bands, singers and DJs.

How much do different types of wedding entertainment cost?

Photo © The Luxury Magician | See their Bridebook profile

Wedding entertainment costs will differ depending on the type of entertainment you’re after. Got a lot of parents coming with their little ones? A clown or kids’ entertainer will keep them busy during the reception and into the evening. Holding a twilight wedding ceremony? A stunning fireworks display will light up the sky and start your marriage with a bang. The range of entertainers available across all budget levels means that whatever your theme, you can thrill and delight your guests long into the night.

Below are just some of the different types of entertainers you could consider for your wedding.

Fireworks

Photo © Phenomenal Fireworks Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

A real crowd-pleaser, a fireworks display is a wonderful way to entertain your guests, such as those supplied by Illusion Fireworks and Phenomenal Fireworks. Costs start from £750.

Photo Booth

Photo © Kabooth Photo Booth & Magic Mirror Hire | See their Bridebook profile

Create lasting memories for you and your guests with a creative photo booth, such as those from Kabooth Photo Booth & Magic Mirror Hire. and Smartpicsuk photo booth. Costs start from £300.

Children’s entertainment

Photo © The Wedding Crècherz | See their Bridebook profile

Looking forward to kids coming to your wedding but not them running around on the dance floor? Keep the little ones busy with entertainment of their own, like the pun-tastically named The Wedding Crècherz , or Rock Up and Play. Costs start from £180.

Magician

Photo © Owen Strickland Magic | See their Bridebook profile

Add a little extra magic to your wedding with a magician to wow your guests. Fabulous magicians include Owen Strickland Magic and Chris Priest. Costs start from £350.

Mind Reader

Photo © Looch – Mind Reader & Magician | See their Bridebook profile

Why not blow the minds of your guests (not literally of course) with a mind reader like Looch – Mind Reader & Magician and Grant Mitchell – Magician & Mind Reader? Costs start from £750.

Face and glitter artists

Photo © Face ‘n’ Glitz Glitter Bar | See their Bridebook profile

Fun for kids and adults alike, face and glitter artists like Face ‘n’ Glitz Glitter Bar and Luminosity Glitter add extra sparkle to your guests’ faces. Costs start from £150.

Casino

Photo © Aces Fun Casino | See their Bridebook profile

A casino night brings a taste of Las Vegas to your wedding but with none of the dangers of walking home empty-handed. Aces Fun Casinos and VIP Fun Casino & photo booth hire are just two fantastic vendors. Costs start from £450.

Circus performers

Photo © Rachel Mayes Circus Artist | See their Bridebook profile

Circus performers and acrobats, like Rachel Mayes Circus Artist and Swamp Circus, are great fun for the entire family. Costs start from £350.

Dancers

Photo © Save The First Dance Ltd | See their Bridebook profile

While watching the grandparents throw a few shapes on the dancefloor is good fun, why not see how the pros do it, such as Save The First Dance and Desi Nach Dance Entertainment Specialists? Costs start from £500.

Bouncy castle

Photo © Gedling Bouncy Castle Hire & Entertainments | See their Bridebook profile

Why not jump, bounce, and dive on a bouncy castle, like those from Gedling Bouncy Castle Hire & Entertainments and Bouncing Crazy Bouncy Castle hire? Just remember to take off your shoes! Costs start from £50.

Should you hire a wedding entertainer other than a musician or DJ?

Whether an entertainer is right for your wedding or not is purely down to you, your personality, the style and theme of your wedding, and your budget. If you’re hoping for an affordable wedding, then an entertainer (on top of music from a band, singer or DJ) can be one of the first to go. However, if you have a larger budget to play with, then additional entertainment will help your wedding to be unique.

So, if you do have a little extra budget and are keen for your wedding to stand out, an entertainer can do just that. It’ll create buzz and excitement, enhancing your guests’ experiences. It also adds an extra layer of personalisation and provides a little more variety to the average wedding celebration.

Browse our selection of wedding entertainers to find the perfect entertainment for your big day. If you have a smaller budget, check out our post on ways to save money on wedding entertainment.

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And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding entertainment, we’ve got plenty of budget-friendly tips and tricks.

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How To: Entertain Guests While You Take Wedding Photographs

Bridebook.co.uk- bride groom wedding party and families
By Anna Clarke Photography

Keep your guests in the loop

The most important thing is to let your guests know you are planning to do the photography after the ceremony. Also let them know how long it will (roughly) take. Try to give exact directions to those VIP’s who will be in your wedding photographs. Enjoy the group shots first, so those guests can go drink, eat and chat to their hearts content, once they are done. This will give you and your loved one all the time in the world to get your photos done!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom leaving ceremony after wedding
By Allister Freeman

Hiring an entertainer

If budget allows, consider hiring an entertainer. This can be a band, so that guests can listen to some music while they socialise, a caricaturist, a magician, a comedian, or any other professional entertainer. If you can’t stretch your budget, maybe one of your musical friends would be keen to get involved? If you can’t find someone for whatever reason, don’t worry, hit up Spotify and make an epic playlist instead.

Bridebook.co.uk- bridesmaids being entertained by magician
By Jamie Bott Wedding Photography

Outdoor games? Yes please

If you are having an outdoor wedding, or if your venue has some fantastic gardens and the weather is sunny and warm, why not have some outdoor games? Giant jenga, croquet, or badminton are amazing, low-sweat options that will keep your guests – kids especially – entertained.

Bridebook.co.uk- guests playing giant jenga on the lawn
By Simon Biffen Photography

We love a photo booth

We can’t tell you enough how much we love a good ol’ photo booth, whether it’s hired or DIY.  Your guests can goof around, socialise and have fun, especially if you stock it well with props. If instant printing is available, then consider giving these out as favours to your guests!  How about this: Incorporate your guestbook into the photo booth! Equip your photo booth with a chalkboard and ask your guests to write down their wishes and take a photo holding up the board. That way, you are creating unique pictures, providing entertainment AND getting loads of marriage advice – done!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom with props in photobooth
By Chris Giles Photography

Quiz time

As not all of your guests will know your love story, why not play an interactive slide show, telling the story from yours and your loved one’s varying perspectives. Integrating a quiz about the couple, with a gift for the winner is also a great touch. If you can tell some anecdotes about your guests in the slideshow, even better!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride being lifted up by the guests during reception
By Weddings Vintage

Lip syncing

Are your guests an outgoing bunch that love a moment in the spotlight? Give them a lip-syncing competition and film it! Again, endless entertainment and fun for all the observers. (Although we would suggest a few tipples first!)

As long as there are some drinks, nibbles, superb company and some chairs for people to rest on, everyone will have a great time. So enjoy your photos and look forward to going through all of the epic shots after you’re married and back from honeymoon – another party in itself!

Happy Planning!

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How To: Choose Between A Band and a DJ

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom having their first dance with the band playing in the background
By Allister Freeman

Whether it’s the theme tune to your favourite movie or that advert that makes you cry, music makes the world go round and it’s an essential part of your wedding day. It creates the mood and gets everyone on the dance floor to party their socks off. You want your music to be a perfect reflection of you as a couple and a great medley of tunes for your guests to love and party to all night. While you might have a list of your favourite tunes coming out of your ears, you might be stuck on whether to have a wedding band or DJ? We compiled a list of pros and cons for each, so you can just sit back and enjoy the music while you choose.

Bridebook.co.uk- band playing with fairy lights in the background
By Chris Giles Photography

Why you should hire a wedding band:

  • Bands are epic. A group of people rocking out on their instruments can be fun and dramatic and really gets the party started.
  • Music played by a live band almost always sounds incredible.
  • Any love ballads that you choose are guaranteed to sound more heartfelt and emotional when performed by a live band.
  • A band can improvise and adjust the tempo of the songs, to jazz things up when needed!
  • Even guests that don’t enjoy dancing will have fun watching a live band perform.
  • Band members often have infectious personalities, making sure everyone gets on the dance floor! Bonus!
Bridebook.co.uk- wedding band playing at reception with the guitarist singing
By Lawson Photography

Limitations to wedding bands:

  • Whilst most bands are more than happy to learn a song for your first dance, the remainder of their repertoire might be quite specific. Just make sure the band you pick plays your kind of music! Going to hear them play (before you book) can help with this.
  • Band members will always need a break between sets, which can create a lull in the music. But you can always have a playlist ready to fill the gap.
  • A band can often cost a fair amount of money, as each member needs to be paid.
  • A band will require a fair amount of space and a large number of electricity outlets so just make sure you work this out before booking!
Bridebook.co.uk- the outline of a sax player performing
By Miki Photography

Why you should hire a wedding DJ:

  • A DJ will have an endless variety of songs instantly available to them, meaning they can adjust to the mood or even do requests. You can also make sure they have your list of favourites before the big day!
  • A DJ can take breaks without having to stop the music.
  • The volume levels are easily adjustable.
  • DJ’s require smaller spaces to set up.
  • Reputable DJ companies will always have a stand-by DJ, ready to take over should anything go wrong. Phew.
  • A DJ is usually cheaper than a band (maybe not David Guetta…!)
Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom dancing as guests look on
By Kristian Leven Photography

Limitations to wedding DJs:

  • Pre-recorded music might not evoke the same energy as live music… Unless the songs played are ‘your’ songs.
  • Every DJ has their own personality and style, just like every couple does. So it’s best to meet them before to make sure it matches yours.
  • The best way to find out more about a DJ’s style is by collecting some reviews. Try and speak to people who booked your DJ for their wedding, to confirm he will rock it!

Weigh up the pros and cons of each and work out what is best for you. Either way, epic music is going to make your party rock so enjoy choosing!

Bridebook.co.uk- groom dipping bride during first dance
By Ross Harvey

Happy Planning!

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Introduction: Your Wedding Entertainment

Bridebook.co.uk- flame thrower wedding enterainer
By Ross Harvey

So you’ve found your venue, made your guest list and organised a delicious wedding menu. Then all you need to really get the party started is the entertainment. So let’s work out what you’re after and give your guests a day to remember!

What Kind Of Wedding Entertainment Is Out There?

Well… Just about anything, if we’re honest with you! You could go for anything from photobooths and fireworks to cartoonists and ceilidhs. Or you could organise games for your guests, like coconut shys or croquet. And, of course, there’s music – which is so important we’ve dedicated an entire article to it here.

How Much Should You Spend On Your Wedding Entertainment?

Depending on their overall budget, we expect to see couples spend anything from £300 to £1,500 on their wedding entertainment, with the average couple spending about £500. Remember, this includes your music too and the costs involved here can range. If you decide to go the DIY route, for example, putting together your very own ultimate party playlist will cost you nothing at all – but you could also hire your favourite band and really splash some cash.

Bridebook.co.uk- guests enjoying fireworks display
By Lawson Photography

When Should You Bring Out Your Wedding Entertainment?

This depends on what forms of entertainment you’re providing. If it’s just music, the answer is obvious: whenever you want to hit the dancefloor. But you might also decide to spread entertainment throughout the day, especially if your wedding isn’t child-free. It’s always a good idea to consider providing some form of entertainment straight after the ceremony as this is when you’re likely to be busy taking wedding photos, leaving your guests to entertain themselves. It’s not a must though – you can always pop on a playlist and let your guests catch up while they enjoy a drink and a canapé or two.

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding guests posing for the photographer with props
By Miki Photography

When Should You Start Looking For Wedding Entertainment?

Give yourself at least six to nine months to find your wedding entertainment. That means you’ve got enough time to work out what you want, go and see some options and make a final decision. It also lessens the chance that you discover your dream dance troupe – only to find they’re fully booked.

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding band performing during reception
By Jamie Bott Wedding Photography

How Should You Choose Your Wedding Entertainment?

Start off by sitting down with your partner and talking about what the two of you want. Then consider your guests. If you’ll be inviting children to your wedding, what has the best chance of keeping them busy? Clowns and balloon artists are classic choices here. And what will your grown-up guests appreciate? Maybe you really want to wow your guests, and in that case, you might explore fire-eaters or fireworks displays. On the other hand, you might be from a family of foodies – in which case, look at options for DIY food stations.

Then spread the net wide! Ask friends, friends of friends, your venue, other engaged couples… Get as many ideas and recommendations as possible. Think about any weddings or other events you’ve attended recently – did any of them have any really spectacular entertainment options?

Now it’s time to get out there! If possible, try not to book your wedding entertainment without seeing them in person beforehand. We’re sure you won’t but you don’t want to book blind, only to discover on your wedding day that you’ve been duped. Plus, it makes for a great date night activity!

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How to Save Money on Wedding Accessories

What you wear on your wedding day is one of the most important decisions for any bride or groom. Whether it’s a white dress with an elegant, flowing train, or a sharp suit with a neatly pressed shirt, it all helps you to look and feel fabulous.

Accessories are what really bring your outfits together and tie them into the overall look and feel of your wedding. With the average wedding costing £20,775,  couples on average spend £300-£400 of that on accessories.

Accessories can be just as important as the dress and suit themselves. For the bride, this includes your veil, handbag or clutch, shoes, jewellery and a headpiece. For the groom, it’s your shoes, cufflinks, watch, pocket square, tie and belt. You may want all of these, or you may want none (although we recommend shoes unless your wedding ceremony is at the beach). But, you’ll probably want at least a few of these – which means it’s likely to cost.

There are ways you can save money on wedding accessories and still complete your outfit. In this post, we’re going to explore the different ways you can spend less on accessories so you can keep safely within your wedding budget.

Do you need to buy new accessories for your wedding?

Photo © Tulle & Blue | See their Bridebook profile

No, you don’t need to buy new accessories, including jewellery, for your wedding. While you may want to treat yourself and your spouse-to-be to some shiny new bling for your big day, this can add to an already not-inconsiderable cost.

Instead of buying new accessories and jewellery, you more than likely already have a few suitable pieces if you’re willing to compromise on your look a little. Jewellery such as earrings, a bracelet and a necklace will often go with a wide variety of outfits, including a wedding dress. Why not try them on before committing to buying something new? Similarly, you more than likely have a pair of comfortable footwear which will be more than fitting.

If you’re a groom, you may already own a nice watch, and a smart pair of shoes which can be tidied up with some shoe polish if necessary. That means you’ll likely only have to worry about investing in a quality tie and pocket square which match the theme and colour scheme of your wedding.

10 ways to save money on wedding accessories

Photo © Dressarte Paris | See their Bridebook profile

As well as wearing items that you already own, there are plenty of other ways you can save money on wedding accessories and jewellery.

1. To veil or not to veil

Photo © The Wedding Veil Shop | See their Bridebook profile

Because they’re so delicate and intricately made, a veil can understandably be very expensive when purchased at a bridal shop, especially if you’re dreaming of a long one (if you’re unsure of the different lengths, check out our introduction to wedding accessories). For many brides, veils are symbolic of the day, but they’re often taken off fairly quickly after the ceremony as they can get in the way. So, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to consider forgoing the veil (which could save you as much as £250), and spend that part of your budget elsewhere.

When asked about veils, Nathalie Neuilly, founder of Dressarte Paris, told us: “We often do custom veils adding custom messages, initials etc. But it’s true that more than 75% of our brides decide to go without veils. Instead, they prefer to add fresh flowers when styling their hair, or upcycle their mum’s veil and create a custom accessory.” So, if you decide to ditch the veil, you won’t be in the minority.

If you’re keen on wearing a veil, check with your mum, grandma or another female relative to see if anyone has a beautiful veil tucked safely away from their own wedding – this can count as your something old and something borrowed. If they do, double-check it matches the colour of your dress and you’re good to go.

2. Consider crafty DIY accessories

Photo © Elsa Rose Boutique | See their Bridebook profile

If you have the time and creativity, you could have a go at creating your own accessories, or repurposing something you already own. There are plenty of tips, tricks and inspiration available on Instagram, Etsy and other platforms. This also makes for a fun and unique activity during your hen party.

Just make sure you’re not pressed for time and that you have enough (good-quality) material to have at least a couple of goes at it. And be prepared to compromise on your designs, as they are unlikely to rival the professional creations of a specialist wedding dressmaker or designer!

3. Borrow family jewellery

Photo © Cherished Wedding Boutique | See their Bridebook profile

While there’s a chance that you might not be able to borrow a veil, there’s a great chance that someone close to you will have an item of jewellery that you can borrow for your big day, whether it’s a unique headpiece or statement necklace. 

Asking your in-laws-to-be is also a great way to further strengthen the union between your two families, and will no doubt mean a lot to them. 

4. Browse auctions

Photo © Anita Massarella Bridal Couture | See their Bridebook profile

A fun and exciting way to find some incredible (and also generally cheap) accessories is by attending auctions, either in-person or online. It might take time and a bit of effort, but you’ll likely be able to find some unique, vintage and affordable pieces that will also complement your outfit well. Just remember not to get too carried away during the bidding process…

5. Search for hidden treasures at charity shops and antique stores

Photo © Beverley Edmondson | See their Bridebook profile

As well as attending auctions, searching local charity shops and antique stores is a great way to find hidden gems – literally!

6. Choose one focal piece rather than several smaller pieces

Photo © Rachel Lamb Bridal Design | See their Bridebook profile

Instead of spending money on lots of different accessories, why not go for one big central piece that will pull your entire look together? This works well both for brides and for the whole bridal party. For example, consider going for a show-stopping one-of-a-kind hairpiece or a stunning statement necklace, instead of a collection of smaller (and potentially more expensive) pieces.

7. Shop online

Photo © Elizabeth & Rose Design | See their Bridebook profile

Many online retailers offer lower prices than high-street stores, but make sure you shop around. There are plenty of specialist retailers that have large collections of wedding accessories and jewellery. Online stores also often have deals and discounts, so make sure you search for voucher codes before making a purchase. Just bear in mind that photos aren’t always a true reflection of an item, so double-check the retailer’s return policy in case your order doesn’t look quite as you expected it to (and factor this into your accessory-shopping timeline).

8. Shop at local craft fairs

Photo © Rachel Sokhal Bridal Accessories | See their Bridebook profile

Keep an eye out for local craft fairs and markets. Independent jewellery makers and artists will often have stalls at these events, and chances are you’ll find unique handmade pieces which will perfectly match your outfit and be more affordable than pieces bought from jewellers or other retailers.

9. Rent wedding accessories

Photo © Sharper Millinery | See their Bridebook profile

Believe it or not, you can rent wedding accessories and jewellery to use on your big day. Rental companies will usually have a huge range of choices to suit any style, colour scheme and taste. You can rent everything, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets and cufflinks. It’s a great way to wear an extravagant piece without paying extravagant prices. Just remember to pay attention to the terms of your rental so you don’t have to fork out due to additional fees or charges.

10. Look out for sales and discounts

Photo © Lace And Love | See their Bridebook profile

Start browsing for your accessories and jewellery early so you can keep a look out for offers, deals, discounts and end-of-season sales. You never know, your favourite piece could suddenly be discounted, saving you a ton of money.

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Happy Planning!

Introduction: Your Wedding Accessories

Bridebook.co.uk- vintage engagement ring and diamond wedding ring
By Alethea Photography

Jewellery:

We know that choosing your jewellery can be a sea of sparkle and gorgeousness, so we are here to guide you through it and make sure you look stunning come W-Day!

1)  You must not buy your jewellery before you buy your wedding dress! We know it is hugely tempting, especially when you see something gorgeous at a wedding fair, but trust us, fight the temptation! The majority of brides say that they end up choosing a different wedding dress to the one they originally imagined, so make sure your ensemble is perfect and wait!

2) Match your metals and your dress! Pure white gowns look fantastic with silver, platinum or pearls, whereas ivory dresses really suit yellow jewellery, as it highlights the creamy tone of the fabric. We also advise you to stick to one metal when it comes to your accessories for a chic and elegant look.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride wearing a ring and a pearl bracelet
By Guy Hearn

3) Next thing you need to think about is the neckline of your gown. Sweetheart or strapless gowns look great with anything from a necklace, to statement earrings, to flower hairpieces, to cuff bracelets. A V-neck dress most definitely needs décolletage decoration and we love a pearl necklace for a classic look, or a choker with earrings for more of a statement. Lastly, a halter dress look phenomenal with hair accessories: you can go for a headband, a tiara or some crystal pins to add a bit of sparkle!

4) The final step is to make sure your jewellery reflects your personality! Whether you always sport a statement necklace, or if you never wear any accessories at all, you must feel like the best you on your wedding day!

Bridebook.co.uk- wedding shoes and bouquet lying on stairs
By Ten Twenty One

Veil:

This is the ultimate accessory to enhance and complete your dress. Although not all brides choose to have a veil, it is traditional and allows for a very special moment between father and daughter when the veil is lifted. So really think before you decide that a veil is not for you. Here are the different types of veil explained:

Bridebook.co.uk- bride having her birdcage veil put on
By Allister Freeman

1) Birdcage veil. This is a very contemporary take on the veil that would be most suited to a modern slim fitting dress.

2) Blush veil. This is a single layer of tulle that is kept over the face as you are walking down the isle.

3) Elbow length veil. This is an elegant veil that comes to your elbows and looks gorgeous, while not distracting from the dress as a whole.

Bridebook.co.uk- brides cathedral length veil being adjusted by bridesmaid
By Ten Twenty One

4) Fingertip length veil. This is the most popular veil option, as it works with all dress shapes. As the name states, the length comes down to the fingertips.

5) Chapel length veil. This veil flows the length of your dress and is perfect if you are having a formal church wedding.

6) Cathedral length veil. This veil provides the most drama. It flows the length of your dress and train. It looks absolutely stunning, but it is worth remembering that it obscures the back of your wedding dress, especially if you have always wanted a dress with an elaborately decorated back.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and groom behind brides billowing veil
By Miki Photography

Other accessories

While jewellery is the traditional accessory, that doesn’t mean you should limit yourself if it isn’t your style or if you fancy something different! We personally love a bride sporting a gorgeous belt, as it adds sparkle and structure to the dress. However, we do suggest you don’t go for a belt or sash wider than 3-4 inches, so it doesn’t overpower your gorgeous dress!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride in her wedding dress with belt embellishment
By Ten Twenty One

Another look that is really taking off this year is a cover-up! Whether a bolero or a gorgeous cape, they are the perfect accessory to carry your dress from day to evening and they add the all-important coverage if you are getting married in a house of worship!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride and bridesmaid shoes balanced on a balcony rail
By Chris Giles Photography

Shoes

1) First thing first: COMFORT! Yes, it might sound less exciting than skyscraper heels, but remember that you will be wearing these shoes for the majority of the day, you will be standing and you will be throwing some shapes on the dance floor! So, we recommend you go for natural materials, as they are more breathable and will stretch to fit your feet!

2) On the subject of comfort, we recommend you go for a wedding shoe that has ankle support as opposed to a slip-on, just because you don’t want to end up losing a shoe on the dance floor! However, if your heart is set on a slip-on we recommend you check the heel and the sole of your shoe: a bendy sole will make sure your toes aren’t pinched and a comfy and cushioned heel will keep your foot in place!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride being helped into her wedding shoes
By Anna Clarke Photography

3) Don’t forget to buy your shoes around the same time as you order your wedding dress. This is very important as your alterations, especially the hem adjustment, will depend on the height of your heel. Buying shoes early on will mean you are ready for all of your fittings and that you have plenty of time to break them in at home! Awesome.

4) Lastly, when you are choosing your shoes make sure you consider your wedding season and your venue. If you are getting married in winter, you might want a back-up pair of weddingtons to avoid the puddles, or if you are having your reception in the summer months you might want a pair of flats or wedges at the ready for walking on grass! Actually, having a back-up pair of flats is always a great idea, just in case!

Bridebook.co.uk- bride in an embellished dress holding her bouquet
By Especially Amy

Happy Planning!

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16 Questions to Ask Before Buying Your Wedding Dress

1. When can I book an appointment to try on dresses?

Remember that weekend appointments will be booked up well ahead of times so you may need to be prepared to compromise. If you have to take time off work to attend a midweek appointment, why not make a day of it? That said, don’t panic and try to cram loads of appointments into a single day! Shopping for a wedding dress is more tiring than you might expect so plan one appointment in the morning and one in the afternoon.

2. How long will my appointment be?

Expect most appointments to last at least an hour. You want to have enough time dedicated to you in the shop – and this isn’t a decision you want to rush either!

3. How many people can I bring with me?

Choosing your wedding dress is a big decision so it’s always worth having a second opinion. Make sure you’re allowed to bring your most trusted advisers with you. That said, we’d advise only bringing a few people – maybe just your mum and your maid/person of honour. Too many opinions can be overwhelming, not to mention confusing!

4. What dresses do you think will best suit me?

It’s completely up to you which wedding dress you choose and we’d never suggest you follow outdated “rules” on silhouettes and body shapes. That said, it’s always worth getting some guidance from the professionals to help you find the dress that will make you feel your best.

5. How customisable are your dresses?

You never know, you might find your dream dress but decide something isn’t exactly right. Make sure you know in advance how much freedom you’ll have to make alterations. You might want a certain dress in ivory instead of white or to replace a zip with a lace-up back, for example.

6. What is the lead time on your dresses?

The lead time is how long it takes from placing an order to receiving the finished gown. You’ll want to leave yourself a minimum of six months for a bespoke gown, so make sure to plan well ahead!

7. How many fittings will I have and when will they be?

It’s common to have as many as four fittings so you want to plan well ahead and make sure you leave time for any necessary alterations to get everything just right. Again, weekend appointments will be likely be booked up well in advance.

8. What do I need to bring to my fittings?

In most cases, you’ll want to bring the undergarments you’ll be wearing on your wedding day, as well as your shoes and any other accessories. If you’re unsure of what will work best, the staff in the boutique will usually be able to advise you.

Bridebook.co.uk- bride taking her wedding dress off the hanger
By Guy Hearn

9. Do you do alterations and how much will they cost?

While most boutiques will offer alterations, this isn’t always the case. You’ll then need to take your dress to a separate seamstress which will mean factoring in extra time.

10. What if my weight changes? How much will last-minute tweaks cost?

It can be months or even years between your first fitting and your wedding day, and it’s completely normal for your weight to fluctuate during that time period. It doesn’t matter how much you weigh on your big day, but you don’t want to be worrying that your dress won’t fit. To put your mind at ease, make sure you can have your dress taken in or let out at the very last minute to make sure it still fits perfectly.

11. Can I have undergarments sewn into my dress?

If your gown is strapless, having undergarments sewn in is especially useful. A sewn-in bra or corset will make your dress feel more secure and avoid you worrying about pulling it up throughout your reception.

12. How much is the deposit and when will I pay in full?

Expect to pay 50% of the total price as a deposit. The rest is usually taken in installments in the run-up to your wedding day so make sure you know the payment plan.

13. What accessories will go with the dress?

Whether you’re planning to go for classic pearls, statement earrings or a dramatic heel, it’s always worth asking the professionals for a second opinion on your accessories before you commit. After all, they’ve seen it all!

14. Will the dress be steamed when I pick it up or when it’s delivered?

If you’ll need to steam your dress yourself, ask for exact instructions from the boutique. Remember, most dresses aren’t compatible with an iron!

15. Can you show me how to put on my dress? Can I film it?

On your wedding day, your wedding party will likely be in charge of lacing you into your wedding dress. It can be a complicated process to get exactly right, especially when nerves (… and the odd tipple) are involved! Make things as easy as possible by getting step-by-step instructions and filming the process if possible.

16. What’s the best way to store and transport my dress?

Wedding dresses are often reasonably large, making them more difficult to manoeuvre than your standard gown. The boutique will know how best to store and transport your dress so make sure to ask them!

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How Much Does a Wedding Dress Cost? The 2024 Average Revealed

If you’re wearing a dress to your wedding, you’ll spend many hours (or , more likely, days and weeks) agonising over what the right dress for you might be. Do you want a ball gown? Mermaid? A-line? Do you want strapless? A train? When it comes to choosing the right wedding dress, there are so many options available it can sometimes be overwhelming. Where do you even start?

Another question you might ask is how much does a wedding dress cost? You may know the style you want for your wedding, but does it align with the budget you have in mind? For many, choosing the perfect dress is just as important – if not more important than – the venue and catering.

In this post, we’re going to explore everything to do with the cost of a wedding dress, including the average cost, what affects the cost and what you might expect for your budget.

What’s the average cost of a wedding dress?

Photo © Bow Belles Bridal Boutique | See their Bridebook profile

According to our 2024 UK Wedding Report, the average amount couples spend on a wedding dress is about £1,300. However, there are plenty of reasons why you may spend far less than this, and in other cases, why you might spend way more. 

It’s important to note that this amount doesn’t include any jewellery or accessories you might wear, nor your shoes. So, expect to pay a little more for those (unless you’re getting married on the beach!) to complete your overall wedding attire. Check out our ultimate wedding budget breakdown for an understanding of how much your wedding might cost.

Even if you don’t have the average amount to spend on a dress, there are still plenty of options available to ensure a stunning dress is within easy reach. Here at Bridebook, we have a fabulous collection of wedding dress suppliers and boutiques, so you can find your perfect dress. There are also a few tricks to be aware of so you can save money on your wedding dress.

What factors affect the cost of a wedding dress?

Photo © Oui Madame Bridal Atelier | See their Bridebook profile

With wedding dresses coming in all manners of shapes, designs and sizes, no two dresses cost the same. Plenty of factors mean you may end up spending less – or even a lot more – than the average.

  • Location: Wedding dresses bought in London will cost more than those bought outside the capital.
  • Brand: A dress made by a well-known brand will often cost significantly more than a dress made by a less well-known brand.
  • Materials: Premium and high-quality fabrics, such as lace and silk, will cost more than other fabrics, such as satin.
  • Expertise: A dress from an experienced designer will be more expensive than an up-and-coming designer with little experience.
  • Style: The more complex the style and design, the pricier your dress will be.
  • Embellishments: Dresses with more embellishments, such as embroidery, beads or sequins, will cost more than dresses without.
  • Imported materials: Materials manufactured in Asia are likely to be less than half the cost of European fabrics, while the small number of fabrics still milled in the UK are some of the most expensive fabrics available. 

What type of wedding dress can you expect for your budget?

Photo © Kate Joseph Bridal | See their Bridebook profile

Even if you already have a good idea of the budget for your dress, it can be difficult to know where to start looking. Do you go designer? Which designers suit your budget? How do you find out the wedding dress prices if designers don’t even show them?

To help with the confusion, below is a rough price guide for different stores and designers based on various budget ranges:

Budget

Store/Designer

£100 – £500

Monsoon, Phase Eight, Ben de Lisi, Pearce II Fonda.

£500 – £1,000

Aneberry, Alexia, John Lewis.

£1,000 – £2,000

Maggie Sottero, Jenny Packham, Pronovias, Ronald Joyce, Vera Wang White Collection.

£2,000+

Vera Wang, Suzanne Neville, Jenny Packham, Caroline Castigliano, Pronovias, Monique Lhuillier.

How much does a bespoke wedding dress cost?

Photo © The Wedding Workshop | See their Bridebook profile

For a bespoke dress, you’ll need a little more than the average paid by couples, with costs starting from £1,850. If you want a dress made by a designer, you’ll pay for their time designing the dress, the materials and any extras, like intricate beadwork. But there’s also so much more to it than that.

What goes into the cost of a bespoke wedding gown?

  • More than just a gown: A bespoke wedding dress is a wearable work of art, crafted to fit your unique style and body like a glove. When you choose a designer-made dress, you’re not just paying for fabric and stitching — you’re investing in a truly personal experience and unparalleled quality.

  • Countless hours behind the scenes: Your dressmaker devotes significant time to perfecting every detail. It all starts with your vision, turning a sketch into a beautiful reality, with each element thoughtfully considered and brought to life.

  • Careful selection of high-quality materials: Whether it’s luxurious silk, delicate lace or hand-embroidered embellishments, the materials used are chosen for their quality and beauty. Intricate details like beadwork or custom lace patterns require incredible precision to achieve a flawless finish.

  • Artistry in fitting and adjustments: A bespoke dress isn’t simply made to your size — it’s sculpted to your body, ensuring every seam and contour accentuates your shape beautifully. Fitting sessions involve painstaking adjustments to make sure the gown drapes flawlessly while maintaining a seamless and natural look.

  • The expertise of skilled artisans: Opting for a bespoke or designer wedding dress honours the passion and dedication of designers who transform your gown into more than just an outfit — it becomes a cherished heirloom to live on long after your wedding day. This choice embraces quality, artistry and individuality, creating something that tells your unique love story.

Designers like Vera Wang, McQueen and Givenchy will charge premium rates, so, if your budget is more generous, then you’ll have a greater selection of well-known designers to choose from. That said, most designers will also have a more affordable collection, like White by Vera Wang, if you’re keen on a big-name brand but not necessarily a big-name budget.

How much does an off-the-peg dress cost?

Photo © HEMYCA | See their Bridebook profile

An off-the-peg wedding dress can be a fantastic way to reduce your wedding dress cost. Most department stores will have an array of absolutely stunning gowns at a fraction of the price of a bespoke or designer gown. As we highlighted above, John Lewis offers modestly priced wedding dresses that start from as low as £175 (or lower during a sale).

Our advice for an off-the-peg dress is to make sure the gown fits you as close as possible before buying and then taking it to a professional tailor for any alterations, otherwise it can get quite pricey.

How much does a bespoke dress by a tailor cost?

Photo © Sabina Motasem | See their Bridebook profile

If you still want a bespoke gown but your budget is limited, you can always contact a talented tailor near you and ask what they would charge for making your wedding dress. Much like designer gowns, you’ll pay for the design, the time and the materials, but at a far more affordable price. The cost for simpler gowns starts at £400 and something more elaborate will start at £1,200.

How much do wedding dress appointments cost?

Photo © Susie Grist Couture | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re visiting a department store, you won’t need to make an appointment. However, bridal boutiques are often much smaller, so you’ll likely need to reserve an appointment. Whether or not you have to pay for this appointment depends on the owners’ policy, but many do charge at busy times such as evenings and weekends. The amount can vary between £20 and £50, which is usually discounted from the dress if you make a purchase. But, if you’re making an appointment at several boutiques, then you may lose a little as you’re not likely to buy a dress at every store!

How much do wedding dress alterations cost?

 
Photo © Naya Custom Bridal | See their Bridebook profile

Much like the cost of the dress itself, the cost of alterations can vary based on factors such as location, time, the skills required, and the experience of the tailor. It can also be cheaper to have the alterations done at the same boutique you bought your dress at as part of a package.

The typical price you might expect to pay for wedding dress alterations is between £100 and £500. However, this is totally dependent on the amount of work required.

The rough price breakdown for a London tailor is:

  • Altering the hem: £75 – £100. The more layers your dress has, the more altering it will need, with the first two layers coming to £75 and the subsequent layers adding around £25 each.
  • Altering the sides: £50 – £75. If your dress has intricate beading and detailing it might cost more as a tailor would have to remove them, make the alterations and then sew them back on by hand.
  • Adding bustles (to tie up the train if needed): £20 per bustle.
  • Changing the zip to a laced back: £75 – £100.

Can you buy a wedding dress from a charity shop?

Photo © New Beginnings Bridal | See their Bridebook profile

Yes, you can buy a wedding dress from a charity shop! More often than not they’re in great condition because they’ve been carefully looked after, and have usually only been worn once before.

Browsing charity shops is a fantastic way to grab a bargain while supporting a good cause. You may even find a wonderful dress for around £50. But, finding the perfect dress for you in a charity shop will take a lot of dedication and luck. It’s also likely that you’ll need to take it to a tailor for alterations.

Charity shops are also sometimes sent discontinued dresses which will be cheaper than the original cost, but still fairly pricey – especially if by a well-known brand or designer.

How much does it cost to rent a wedding dress?

Photo © Rasha Kashou Studio | See their Bridebook profile

The cost of buying your wedding dress isn’t cheap, especially as you’re only going to wear it once. If you’re on a budget, another option is to rent your wedding dress, with costs starting from as low as £12 per day. To put this into perspective, Carrie Johnson’s wedding dress was rented for £45 – far less than the original £2,830 price tag.

Plan your wedding today with Bridebook

Sign up to Bridebook and start planning your wedding today! We have a huge choice of wonderful wedding dress suppliers so you can find the dress.

And if you’re looking for ways to save money on your wedding dress, we’ve got a load of hacks to help you slash your budget and still look fabulous on your big day.

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Happy Planning!

9 Tips To Consider When Shopping For Your Wedding Dress

Bridebook.co.uk Summer Bride in lace dress with big skirt

We’re here to help you with all the boring, adminny, practical and unfortunately very necessary parts of your wedding, which is why we’ve developed super powerful wedding planning tools, alongside our amazing venue directory. But on top of that we totally want to help with the frillier, more exciting bits too! Choosing your dress is definitely one of the most exciting parts of being engaged, so grab the bubbles, some of your nearest and dearest and hit the shops!

1. Give yourself plenty of time. It can take around 6 months to make a wedding dress, so give yourself lots of time to enjoy all the appointments and fittings.

2. Research away. Working out what you like and don’t like is the first step, so make a few appointments. Then you will know you’ve found the perfect dress – gold star for you.

3. Who to bring? Part of you wants to bring a gaggle of friends to drink bubbly and try on a bunch of dresses, but that’s all well and good until you have seven opinions for every dress. Many boutiques stipulate a maximum number of accompanying guests, which is usually 3 or less. Take a couple of people who’s honest opinion you trust and who’s company you enjoy. 

4. Be Prepared. Some stores ask you come without makeup or perfume on for fittings, so check before. Neutral coloured, seamless underwear works best when trying on dresses – or rock out the fluorescent pink if that’s your vibe.

5. Budget. Be realistic about what you can afford when shopping for your wedding dress. Add in the extras: veil, accessories and shoes. If you’ve put in your budget with Bridebook (if you haven’t, get on it now!), we’ll have given you an estimate for that bit of your spendings.

6. Wedding lingerie. If you’ve chosen a dress that leaves you wanting some extra support, choose some practical underwear for the day that can lift and hide whatever you want hiding. Save something sexier for the wedding night.

7. Think through the storage and transportation. Think about where your dress will be stored pre-wedding and how it will be transported to the wedding location. Wedding dresses can require a lot of space (and believe it or not, you can buy your dress a seat on a plane)!

8. Get it in writing. Make sure you have all the details (whether given to you in the store or sent via email) such as: when your dress is due for delivery and the dates of your fittings in writing.

9. Dry cleaning. Budget in the dry cleaning of the dress post-wedding. It will often cost a lot more than you expect.

 

Happy Planning!

Introduction: Your Wedding Dress

 

The wedding dress is an iconic part of the wedding process. Selecting your wedding dress is a very unique and personal experience where the bride makes a statement about who she is as a person and how she wants to be seen and remembered on her wedding day. For many people, it is also turning a dream into reality. (Can you tell we’re just a little excited for you?!) So to help you with one of the most important, and exciting, decisions in your wedding planning, we have put together everything you need to know about choosing the perfect dress for you.

 

Choose the time of year

The time of year will dictate the fabric you will choose for your wedding dress. And you should remember that different fabrics have different ‘looks’ and comfort levels, and will ultimately determine the style of your wedding dress. Most wedding dress fabrics are very versatile but heavy fabrics such as velvet and brocade are clearly suited for winter weddings, whereas lighter fabrics like organza and georgette are better suited to summer weddings. Don’t forget to think about this when picking your shoes and veil too, as they must be suitable for the anticipated weather conditions and the chosen venue. 

 

Choose your style of occasion

Time and location of the wedding are crucial when selecting the design of your wedding dress. Small, lavish, religious, indoors, outdoors, modern, traditional or themed – all of these can have an impact! And if it’s a destination wedding, then make sure you have researched the weather! 

 

bridebook.co.uk bride running through garden in wedding dress with lace trim

 

Make appointments

On average, it takes 6 months for your dress to be made, so bear this in mind when making appointments at different bridal shops and don’t rush your dream dress! And whilst you should allow yourself enough time to give yourself options, don’t overwhelm yourself with an appointment at every boutique within an 100 mile radius. The worst thing in the world could be not finding your dream dress; a very close second is trying on so many that no dress will ever be your dream. Think also about who you should bring to your first few appointments; most boutiques recommend three as a maximum, because too many opinions and voices can be so overwhelming.  We think bringing your Mum, Sister or Maid of Honour is enough and will give you the most honest feedback!

 

Dress shapes

Before you make your first bridal appointment start collecting images of dresses that you like – Pinterest is perfect for this or any other Bridebook inspiration pages such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Try out evening dresses in different silhouettes at various department stores and see what shapes and necklines suit you best. To help you narrow down the choices, here are the most popular wedding dress styles and the shapes that they generally work well with:

 

Ball gown

Style: Also known as meringue, consists of a fitted bodice and a big and full skirt. Best for: For a slender or petite frame, good for highlighting the waist. Tip: This is the ultimate wedding dress shape and your wedding day is probably the only time that you can wear a dress like this (unless you’re likely to be at the MET Gala one day…)

Fishtail or trumpet

Style: Figure hugging, with a skirt that flares from the knee, good for highlighting curves. Best for: Hourglass, curvy. Tip: This is a quite a restricting dress shape so make sure it’s not going to hold you back from the dance floor.

Sheath

Style: Follows your body’s natural silhouette. Best for: Sleek figures. Tip: A very easy shape to wear, good for summer weddings.

A-line

Style: Fitted bodice with the bottom half of the dress following the shape of the letter ‘A’. Best for: This shape suits most body types, which is why it is the most popular. Tip: Can work with any neckline and sleeve/no sleeve.

 

Bridebook.co.uk Bride with back detailing and full skirt

 

Dress Train

Once you’ve chosen the dress shape of your dreams, the next thing to think about is the dress train, which should be comfortable for the bride and suitable for the wedding style. The length of the train should be influenced by the formality and surroundings of your wedding.

Almost all dress styles can have a train, and a lot of the time these can be re-adjusted after the ceremony too. Sometimes they are simply bustled up or removed, but some dresses will often come with a hook to wear on your wrist whilst you boogie. 

Here are the different styles of train to help you choose:

Brush

This is the shortest and most modest train style. It lightly ‘brushes’ behind and gives a very subtle volume to the dress. This train length is suitable for all occasions, regardless of the ceremony format or the time of year of the wedding. This would be the best choice for outdoor weddings. Approximate length: 6 inches

Court

This train length is slightly longer then the Brush. This would be suitable for all ceremonies, but could be problematic for outdoor receptions since the train can collect greenery as the bride walks around on grass. Approximate length: 3 feet

Chapel

This is the intermediate train length, between the more modest ‘brush’ and ‘court’, and the very dramatic ‘cathedral’ and ‘royal’ lengths. Approximate length: 5 feet

Cathedral

This train is suitable for formal and traditional weddings. Due to its length, you will need help from the bridal team to make sure that the train is in place before you walk down the aisle and throughout the ceremony. This train will often have a bustle option. Approximate length: 7 feet

Royal

This is the grandest length of train; it makes a statement about the bride and the wedding itself. Similar to a ‘cathedral’ train, this will require assistance to make sure that the train is in correct position and does not interfere at any point while the bride is walking down the aisle. Approximate length: 10 feet

Watteau

This train is a separate piece of fabric that is attached to the top part of the bodice on the wedding dress. This is a more contemporary version of the train. Approximate length: varied. 

 

Bridebook.co.uk Boho bride at woodland wedding with long sleeved lace wedding dress

 

Choose the right shade of white

It is important to choose the right shade of white that goes well with your skin tone and will work well with the lighting of your wedding venue. Generally, if you are fair skinned you should opt for warmer shades of white, such as Ivory, while darker skin tones should opt for cooler shades of white, with a slight blue undertone. Once the dress has been chosen make sure you try walking in it and sitting down. If you are taking a car to the ceremony make sure the fabric does not crease (and that you and your dress can fit into the car!).

Fittings

Generally speaking you need approximately 6 months for the dress to be made. Work backwards and have your fittings as close to the wedding date as is comfortable. Make the most of each fitting and make sure you attend them with your trusted person, someone whose advice you value and whom you are at ease with.

Underwear

Do not underestimate the power of undergarments. Make sure you consider the practical options when trying on the wedding dress – will you feel supported if it’s completely backless? Will you be able to let your hair down on the dancefloor in a tummy-smoother? You will want to be as comfortable as possible on your wedding day and good underwear is sure to achieve that.

Be yourself!

The final piece of advice is for you to be yourself. Make sure that you are comfortable in whatever dress shape you choose and that you feel beautiful. Make sure your dress isn’t restricting as this will be very obvious when you make your way down the aisle. Choose your best feature and make sure that your perfect dress highlights that.

 

Happy Planning!

How to Save Money on Wedding Alcohol

Weddings don’t come along very often, but when they do they’re a cause for a celebration. And one of the ways a lot of wedding guests like to let their hair down is by having a drink or two (or three or four).

Raising a glass of bubbles is also a great way for your guests to toast you and your new spouse, and celebrate your marriage. But as well as the fizz, your guests will enjoy a variety of alcoholic drinks, from wines and beers to cocktails and spirits.

In the UK, the average amount spent by couples on their wedding is £20,775, with more than a quarter of that going towards catering alone. Part of that catering is the drinks you provide your guests, so the more thirsty guests you invite, the more you’re likely to spend.

So, how can you save money on wedding alcohol? In this post, we’re going to dive into the ways you can reduce how much you spend on booze so you can get more out of your wedding budget.

What kind of alcohol is usually served at a wedding?

Photo © Savva Bars & Catering Co | See their Bridebook profile

It’s common for a wide variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to be served at weddings. If a full-service bar is provided, the possibilities are endless, but the alcoholic drinks offered generally include:

  • Beer
  • Cider
  • Red wine
  • White wine
  • Sparkling wine or Champagne
  • Spirits
  • Cocktails

Often, couples will provide their guests with a limited number of drinks, such as an arrival drink, a bottle of red and white for each table at the breakfast and a glass of bubbles for the toast. A third of couples opt to offer an open bar,  but this can be a rather expensive option – especially if you’re inviting a lot of guests.

For more information check out our ultimate guide to wedding alcohol.

Should you offer an open bar?

Photo © Sip ‘n’ Swig | See their Bridebook profile

Whether or not you choose to offer an open bar at your wedding is entirely your choice – there’s no right or wrong answer. Just because a third of couples choose to offer an open bar doesn’t mean you need to – that still leaves two-thirds of all couples who decide not to.

In fact, if you decide to have a paid bar at your wedding you could save more than £2,100. Plus, your guests are unlikely to think anything of it or mind paying for their drinks. 

10 ways to save money on wedding alcohol

Photo © Lettice Events | See their Bridebook profile

Offering a paid bar is just one of the ways you can save money on alcohol at your wedding. For more tips and cost-cutting ideas, read our guide to how to save money on your wedding. 

Below are 10 more ways you can save while still making sure your guests can enjoy a few drinks on your big day.

1. Buy your alcohol just after Christmas 

Photo © Party Ingredients | See their Bridebook profile

Alcohol may be one of the most expensive items on your wedding list, but remember – it doesn’t go off! So regardless of your wedding date, we recommend buying any alcohol you need either after Christmas or New Year or around the big summer bank holidays. That’s when supermarkets slash their prices and have huge sales on alcohol. You can save up to £1,500 buying Champagne in the sales just after Christmas compared to in the run-up to your wedding. 

2. Ask about ‘sale or return’

Photo © Foray Catering | See their Bridebook profile

Believe it or not, if you do offer your guests a couple of free drinks, then there’s every chance it won’t be finished, particularly if you’ve provided bottles of wine. Not everyone drinks wine – even when it’s free – so what do you do if you end up with six bottles of unopened wine at the end of the reception?

Ask the venue or vendor about sale or return, which is a policy that allows you to return unopened and undamaged bottles of alcohol for a refund or credit off your final bill. It might not save you loads, but even a little saving is better than none when you’re spending so much.

3. Switch the expensive stuff for the not-so-expensive

Photo © Daisy Duke Bar and Catering | See their Bridebook profile

Your wedding is a fabulous celebration and it can be tempting to bring out the big guns and pop open a few bottles of Champagne, particularly for arrival drinks and raising a glass during the speeches. But, Champagne is expensive and some cheaper alternatives are actually more popular anyway.

Instead of pricey Champers, consider more affordable options like Cava and Prosecco, which plenty of people prefer, and many won’t even realise are different.

To put it into perspective, a decent bottle of Champagne will cost around £40, whereas a nice bottle of Prosecco will cost around £10. So, if you need 25 bottles, by switching from Champagne to Prosecco, you could save £750.

4. Introduce a DIY cocktail bar

Photo © Liquid Mobile Bar | See their Bridebook profile

A great way to get your guests in good spirits (get it?) and save some money is with a DIY cocktail bar. All you need are half a dozen bottles of spirits, a few mixers and a recipe guide, and your guests can get to work creating their own delicious drinks. It also doubles as a unique form of wedding entertainment and gets your guests chatting and interacting with each other.

For a little extra personalisation, you could create some custom cocktail recipes that are themed around you and your spouse-to-be, and name some drinks after significant moments, places and people in your lives.

5. Bring your own alcohol

Photo © Fabulous Fizz Bar | See their Bridebook profile

When you think about it, a wedding is just one big party – and it’s not unheard of to ask party guests to bring their own drinks. It might not be the most comfortable option, but asking your guests to come armed with a bottle or two will potentially save you thousands.

If this is something you’re considering, make sure to check with the venue that it’s something they allow – if you’re getting married in a hotel or similar, then it might be written into your agreement that it’s prohibited. But, many venue types will allow it, particularly if you haven’t gone for an all-inclusive package.

If you go down this route, just remember to add BYOB to your wedding invitations!

6. Hire an external vendor

Photo © Mambo Mobile Bars | See their Bridebook profile

Another way to lessen costs is by hiring an outside vendor, such as a mobile bar, to provide all the drinks at your wedding. This also opens up more options for personalisation if your wedding has a specific theme.

This is again something you’ll need to check with your chosen venue – they may not allow mobile bars. You’ll also want to make sure your chosen vendor has a license to sell alcohol, because if they don’t, it could land you in hot water.

7. Bypass the arrival drinks

Photo © Dine | See their Bridebook profile

Before the ceremony, when your guests slowly begin to arrive, it’s common for couples to offer their guests an arrival drink to help them get into the mood. If you offer each of your guests a drink, it can quickly get expensive.

But, a drink on arrival isn’t something your guests will expect – it’s simply a nice surprise, similar to canapés and wedding favours. So, to save a little money, why not bypass the arrival drinks altogether? Or, simply switch them out for a non-alcoholic drink so you can offer the gesture while cutting back on the cost.

8. Scale back how much you offer your guests

Photo © Paisley Flour Catering | See their Bridebook profile

An open bar might not suit your budget, but you could still thank your guests for coming by providing them with a drink or two. Many couples opt to include a couple of bottles of wine for each table – one red and one white – but for a little extra selection, why not extend that to include beer, too?

If you’re keen on providing your guests with a glass of wine at the wedding breakfast or a flute of bubbles during the toasts, one money-saving tip is to simply ask the venue to be a little more reserved with their pouring than they might usually be. Whereas a bottle of Champagne will generally fill six glasses, a slightly less generous pour might stretch this to 10. If a bottle can serve more guests, you won’t need to open as many. And if you don’t need to open as many bottles, you won’t need to pay for as many. 

9. Brew your own booze

Photo © The Copper Top Bar | See their Bridebook profile

If you plan far enough in advance, why not have a go at brewing your own alcohol? After all, brewing wine, beer and even spirits at home is becoming an increasingly popular hobby. Not only is supplying your own handmade drinks a great way to save money on wedding alcohol, but it also personalises your reception.

10. Forgo the toasts

Photo © Filly & Foal Mobile Bar Hire | See their Bridebook profile

If you’re not one for traditions, consider forgoing the speeches completely, which then also forgoes the need to supply your guests with a glass of fizz and to provide bottles of wine on each of the tables. With the increase in the popularity of twilight weddings, it’s becoming more common for couples to bypass wedding breakfasts and go straight from the ceremony to the evening reception. 

Plan your wedding stress-free with Bridebook

Here at Bridebook, we have all the tools you need to plan your wedding. You should also check out our ultimate guide to saving money on your wedding for more money-saving tips. Sign up and start your planning journey today!

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Happy Planning!