Cutting the cost of your wedding

You can afford the wedding of your dreams with the help of these brilliant money saving tips from iVillage members.

Save on dresses

I was able to purchase my bridesmaids' dresses directly from the manufacturer at a fraction of the cost.
cl-kristenrae

Check out the second-hand shops and scan the ads in the paper for a wedding dress, and you may save considerably.
mcdonrachel

We found our bridesmaids' dresses at a department store for a reasonable price. My sister has already worn hers twice since October. This probably only works for less formal weddings.
jackie711

Your bridesmaids can also save money if you choose the colour but let them shop for a dress they like. They won't all have the same dress, but they'll have a style they like and may actually wear again.
mcdonrachel

I rented my dress. We also rented the tuxedos from a place that offered a free limo too. My mum made my veil, which cost about £15 rather than £150.
cajunmommy

Buy the sample off the rack. The dress might be from last season, but if you like it, so what? Visit a wedding outlet store to find your dress. Outlet stores also have bridesmaids dresses at a reduced price.
morgan1

After searching to find some fabulous shoes to go with my stunning dress, I was heartbroken. Everything was either `blah' or way out of my price range. A friend lent me her shoes.
jlbarri

I didn't have my hair or makeup professionally done. I had people help me and just spent a little more time on it.

jackie711

Save on flowers

I love fresh flowers, but silk arrangements can be made much cheaper than those made by the florist.
mcdonrachel

The only flowers we had were the bouquets, boutonnieres and corsages. The centrepieces were candles (50p each) sitting on top of large mirrored tiles (£1.50 each) with lots of fall leaves and acorns spread around it (free!)
jlbarri

At a bridal show I found a woman who works out of her home. I only spent about £150 for the bridal bouquet and bridal party's bouquets.
jackie711

Save on wedding photos

Hire the photographer for just a short period of time, for the formal photographs. Then, instead of paying him to stay on at the reception, buy disposable cameras and request that guests take candid snapshots for you. People are more likely to 'ham it up' for other guests than the photographer anyway.
mcdonrachel

You can make your own wedding photo album for much less than the cost of buying one. Buy a plain one, and use your glue gun to attach white fabric, lace, beads, etc.
mcdonrachel