Ten wedding saving tips

You can still have a great day even if money's a bit tight. what a bride wants has compiled these ten money-saving tips to give you some ideas on how to ease the money stress.

• Go vintage for your wedding dress. New is lovely, but second-hand can be beautiful if money's tight and the dress is not too important to you. It's also eco-friendly to recycle.
• Have a girls' party night and make your own table decorations and guest favours. Raid the library or bargain book stalls for a wealth of books with great ideas.
• Save on photography by having two sets of pictures: a small, professional set and an all-day set provided by amateur photographer friends. There are lots of these out there and they'll be thrilled to be asked. Maybe it could be their present to you?
• Limit the bar tab and ask people to pay for their own drinks after a certain amount has been consumed or just provide wine with the meal and champagne for the toast.
• Honeymoon locally and save on airfares—leaves more money for entertainment too.
• Look to family and friends' talents. Is your mum-in-law-to-be a terrific caterer? what a bride wants had a mum-in-law who was a great, professionally trained cook and offered to make the wedding cake. It was simple and wonderful—just what was requested. Or maybe your best friend is incredible with the sewing machine—a lot of Kiwis are—could she make your dress?
• Transport—perhaps the best man could organise a transport roster using family and friends' vehicles. Alternatively, if you do want to hire transport, some limousine companies have big cars that can seat up to 16*.
• Have your wedding at home if the house is big enough for your guests or you don't have too many. Alternatively, for a small celebration hire a table—or a room—at a restaurant. Offer a set menu, that way you'll know in advance what it will cost. Go BYO with the alcohol too, if you can.
• Loans—if you or your family have to borrow to finance the Big Day, go to a bank rather than an instant finance company. Banks currently charge around seven percent to eight percent for what is called a 'revolving credit facility'. This is like a second small mortgage and is much cheaper than 'instant' rates, which can be as high as 30 percent. (See our How to have a great wedding despite the recession story for more.)
• Lastly, enjoy the day—don't get too tired or stressed planning it all. In the end, it's your day, when you declare your love for each other in front of your assembled family and friends. They'll want you to enjoy it too.

* what a bride wants' business partner Lincoln Limousines provides 16-seater and 12-seater limousines.