Both the bride and groom and wedding guests can end up spending a fortune on the big day even though a winter wedding is filled with cost-saving possibilities. The money saving team from PromotionalCodes.org.uk have come up with inspirational ways to save money in the winter wedding season.
Darren Williams from PromotionalCodes.org.uk said: “Winter weddings not only look beautiful but can also be a great way to save money on your big day. Guests are often grateful at the opportunity to spread the weddings out throughout the year rather than being concentrated in summer. Our ideas help guests find ways to save money as well as couples who are planning a winter wedding and want to cut some costs.”
Wedding décor
Pick up pine cones
In the weeks leading up to the big day pick up any pine cones you see. They’re completely free and can look beautiful as a table centrepiece on their own or spray-painted silver.
Look through your garden
Gorgeous winter foliage can really set your wedding apart. Why not try streaming ivy down the aisle of the church and making Christmas wreaths for the table centrepieces.
Opt for cheaper flowers
Summer weddings often require a wide variety of colour in the floral arrangements but winter weddings can be simpler. Gypsophila (or ‘baby’s breath’) is a beautiful flower that you can buy direct from the flower market for a tiny price.
Bridal party
Simple bridesmaid dresses
If you choose to focus your attention on décor you can opt for a simpler look for your bridesmaids. Go for a dark, block colour such as navy or charcoal to look classy and sophisticated.
Simple suits for groomsmen and ushers
The good thing about a winter wedding is you can use as many dark colours as you want. Ask your groomsmen what colour suits they already own and chances are they will already have, or can easily borrow, the same colour. Great choices include grey and black.
Bride’s accessories
Winter weddings allow brides to be a lot more theatrical as guests tend to expect more glitz and glamour. Therefore, you can buy a cheap dress but make it look more expensive by hiring accessories such as elegant white gloves, tiaras and fake-fur stoles from a dress hire shop.
Wedding guest attire
Wear a dress you already own
In summer, repeating the same outfit more than once is tricky because you may be seeing the same people at different events throughout the season. In winter, you probably have far fewer weddings to go to so grab a dress from the summer and change around your hair, accessories and shoes.
Ask friends and family for a glamorous coat
If you’re attending a winter wedding you need to have a warm coat to wear in case you’re caught out in the cold for photos. Don’t spend a fortune on a new jacket for one day, instead ask friends and family if they have one you can borrow. Older relatives especially might have something perfect stashed away in their wardrobe.
Gifts and wedding favours
Gift for wedding couple
Use their winter wedding as an opportunity to be creative with the couple’s wedding gift. Try making something yourself such as a DIY snow globe or you could buy some cheap slippers and sew ‘Mr’ & ‘Mrs’ on top.
Wedding favours
Keep your wedding favours Christmassy as a way of keeping costs down whilst still making your guests feel appreciated. Candy canes are an adorable way of saying ‘thank you for coming’ as are Christmas tree baubles.
Food and drink
Festive drinks instead of Champagne
Champagne is traditionally associated with weddings but is very expensive. Serve something festive such as mulled wine or spiced cider for a fraction of the cost.
Shop bought canapés
It might distress your caterer but if they allow it suggest serving shop bought canapés. At Christmas time the supermarkets are teeming with deals on ready made appetisers that you can just put in the oven and serve to guests.
Christmas pudding for dessert
Christmas pudding is a cheap and satisfying dessert option that can only be served in winter – perfect for a winter wedding. Ask your caterer to whip up a cheap recipe that will keep your costs down.
If you’re planning a winter wedding, don’t forget to take a look at our real weddings for tons of inspiration!
