The best wedding favours - and we're NOT talking about the little gifts you leave on guests' tables

“Some people are worth melting for” Olaf, Frozen

Welcome to the Your Wedding Savings weekly newsletter. Whether you’re planning a wedding yourself, or are a friend or family member looking for some top money saving tips and special offers to help save money for a buddy or loved one; we’re here to help!

This week we’re talking about wedding favours and how they can save you a bunch of cash. And we’re not talking about the little nibbles or keepsakes you leave by guests place settings either!

Wedding favours - it’s time to call in some serious favours from your nearest and dearest

Wedding favours aren’t just the little munchable or heartfelt keepsakes that you leave near your guests place settings before the wedding breakfast.

Oh no! If you’re looking to save serious cash during your wedding; the type of wedding favours we are talking about today are the things you may want to call in with your friends and family.

When you’re in the eye of the storm planning a wedding, you’ll often find that many of your friends and family are willing to help, and sympathetic about how expensive everything can be.

Be willing to accept help, because utilising the skills and assets of your nearest and dearest could make a massive impact on what you spend on your big day.

Whether you have a great baker in the family, a keen amateur photographer or a king (or queen) of the BBQ, here are some great examples of how to use your talents to save a stack of cash:

1. Barn or large garden - if you’ haven’t got your heart set on a particular hotel or venue and know someone with land, a farm or barn - if they are willing to let you hold your day there, this could save you thousands. We’ve attended loads of marquee weddings in private gardens and farms and they are fantastic. You’ll also have much more choice regarding caterers for the day. Just consider parking and logistics in advance, and make sure you have a wet weather plan in mind. Potential savings : £3000-5000
   

2. Photographer - A professional photographer for the day can cost between £800-2,000. If you have a keen and skilled amateur photographer in the ranks who is willing to help out, this could save you a significant chunk of your wedding budget. However, we do add a caveat that for many couples this is one of the most important aspects of capturing memories of the day. Ensure they are both capable and committed to the task beforehand and not likely to neglect duties once the complimentary drinks arrive. Potential savings: £800-1500.

3. The wedding cake - The chances are that you know a good baker, and if they are willing to help this could easily save £300-600. To some, the cake will be an important part of the day, but for others this may be an area you are more than willing to cut corners on (or not if you are lucky enough to have a highly skilled baker on board!). You may even choose to go for a modern take on the classic tiered wedding cake such as individual cupcakes, brownies or a donut tower. Potential savings: £300-600.

4. BBQ or buffet table - Whether it’s instead of your formal wedding breakfast or to feed guests in the evening, alternatives to a sit down meal could save you hundreds if not thousands from your bill. With the cost of a wedding breakfast costing anything between £30-100 per head, using a catering alternative such as a BBQ, hog roast, pizza or grazing table could bring the cost per head down to as little as £10-15. This would also be a perfect fit for a less formal or festival style wedding. Potential savings: £2000-5000.
   

5. Wedding car - If you have a friend or family member with a vintage, prestige or sports car this is a fairly straightforward saving to make if they are happy to escort the bride to the church or venue. Just adorn the vehicle with ribbons and you are ready to go! Potential savings: £150-500

This week’s special offers

Each week we trawl the internet to bring you some of the best special offers or discounts for things that you may need for your big day. Covering everything from wedding gifts to suits, jewellery to treat and relaxation packages.

Here are this week’s best offers bringing you more for less:

• Stagweb - the UK’s favourite stag company - are currently offering £50 off for the groom and £50 off for the organiser for full weekend packages. But hurry as it’s only until the end of the month!

• If you are looking for personalised gifts to thank the bridal party or a loved one, Getting Personal are offering 20% off everything when you spend over £30. Just use the code HOP20.

• With the sharpest suits, ties, shirts and accessories, take advantage of 20% off over Easter at the Savile Row Company London with code Easter20 to get kitted out for the big day.

Other stuff you may like

• Rent the latest designer label dresses if you are due to attend a wedding this year, and save hundreds at HURR.

• Thinking of a destination wedding on the White Isle? Here are the best wedding venues in Ibiza.

• Get that playlist sorted! Here are 50 of the best first dance songs to consider.

We hope you enjoyed the Your Wedding Savings roundup, speak soon and don’t forget to share the newsletter to friends and family who you think will enjoy it!

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