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The seven best winter wedding ideas on a budget

When it comes to planning a wedding, matching your budget to your dreams is never easy. And it can feel even more daunting in uncertain economic times. But the great news is there’s a wealth of things you can do to keep an eye on wedding costs, if you think a little outside the box. So read on for Court Colman’s seven best winter wedding ideas on a budget. And fall back in love with your dreams for your big day.

 Consider a winter wedding
Consider a winter wedding

One of the best wedding ideas on a budget is: think Winter. The UK’s main wedding season falls between May and October, with the peak period being during the school holidays. Which means just by opting to get married outside those times you’re automatically cutting costs – sometimes by as much as 50%.

And your guests will thank you too. As most weddings fall in the summer, when you hit a certain age group, it can feel like you’re going to a wedding every other weekend. Which is not only tiring, it’s also expensive. If you opt for a Winter wedding, your guests can stagger their costs and are likely to enjoy it more too.

Opt for cheaper days
Opt for cheaper days

You’re already ahead on this if you’re planning a Winter wedding. But you can push the price down even more by choosing less popular Winter dates. Target December, January, February or March for some great deals.

One of the other best wedding ideas on a budget is to avoid weekends, Not just for cheaper venues – many of the suppliers will charge less on off-peak days too.

And don’t forget cancellations – at Court Colman, we even have some superb deals on late availability weddings as well. 

Draft in friends
Draft in friends

Although we’re used to the idea of buying-in services, you might not need to. Think of the circle of friends you’ll be inviting, then think of their friends, and friends of friends. It’s a massive number of people.

And amongst them, it’s likely they’ll know skilled photographers, bakers, crafters, printers and dressmakers. Each may be prepared to contribute at a discount – some may even offer their services instead of a gift or for free.

Try bartering
Try bartering

It may be you, your partner or a family member can do something in return for someone helping you out. Perhaps a relative is great at DIY – they could paint a room or fix some windows for the person who makes your cake or takes the photos.

Babysitting, gardening or building, help with social media or accounting – pretty much any skill you or a family member has might be something a potential wedding supplier needs.

Think big and think small
Think big and think small

Of course another big expense is what you wear. So a great wedding idea on a budget is to rent a wedding dress. The cost of buying a wedding gown in the UK is around £1000. Hiring one costs between £250 and £600 – a massive saving on an outfit you’re only going to wear once.

Smaller expenses mount up too, but may be things you can do yourself. You’re likely to have a friend who fancies themselves as a DJ – portable speakers and a smartphone playlist that guests have contributed to even adds a more bespoke touch. Could you dry your own flowers, make your own favours? You could even draft in the bridesmaids and the best man.

Revive old traditions & etiquette
Revive old traditions & etiquette

Tapping into old traditions adds a lovely layer of romance – a sense that your declaration of love is part of a much longer story. They’re often inexpensive as well.

So a great wedding idea on a budget is to revive the tradition of a personalised, hand-written note to each guest. They can accompany the favours, reducing their number, and will be a treasured keepsake.

Sugar-coated almonds are another traditional favour. Some say they represent the bitter-sweet nature of life. Others say a gift of five almonds represent wishes for each guest: health, happiness, fertility, fortune, and long life.

Traditions also chime with the notion of “something borrowed”. Often a small item is chosen – some lace, or a handkerchief. But, depending on your families’ resources, “something borrowed” could become a big part of your big day

 Choose the right venue
Choose the right venue

What you really need when considering Winter wedding ideas on a budget, is a superb venue that’s great value too. You need somewhere that understands, respects – and, importantly – supports your fiscally prudent ideas. A venue that will help you target your resources in the right way for you.

Happily, such a venue exists in Court Colman Manor, near Bridgend, in South Wales. This gorgeous Georgian country house is fringed by six acres of private grounds, which even include a mini-waterfall. Court Colman is just 30 minutes away from Cardiff and Swansea by car, which also helps keep costs down.

Our experienced wedding coordinator is here to listen to your dreams and turn them into reality. Want to dry your own flowers or fashion your own favours – no problem. Thinking of hiring a dress or sorting out your own sound system? They’re here to help.

So our range of wedding packages, offers and late availability deals, means your wedding can not only be fabulous but also great-value too. Why not check out our Wedding packages today?