How to Maximise Your Wedding Budget

With May being the month Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tie the knot, the wedding season is getting into full swing and many couples are preparing to say ‘I do’ over the coming weeks and months.

Even though your wedding day is one of the happiest of your lives, if you don’t have a royal budget it is also likely to be one of the most expensive. Research has shown that the average cost in the UK has increased to a staggering £27,161.

The good news is there are lots of options to cut the cost without spoiling the big day. Many couples spend months if not years planning their dream wedding, but it’s crucial to make a plan, agree a budget and stick to it.

So, where do you start? Magazines and websites offer lots of information and inspiration, as well as hints and tips on how to maximise your wedding budget. Wedding fayres are a great opportunity to speak directly to the experts and gain valuable advice too.

One of the biggest costs is usually the venue, so it’s wise to look at a number of options and also consider non-traditional venues or more offbeat locations. This can not only save you money but also make your day truly unique and memorable - for the right reasons!

Another key factor is the time of year. Most venues will be significantly cheaper during the week or outside the summer season, so try to be flexible with your dates.

Also consider what you could do yourself or by enlisting the help of friends and family. Handmade style invitations have become more popular so try making your own, ask a keen baking friend to make your cake, or scatter disposable cameras on tables and encourage your guests to be snap happy instead of forking out for a professional photographer.

One of the easiest ways to save money in the build up to the big day is to cut back on your everyday spending. Making a few small sacrifices, such as quitting your daily coffee shop drink, taking a packed lunch into work and searching for bargains on sales racks, these can make a big difference. Put the money you would have spent into a savings account - CLEVR Money offers a range of accounts to make saving easier.

Above all you want your big day to be special, so if you’re looking for finance options to help you fund your wedding, we also provide a range of affordable loan products - without the high interest rates that could turn your wedded bliss into a financial headache. And don’t forget, our ‘Beat the banks’ promise means that if a high street bank offers you a lower rate on a loan under £5,000, we’ll match it.

So, if planning a wedding is on your to-do list, find out more about the savings accounts and affordable loan options from CLEVR by visiting www.clevr.money or emailing hello@clevr.money