Budget Bride

Marry Like A Princess; Pay For It Like A Pauper: Brides Up North in The Daily Mirror

Julia Braime

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Brides Up North recently contributed to an article for The Daily Mirror by friend of the blog freelance journalist Charlotte Ward about planning an amazing wedding without splashing the cash.

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Princess Kate

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Despite the obvious Royal Wedding spin, I think that there are some great tips here for any bride to be on a budget, so I have reproduced the article below.

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I get lots of emails from brides asking for advice of this kind and my discount features, high street fashion style edits and giveaways are some of the most popular posts on the wedding blog.  Let’s get real – these are tough times for a lot of people – but I believe that you can still have a dream wedding day with a little imagination.

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DAILY MIRROR

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Marry like a princess… pay for it like a pauper; Kate and Wills may not need to worry about their wedding budget, but the rest of us do. Here’s how to save on your big day…

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Byline: Charlotte Ward

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With royal wedding excitement building by the week and glossy magazines crammed full of showy displays and adverts, many couples find it hard to stick to the average budget of £15,000, leading to stress and debt – but it is possible to cut the spending.

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"The biggest budget doesn’t always mean the best," says Julia Braime, editor of bridal blog and directory bridesupnorth.co.uk. "Often, the most successful weddings are smaller affairs with lots of DIY elements, heaps of personality and a whole lot of love."

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Tamryn Kirby, author of “Confessions Of A Wedding Planner”, agrees. She says: "If you’ve got a bit of time you can save money and include some lovely personal touches."

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Here are our tips to hosting a wedding fit for a princess – on a pauper’s budget.

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Go local

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"The best deals and great talent can often be found right on your doorstep," says Julia. "Use smaller, regional suppliers who are keen to impress for a fraction of the big city prices. You will be also able to meet vendors easily, cutting back on wasted time and travel expenses."

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Stay seasonal

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"A good way to get the most of your flower budget is to use seasonal flowers," says Tamryn. "Not only are they cheaper, but also much more environmentally friendly than blooms air-freighted halfway across the world."

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Dress for less

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"Britain’s great high street just gets better and better," says Julia. "An understated gown from Coast, Monsoon or Debenhams can sometimes end up looking classier than a designer meringue."

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Go vintage

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If you have your heart set on a designer dress, try something pre-loved. Tamryn suggests: "A designer dress agency might be the ideal way to snap up something fabulous and some charities have departments dedicated to selling donated gowns."

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Mismatch your maids

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Borrow a trick from Carrie Bradshaw and mix it up, Sex and the City style.  "Ask your bridesmaids to pay for their gowns, but on the compromise that they can choose their own complimentary colours and styles," says Julia.

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Get crafty

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Call in some favours. Does your auntie bake? Or can your mate lend you his car? Julia says: "Your nearest and dearest will be flattered if you enlist their talents. You could also make your own stationery, favours and decorations. Source raw materials from haberdasheries or websites like www.etsy.com. Choose big colourful blooms like a single sunflower or orchid to create striking centrepieces for less cash."

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Tealight delight

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You might not have a dreamy castle venue but tealights make anywhere look whimsical.  Tamryn says: "Line hallways and windowsills for instant romance."

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Hit the sales

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If you’ve got plenty of time, don’t forget to check the seasonal sales for things you can snap up. "Fairy lights are often on offer after Christmas and dress and shoe shops have sales before the new ranges come in, so stock up," says Tamryn.

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Cut the numbers

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It can be tempting to invite the world and his wife to your big day, but if pennies are tight, keep your guest list to the people that count. "A small yet perfectly formed celebration can feel more special than a corner-cutting larger do," says Julia.

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Beg, blag and borrow

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Before you buy anything, see if you can borrow it, suggests Tamryn. "Venues often have tealight holders and florists have vases, stands, fabrics and accessories that can be borrowed or hired for a small charge.
"Try asking for something free – venues can often offer the bride and groom a complimentary room."

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Sell, sell, sell!

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"It is possible to recoup some money by selling anything you’re not going to use again," says Tamryn. "Other brides are always looking for a bargain!"

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CONFESSIONS OF A WEDDING PLANNER BY TAMRYN KIRBY (HEADLINE) IS OUT NOW.  FOR WEDDING INSPIRATION, VISIT WWW.BRIDESUPNORTH.CO.UK

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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog © 2011

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