BRIDESPEAK

We asked a number of brides whether they were looking to keep their wedding budgets down, and what they were prepared to economise on in this current environment of uncertainty.

“Look, I am one of the lucky ones with no money worries to speak of. My concern rather is that friends and family feel I am ‘showing off’ if we have a big wedding with all the trimmings. So, we’re going away, to the sun and beach, and taking 20 people with us. We have rented two large villas on the same resort, and booked private chefs to do the honours for a couple of days. I have bought three outfits, one for each day, including a floaty boho number that I love. Yes, we are probably spending as much as we would do on a big event at home, but this way it won’t be noticeable except, perhaps, to those very close to us who will share the sunshine.” Jasmine and Dave

“My dad offered to lend me and my partner the money to go ahead with the wedding, which is great. But we discussed it and won’t accept it, and have to worry about paying him back when everything is so uncertain right now. We don’t have job security and our outgoings are racing up. So, I think we will end up with a party at home after vows at the local registry office. But, we have seen the dresses we want and can afford right now (the shop specialises in pre-loved) and we will be buying those within the next month..” Jo and Sandy

“I tell you something, in no way am I giving up on the dream dress. Okay, I will maybe spend less than I originally budgeted, but I am going for a second appointment at one boutique and I think the consultant there knows what I want and will do everything to help me find something perfect. A couple of shops I visited tried to talk me into bigtime spending – I certainly would never go back to either of them. I know they have a business to run, but I have a life to lead.” Sallie

“I reckon, in years to come, we’ll have forgotten the food, possibly the music, and maybe lost contact with some of the guests. What I won’t forget is my dress, and how I felt in it. For that reason I am staying with my original budget of £1,600, even if we have to reduce numbers of invitees.” Jayne

“We’ve finally settled on a date. What we have to do now is work on the type of wedding we want and can afford. The idea of a grand sit-down meal and dancing has been shelved, so it will be cocktails and canapes (very nice ones) in relaxed surroundings. My fiancé was always planning to hire his suit, and to be honest I’d love to hire a dream dress but I guess it’s not possible to have real choice. What I am doing is phoning local bridal shops and seeing who has sample sales. Luckily, I am pretty much a standard size.” Zoe

“With our wedding dates on and off and off and on, we had originally planned that when we could go ahead, there’d be no stopping us. That said, the world has changed so much in the past year or so, post covid and possibly pre recession, so we’ve had to rethink everything now prices have raced up and mortgages will get hiked up. I’m still not sure what we should do. One friend suggested we shelf the wedding completely and carry on as before and then, when times are better, start planning again. I know that is sensible, but I have dreamt of my big day for so many years. I might sound like a spoilt child but I don’t want to to be robbed of that dream.” Barbra