Weddings can be very expensive, but you don’t need to spend thousands of pounds to make your big day special.

In fact homemade and DIY weddings are often the most magical events because the imagination and love that goes into designing and crafting your day makes it all the more personal and beautiful.

So before you break the bank read our list of money-saving wedding hacks to see where you can save yourself a bit of dough.

Ask friends and family

We all have talented friends and family who would be flattered if you asked them to help out on your big day.  Maybe you know someone who bakes spectacular cakes, have a friend that works part-time as a DJ, or an aunty who is a florist? Don’t let their skills go to waste! Don’t delegate too many tasks to any one person and always remember to thank anyone that helps out with a small but thoughtful gift.

Make table decorations

Get yourself over to Pinterest and you’ll find plenty of inspiration for DIY table décor.  Try making your own pretty fabric bunting, or create tea light holders by wrapping mason jars in lace.  Whatever your style there will be cheap, cheerful and beautiful projects that you can make yourself.

Make your own favours

Wedding favours don’t have to be expensive if you make them yourself (or they’re even less expensive if you just don’t have any!) Think about your skills and hobbies and then personalise a wedding gift for each guest.  Here are a few ideas to get you started, how about jars of jam, cake pops or small potted succulent plants or herbs?

Have an off-peak wedding

It’s impossible to predict what the weather is going to be like in the UK anyway, even in the summer! So why not have an autumn or winter wedding rather than a summer one, most venues will be a lot cheaper out of peak seasons.

Buy vintage rings

Why spend hundreds or thousands of pounds on shiny new rings when you could get a cheaper one with far more character from an antique or vintage dealer?  Shop around for your rings, you can get some really beautiful and unique rings when you step away from the high street jewellers.