WEDDINGS are costly affairs, with the average spend coming in at around £19,265.

If you’re looking to make some savings on your big day, expert wedding planner Caroline Gould of Endless Love has a few top tips:

1. Set a budget and stick to it. Use  budget planner to help keep track of your spending and put at least 5% aside as a contingency – just in case.

2.Use local suppliers. By doing this you’ll eliminate the additional costs that may be added for travel and delivery.

3.Get married on a weekday or out of season. Lots of venues offer a discount for non-Saturday weddings. Getting married between October and April can reduce the cost too.

4.Use seasonal flowers in your bouquets and decorations. Flowers that aren’t in season can cost up to twice as much as those that are.

5. Serve your wedding cake as dessert. This can dramatically reduce your catering costs.

6.Think carefully about your guest list. Around 40% of your budget will be spent on the reception. Consider a smaller, more intimate ceremony and a big party in the evening.

7.Make your own playlist. Instead of hiring a band or DJ create your own list of music on an MPS player. Ask your guests to suggest some tracks when they RSVP.

8.Make your own invitations. You can buy everything you need at a craft shop. Cut back on postage costs as well by hand delivering them where you can.

9.Shop around for your wedding dress. Look on the high street and don’t try on anything that’s out of your price range. When you find your dream outfit, call other suppliers to see if you can get a better price.

www.endless-love.co.uk

10. Hire a wedding planner. Wedding planners work with venues and suppliers on a regular basis so can negotiate savings and discounts on your behalf, which can significantly reduce your costs.