Tip 1: Share the cost of the flowers

Most venues see two or three couples, at least, in the course of a weekend. Share the cost of the flowers with the party before or after your own. Local flowers are also cheaper and have a lower carbon footprint, but beware you probably won’t get roses.

Tip 2: Get the dress second hand

It won’t have confetti stains on or smell or someone else’s perfume. Ex-catwalk and display dresses are nearly new and will save you hundreds of pounds – try Oxfam.

Tip 3: Get a friend to DJ

Everyone knows someone who knows someone. Get them to do it as a wedding present or aim for mates rates.

Tip 4: Have a reception in the pub

Billy Piper did it, so its definitely now and chic. This also means that your meal will be considerably cheaper than a silver service three course.

Tip 5: Be radical with the guest list

Haven’t seen old aunt Dora for over six years? Don’t invite her. Steal yourself and keep it to treasured friends and family. You only need one or two witnesses.

Tip 6: Homemade is always best

Homemade invites, favour boxes, cake, flowers and dresses are all possible and not to difficult to make. They will take up time though, consider asking competent friends to do it as a wedding gift unless you really enjoy crafts.

Ask a photography student to do the photos with a digital camera and have a back-up on hand in case of problems. Most weddings these days see all of the guests take loads of digital snaps, so why not get them all e-mailed to you and just pick the best ones?

Tip 7: Decorate someone’s car

Think kitsch rather than cool. Tart up that old morris minor or Citroen 2CV for a touch of charm and humour in the day. Think tin cans and bits of ribbon. Novelty horns are an optional extra.

Tip 8: Have a candlelit dinner instead of hen and stag nights

For many people, the big day isn’t the first time they’ve gotten married. Ditch the hotel and fancy dress for a final relaxing evening with your chosen one before you have to cope with relatives and logistics.

Tip 9: Hire the suit

Ask yourself how many times the groom is likely to tie that cravat again. Then go to a shop and hire the it for a fraction of the price.

Tip 10: Individual cakes

Instead of spending £300 on a professionally made cake, why not distribute individual fairy cakes in the colour of your choice?

Alternatively, layer cheap highstreet chocolate cake yourself, pour a simple fudge icing over and stick chocolate curls onto it. However, be warned that chocolate cake doesn’t keep as well as the traditional fruit cake, so you may have to ask someone to do this for you a day or so before actual wedding.

Any tips of your own? Just leave them in the comments box below.