Claudia Jordan, a twice-married self-proclaimed super-mum and events director at Best Brides Wedding Exhibitions offers,offers her tips on how to achieve luxury for less at your wedding.

You have read all the magazines and marvelled at your friend’s wedding at a luxury manor house paid for by her wealthy fiancé, but your wedding budget is more Aldi and less Waitrose and, well, honestly there are certain times in your life when you just have to blow the budget!

However, with the average wedding costing £20,248.00, (yes TWENTY THOUSAND POUNDS: Please breathe deeply into a paper bag until you have stopped hyperventilating!), you probably want to try and stick to the budget you’ve set before you remortgage your home (again) to have your dream day.

So where can you can save? Your largest cost is going to be your venue and catering. And of course your entire extended family, friends, work colleagues and neighbours HAVE to be invited for fear of offending.

Many friendships change dramatically as a result of a wedding and it’s not always for the best. From, “not asked to be the best man/ bridesmaid” to “only invited to the evening reception”, the list is endless as to why people can take offence as you announce your impending nuptials.

However, the catering and venue is a huge expense so numbers count! You have choices of course:

a) Be hardcore and stick to your guns – if they are real friends they’ll understand

b) Go bankrupt - Invite everyone for fear of having no friends/family after your wedding with whom you can share your marital bliss.

c) Compromise on what you have in other aspects of your wedding So what did you choose?

Sadly I can’t help you with A or B but I can give you some tips on compromise that won’t mean you have to cut your beloveds from your happy day but at the same time will still ensure you have a great day.

Flowers.

A top tip from Gorgeous Floral Design (www.gorgeousfloraldesign.co.uk) is choosing similar but cheaper flowers. It could be enough to pay for the bridesmaids’ bouquet. Try swapping carnations for peonies.

Favours

Double up your favours as place cards. And if you have chosen a less fragrant but cheaper flower then what about having scented candle favours which will still give a wonderful scent to your wedding reception? www.Simply-Scents.com has amazing essential oil-fragranced candle centrepieces and favours.

Bridesmaids’ dresses

Many brides ask them to pay for their own dresses, which in the current climate is acceptable. However, I’m certain that whoever is paying, you’d all appreciate a saving. A top tip from www.headinguptheaisle.co.uk is to compare designers. Many designers offer similar styles and can save you £50-80 a dress. If you have three bridesmaids, that’s an additional £240 allowing you to invite his Great Aunt Ethel, Uncle Bertie and Cousin Fred!

Wedding show discounts

Go to free wedding shows with quality local suppliers and get expertise AND a discount. Exhibitors want your bookings NOW so you’ll often get at least 10 per cent off or an upgrade to a more luxurious package. The biggest show in the UK is at The Kent Showground (www.wedding-experience.co.uk) on Sunday, October 20 with more than 200 exhibitors, three fashion shows and its free admission and parking.

Photography

Ask your photographer for the CD rather than an album package which could save you several hundred pounds. Later when you have recovered financially you can still order an album and in the meantime you can longingly look at the memories of your wonderful day with all your friends and family.

So you see how this works? Don’t scratch around the morning of your wedding trying frantically to tie bows on chair covers or buying wedding dresses online that don’t fit. A little saving here and there will give you the wedding of your dreams with all your guests.