Wedding One bit of tittle-tattle you won't hear is that the happy couple have considered weddings insurance.
Most suppliers not only require a deposit upon booking, but also need to be paid in full before the wedding. This includes the venue, the caterers, the photographer, the band, and of course, for the dress.
While we all hope nothing will go wrong for the big day, there is a serious amount of money at stake – it makes sense to protect it.
Weddings insurance costs around the £50 mark, although you need to check that this covers everything you need and upgrade to more expensive cover if necessary.
One of the most common claims on a wedding insurance policy is for damage to wedding dresses. But when bigger problems occur you might need to retake the photographs, or even to cancel the wedding due to an illness or bereavement of the immediate family. non-appearance of the caterers at the reception and loss of wedding rings are also common reasons for claims.
The internet is full of places where you can find cover. And it's a relatively short application process for most as it's cover for a one-off event. One thing it won't cover is if the bride or groom change their mind.
Another thing you might not see in Wills and Kate's wedding planner is the word 'budget'. No matter what kind of wedding you're organising, there will usually be some kind of limit on the cash available.
There are many clever ways you can save on a wedding. Plumping for a week day or a Sunday can save a packet on the venue – and you won’t have such a wait to get a date booked.
When choosing food, remember that quality over quantity. Opting for a top quality main course and dessert is better than a five-course meal which is mediocre. Using the wedding cake as the dessert is a good way to cut costs further.
Entertainment is typically very expensive but you can save on a DJ by creating a play list on your iPod. This way you can ensure all your family favourites are on there.
Enlisting the help of family and friends is a sure fire way to save some money. People consider it an honour to be part of such an occasion so if you know a talented musician or a have a friend who is creative in the kitchen, just ask!
Written by Holly Thomas, this article was first published on March 1, 2011. Holly's opinions are her own and for general information only. Always seek independent, professional, financial advice.