From 'dry-hire' venues to shunning 'forgettable' favours: Wedding planner reveals the best ways to save money on your big day (and the things you should NEVER scrimp on)

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The costs of planning a wedding can add up quickly, but that doesn't mean that it's impossible to have the day you've always dreamed about.

Calling in favours from friends, and being flexible with dates or the location, could save you thousands, according to Jo Pyman of wedding planning company One Curious Dream.

She explains how small changes, such as snubbing traditional elements such as favours, can leave couples with extra cash to spend on what they really want. 

However, Jo warns there are some aspects that shouldn't be scrimped on - such as a photographer to capture the moments you'll remember forever. 

With wedding season almost upon us, read on for Jo's suggestions for ways to save money while planning a wedding.

Wedding Planner Jo Pyman have shared ways couples can save money while still having a fantastic big day. Pictured is one of the wedding's One Curious Dream has worked on 

Start as you mean to go on

'So many couples miss this stage. Set a budget and then write it down either using an online tracker (there’s lots of freebies available) or a simple excel spreadsheet. 

'After all, if you don’t know what you have to spend, how will you ever keep track of your finances? 

'Whilst setting that budget can prove to be a tricky exercise, taking the time to establish what you can realistically afford will help you make choices when it comes to identifying venues to view (that you can afford!) as well as sourcing your suppliers.'

Consider the timing

'More and more couples are choosing to get married on a weekday or selecting a date that’s outside of the traditional summer wedding season. 

'Venues offer hefty discounts on non-peak dates, so if you aren’t worried about hosting a Saturday summer wedding, it might be that your dream venue becomes a more affordable option. 

By setting a budget and sticking to it couples can work out what they really can afford and make choices based on what they can realistically have (file picture)

'Of course, even if you do opt for a Saturday wedding in summer, there’s still no guarantee that the sunshine will turn up anyway. 

'Having a longer engagement also gives you longer to save – so there really is no hurry.'

Consider a dry-hire venue

'The majority of our weddings take place in dry-hire venues – spaces that offer you a blank canvas to create your day, your way (think about beautiful rustic barns or landowners that allow you to erect a seriously cool tipi or marquee) but more importantly, choose your own suppliers. 

'Whilst there’s certainly more work involved in creating this style of wedding (you’ll probably need to hire everything from the loos right through to the lighting), having control of which suppliers you use can help you carefully manage costs. 

'Whilst cost savings won’t always be dramatic, you will have given yourself the opportunity to truly personalise your day rather than opting for a set package with a more traditional style venue.'

Think outside the box

'When it comes to modern weddings, the rules are, there are no rules. Fancy opting for a relaxed BBQ for your wedding breakfast instead of a formal three-course sit-down meal? Go for it.

'You don’t want to spend money on favours (that guests will inevitably forget to take home anyway)? Fine.

Making the most of the people you know, for example if someone loves baking or is good at making decorations, is another way to keep spending to a minimum (file picture)

'You’ve decided to opt for a late afternoon ceremony (so you only need to feed your guests once) – good for you.

'Don’t think about what usually happens, think about what you both want to happen and keep that vision in the front of your minds at all times.'

Beg, steal and borrow

'Now’s the time to call in those favours and embrace the hidden talents of your nearest and dearest.

'If you’ve got a keen baker in the family, get them practising their cake making skills well in advance so that when the big day rolls around, they can whip you up some sweet treats. 

'By the way, a dessert station with a few different options (brownies, cupcakes etc) can take the pressure off a little so that they won’t feel they need to produce a single Bake-Off style showstopper.

'Similarly, if you have somebody crafty in the family, get them to help with producing decorations and signage. Once you start to put the feelers out, you’ll be amazed at what skills your loved ones can bring to the table, so take advantage.'

Although there are lots of ways to save some cash, Jo said couples should invest in a good photographer for their wedding day (file picture)

Hire a wedding planner

'As well as saving you time and stress, a great wedding planner will have their own network of venues and suppliers that they regularly work with, many of whom offer discounts or freebies to their clients. 

'Look for a wedding planner who is a member of the UK Alliance of Wedding Planners as well as they won’t accept commission from venues or suppliers, which means all cost savings are passed directly on to you.'

Where to spend

'Invest in a decent photographer. After all, once your day is over, these are the images that will last a lifetime and take centre-stage on your mantelpiece.

'A good quality photographer will know how to make you feel completely at ease in order to get the best shots. We’ve seen the most camera-shy couples actually enjoy being papped.

'A photographer will be used to working in a wedding environment, understanding that for the most part, there are no second chances to get that killer shot. 

'Some moments (that killer confetti shot, for example) take place once and once only, so hiring somebody with the experience to capture this under pressure is essential.'