And that’s why, in addition to choosing the perfect wedding dress and drawing seating charts for the perfect venue, you’ve decided to take your wedding to London. You can’t wait to spend some time seeing this amazing time, riding the double-decker buses and visiting your favourite galleries.
But recently, you’ve been a bit worried about the price. After all, London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. So how can you save some money and still have a great time? Luckily, there are some great tips when it comes to saving money. It’s all about knowing what the locals know: that there some ways around spending too much, whether that’s on drinks or transport. So if you’re ready to make this city your oyster (without having to put too much money on your Oyster), read on.
1 Don’t spend too much on a hotel
One of the biggest worries when it comes to travel is how much accommodations are going to cost. And when it’s many of you, and you don’t know what your guests’ financial situation is, it can be a bit stressful–even awkward–to decide on a hotel. After all, in 2017, the average room price in London was 142 pounds, and when that’s multiplied by several nights, it can cost almost a fortune. However, one idea is to negotiate with the hotelier. Explain that you’ll be staying several nights, with a large group of people, and it’s likely you’ll get a discount.
Additionally, you can always consider staying in alternative accommodations. For example, there’s Airbnb, which will also allow you to have more of a local experience. Whatever you decide, take a look at these tips on how to save money on Airbnb before making your final decision.
2 Choose a public space for your reception
If you’re getting married in the summer (which is likely), then you should consider using a public space for your reception. In a country where brides-to-be sit together drinking with their bachelorettes on a train, pouring pink gin and tonics, there is something quite special about sitting in a public park like Hampstead Heath and drinking to celebrate. This doesn’t mean you’ll have to miss out on rounds at a pub, but starting the day off early somewhere free will save you loads.
The Royal Parks, especially, will help you host an event if you apply. According to their website, “The eight Royal Parks have a long and historic tradition of hosting events. We host around 30 major events and hundreds of small events every year. The unique settings of our parks are a major attraction to event organisers.”
3 Shop around for entertainment
One of the best things about getting married in London is that you have an entire cities’ talent at your fingertips. Entertainment, whether it’s a Beatles tribute band or magician, is going to be available at a variety of rates in London. By doing your research, you can haggle with different entertainers and find the price that’s best for you. To learn more about the best available, read this guide from the Evening Standard.
Additionally, don’t forget to take advantage of free events in London. Over 19 million tourists visited the city in 2016, which means that there is something for everyone. Taking a look at Time Out and The Londonist will give you an idea of what’s available without having to pay entry, whether it’s a museum exhibit or a street festival.
4 Save on transport
Finally, you’ll want to save on transport while traveling around the city. There’s no point in taking Ubers or taxis, as they’re quite expensive–but even going on the Underground can be costly. A single journey ticket for Zones 1 and 2 costs 2 pounds 40, which adds up over time. If possible, it’s a smart idea to book close to where you’re celebrating, or in the center, so that you won’t have to spend too much money (or time) getting around a city where distances can sometimes mean spending an hour underground. (The last thing anyone wants to do on their way to a party.)
These are some of the best strategies for saving money on your London wedding, but there are plenty of ways to bride on a budget in the city! What other ways are you planning to save money for your big day?
