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Food

What is a wedding reception if not an excuse to stand around in a gorgeous outfit, eating lots of tiny, wonderful dishes to your heart’s content? Food is something your guests will definitely remember, so it’s best to put a lot of care into both quality and quantity.

Drinks

There’s no need to have a speciality bar or a cocktail stand if your budget doesn’t stretch that far, but a well-stocked bar with wine, beer and spirits is a must.

Music and entertainment

The performers at a wedding can make or break the vibe, so it’s important to have someone who can really get the party (and the afterparty) going, and sustain the energy throughout.

Photography

After all is said and done, all that remains of the big day are memories and photographs. Get a good, reliable photographer who you trust to immortalise your wedding day.

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Invitations

No matter how tasteful and fancy these are, the only place these will end up is the bin. As long as they have the important details of the wedding on them (date, time and location), you can go as simple as you please.

Bridal party/groomsmen accoutrements

Nobody in this world has any use for a million knick-knacks with TEAM BRIDE or TEAM GROOM emblazoned all over them. Have one or two small things if you must, but don’t go over the top.

Flowers

All flowers are beautiful, and they don’t need to cost the earth to make your bouquet or your venue look gorgeous. More expensive blooms will only eat away at your budget – go cheap.

Dress

Controversial, I know! But a lot of brides may feel undue pressure to buy a designer gown that costs the earth, which they will only wear once, so it’s not even an investment piece like a designer handbag or a luxe pair of shoes. As long as you look good and feel good in it, it doesn’t really matter where it came from or how much it cost.

Souvenirs

Cute as they may be, most are of absolutely no use, and will only end up collecting dust in a drawer somewhere. Skip them and use the money to make a donation to a worthwhile cause instead.