This is a stub: it really needs adding to.

Weddings are expensive but there are easy ways of stopping the cost of your wedding day from spiralling out ot control.

• Don't be afraid to ask family and friends for help! Do you know a talanted hair-dresser or cake-maker? Someone crafty to make your invitations? You may be suprised at how willing people are use their skills to make yours a day to remember.

• Find out which flowers are in season at the time of your wedding and stick with those. Imported blooms cost a lot more.

• Shop around - the internet is your friend! Post on Wedded Bliss if you're looking for something specific.

• Plan ahead. If you're getting married in the summer and you want fairy lights, buy them in January when they're at their cheapest. They're surprisingly hard to get hold of throughout the rest of the year!

• Use local suppliers. Go to local wedding fayres and ask around. We found our caterer by asking a cake maker if she knew someone. The best suppliers are not necessarily the most expensive.

• Only invite the people you really want there to the wedding and reception. It may seem harsh initially but do you really want to have to spend upwards of £30 a head on a meal for relatives you haven't seen in 20 years?

• Prioritise your spending - which things are the most important to you? Which things do you want, but are happy to do cheaply? For example the cake can cost less than 100 from M&S, or upwards of 300, How important is it for you? Spending priorities are personal to each couple, so discuss it and decide yours.

• Consider having your wedding on a weekday, you may find the things you want are cheaper and available!!