EuroMillions anyone...?

Image source: ITV Anglia

First of all, allow me to apologise for the slightly dreary image I decided to use for this post. It’s hardly one you would expect to see on a wedding blog or a mummy blog for that matter, but stick with me! There is method behind the madness! (See nicer pics when you read more).

I’m really starting to get into the swing of the wedding planning, with hours of my time trawling through wedding sites and magazines, so I’m getting a flavour for the things that I would like and those that I want to steer well clear of. It’s so easy to get carried away with all the frills, sparkles and extras that are available to make my day special, but I brought myself back down to earth for a minute to do the dreaded budget. I guess it’s a sensible place to start this journey and will help me keep my feet on the ground and less time spent with my head in the clouds. So after my reality check with my fiancé, I got back to my research with my sensible hat on and realised how damn expensive everything is going to be. The flowers, the favours, the cake, the VENUE! Oh my God, the cost of the venue! It all adds up. I mean, the possibilities are endless for the big day.

I could have this stunning Vera Wang mermaid gown for $10-15000! There are no prices on the site. Obviously, if you have to ask, you can’t afford it!

Image source: Vera Wang

Or how about this? I could have my wedding at the jaw-dropping Wrotham Park for a cool £25,000.

Image source: Wrotham Park

But seriously, you really have to draw the line somewhere. I’m not going to be able to have everything I want. I will have to compromise. It’s just the reality of being a BOB (bride on a budget)! And also the reality of being a bride on maternity leave. I’m not going to be able to save as much as I do usually from my normal salary with the amount of maternity pay I’ll be on in a few months time.

This got me thinking, does anyone ever have their fairytale wedding with all the trimmings they dreamed of? Does this fairytale wedding actually exist? Unless you’re wealthy, been saving every penny since you were 16 or win the lottery, do you really plan your wedding without compromise?

I might as well try my luck with the lottery! I saw an article on ITV News about 12 bus drivers who started a syndicate and won £38m (now the picture above makes sense). That’s £3m each! Why don’t a few of us start a bridal syndicate? “Calling all brides-to-be on a budget, looking for big bucks”! If we win we could all have our dream weddings, no expense spared lol. OK, maybe I still have my head in the clouds, but it was worth a try :-)

All jokes aside though, I’m on a mission now to find the best deals and areas where I can save a few pounds. Maybe some DIY could be an option? Friends and family – I may be calling on you for your creative skills (*hint hint*). 

Any advice or moneysaving tips from other BOB’s will be much appreciated x