Your Money: Don’t let big bills spoil the joy of your big day

WEDDING season is here again – and while it’s a happy time for couples and their guests, it’s also undoubtedly expensive for everyone involved.

The average cost of tying the knot is now £8000, according to Nationwide’s survey of married couples – with 11% splashing out more than £20,000.

For guests, the average cost is £400, including the stag or hen party.

But there are ways to trim the costs.

Many high street stores now sell wedding dresses, or brides on a budget could go for a more vintage look by trawling second hand and charity shops, or auction websites for a bargain.

Every penny counts, so it’s also worth opting for home-made canapes, or swapping champagne for cheaper forms of bubbly.

It’s also worth choosing a handily-located venue to reduce travel costs, planning a stag or hen party that won’t be too pricey, and asking guests not to buy gifts.

And if you can’t see any way of avoiding getting into debt, at the very least it’s important to compare loans to get the best deal.

Here are some tips from American Express for cost-conscious couples:

l Alert international guests early. Once you know the date, ensure any guests flying in to attend the wedding know as early as possible, so they can secure the best travel deals.

l Negotiate room deals. Many accommodation providers will provide a discount on rooms if you make a block booking for your guests.

l Consider the venue carefully. If you don’t want your guests to break the bank, look at the price of drinks your venue is providing to ensure there are some budget-friendly options.

l Make gift lists affordable. Ensure there are items that fit all budgets so guests don’t feel concerned about not spending enough on you.

l Points can make presents. Check how many rewards points you have on your cards. There may be enough to buy wedding favours for guests, so they have a small gift.