WEDDING season has arrived.
This year’s survey by theknot.co.uk reveals the average marriage now costs £18,400 with couples spending up to £11 per person on extras such as guest gifts and wedding favours.
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So I got advice from wedding planner Emily Andrew, of emilyandrewevents.co.uk, who says that with a bit of DIY you can trim the bill . . .
CHOCS AWAY: “When I got married, I made chocolate truffles for our guests,” says Emily.
“I wrapped them in pretty packaging with a handmade tag. They added that special personal touch.”
My tip: Make 50 truffles by heating 300ml double cream and 50g unsalted butter and simmer before adding in 300g dark chocolate.
Chill the mixture then scoop into balls and dust with cocoa powder.
Pick up 50 wedding favour boxes with ribbon for £8.99 at amazon.co.uk.
SWEET TREATS: “Decanting sweet tubs into smaller pouches and decorating with a personalised sticker works if the idea of baking fills you with dread,” Emily reveals.
“A nice, easy touch is to add a label such as, ‘Bride’s favourite sweet’.
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“Don’t forget to have a list of ingredients in case of allergies!”
My tip: Buy penny sweets in bulk at wholesalesweets.co.uk where a 463-piece tub can cost £5.39.
SAY IT WITH FLOWERS: “A sustainable option is to give people the gift of glorious flowers for their own garden — plus it’s budget-friendly,” says Emily.
“Sow a pack of sunflower seeds the year prior to your wedding, then harvest the seeds and pop into biodegradable envelopes or little bags.”
My tip: Get a pack of sunflower seeds at Wilko for £1.50.
LET LOVE GROW: Emily says: “Buy sheets of paper embedded with seeds and cut into a heart shape.
Write a message on it for your guests and they simply take it home and plant it in some soil.”
My tip: Pick up five A4 sheets of seeded plantable cards for £10.89 from etsy.com.
Save by writing guest names on it to use as the place-setting card and favour in one.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
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TAKE advantage of the Dunelm summer sale, on now. This freestanding shelf unit was £69, now £34.50.
SAVE: £34.50
Cheap treat
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FEED the family at Iceland. A 1.2kg pack of McCain Crispy French Fries is usually £3.75, now £2.75.
SAVE: £1
What’s new?
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Top swap
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BE wedding guest-ready in a navy fascinator, £30 from Accessorize, or get a similar one for £15.99 at New Look.
SAVE: £14.01
Leah’s little helper
HEAD to John Lewis this week, for 20 per cent off advanced Lego sets such as the Statue of Liberty. Offer runs until June 19.
Shop & save
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COOL down with the Russell Hobbs 12-inch desk fan, previously £54.99, now a breezy £39.99 at Currys.
SAVE: £15
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GET your garden ready for summer at Wilko, where there’s up to 50 per cent off outdoor and garden furniture for a limited period.
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