If you read my previous post on my home-grown romantic country wedding then I hope that you enjoyed it – here are some top tips to recreate some of those little touches from my special day and more importantly to do it on a budget.

Beg, steal borrow!
There’s something about weddings that makes people –even strangers to the bride and groom – extraordinarily open minded and giving. Max out on this generosity while it lasts! We had planted masses of sweet peas for our wedding which– devastatingly, after months of love and care, had withered by the big day. I couldn’t believe it when driving past a complete stranger’s house, they had a garden brimming with sweet peas. I stopped the car and chanced my luck, explaining my ill-fated sweet pea saga. To my surprise, and delight, they offered me –literally the pick of the bunch – I came home with a boot full of sweet smelling blooms which made all 50 of our table arrangements, and my bouquet!.

Country lovers -get planting!
We grew most of our tomato and basil salad ourselves –in about 50 hanging baskets and pots in our London back yard. We were so proud that our guests were eating our own homegrown produce.
If you don’t already know it, get acquainted with cosmos the easiest to grow, cheapest, loveliest white frothy flower, perfect either in the garden or picked in arrangements and bouquets.

Have a wedding list with John Lewis
I’ve known so many poor newlyweds who have lost all of their wedding presents through Wedding list companies going bust. Not only was it incredibly disappointing for them, but and their guests had then sweated blood trying to get their money back and then scratch their heads about what else to get the couple. Invariably the poor couple end up with endless decanters and photo frames but no kettle or toaster. That’s why I’d always recommend John Lewis, at least for basics – they are great value for kitchenware and unless the credit crunch crunches a lot harder, is not going bust in a hurry. If you don’t need everything now, why not ask for JL vouchers, because you’re sure to need them one day (esp. when tiny feet begin to patter) You can then ask close friends and family for more specific or personal presents. You can also have a look at our wedding gifts section for more wedding present ideas and posts on gift lists.

Shop at Bicester Village
For stylish but inexpensive shoes, hosiery and undies, pay a trip to Bicester Village (or somewhere similar that is has a discount outlet). I had despaired of the endless clumpy cream silk wedding shoes I’d seen in wedding shops, but then while looking for shoes for my bridesmaid in Bicester’s LK Bennett, fell upon the perfect pale pink suede slingbacks for £30.

Pick your hairdresser with care.
So many brides feel let down by their hair on their wedding day. Either hairdresser’s sculpt style far too rigidly, or they wash their hands altogether of anything beyond a beautiful blow dry, leaving the bride to contend with hair, veil, tiara etc. I think its really worth a trial run with all your accessories, to make sure you get the perfect wedding hair.

There are lots more wedding tips from real life brides, offering advice and inspiration – please do let me know if you have any to add to the ever growing list…..