Planning a wedding is exciting, but gathering the funds for such an important day can be stressful. Many couples feel they have to compromise on the wedding they’ve been picturing, and that can take some of the joy out of planning.
It doesn’t have to be that way. With a few smart choices, you can still have the wedding you’ve dreamed of, within a budget that feels comfortable. Here are our top tips to help you get there.
Why the date matters
Summer Saturdays are the dates most couples want, and the cost reflects that. The more in demand a date is, the more it costs.
If you can be flexible, you have more choice than you might think.
Top tips for saving on your wedding
1. Choose a weekday
This is usually where the biggest saving is. A weekday wedding at High House is hosted by the same team, in the same gardens, with the same flowers, chef, food and service. Only the day changes.
Plenty of guests like it too. It gives them a good excuse to make a long weekend of it!
2. Look at off peak seasons
Spring, autumn and winter dates can often be better value than the summer months. If you're open to it, ask us which months could work best for you.
Photo Credit: Pure Image Photography
3. Try a date swap
If you've got a particular weekend in mind, ask what the days either side look like. Moving by just a couple of days can save thousands!
4. Think about your guest list
Your guest list has a big impact on the overall cost of your wedding. More guests can mean more meals, drinks, invitations and favours.
You don’t need to make dramatic cuts. Start by separating your guest list into the people you absolutely couldn’t imagine the day without, followed by those you’d love to have if your budget allows.
A slightly smaller wedding can also give you room to spend on the details that matter most to you.
5. Let the venue do the decorating
The orangery, the gardens and the vineyard already provide a stunning backdrop for your big day, so you may not need to spend much on extra décor or DIY decorations. Come and see the venue first, and then decide what you'd actually like to add.
"This wedding venue is stunning, beautifully maintained, and created the most incredible backdrop for our day.'
- Amber Wright
6. Choose from our curated extras
Finishing touches like sweet carts, sparklers and cocktail towers can work out cheaper through High House than booking lots of separate suppliers. It's also one less thing to organise. Take a look at our extras brochure to see what we can offer.
Photo Credit: Fizzy Photography
7. Spread the cost
Once you've settled on a date, payments can be spread out to make booking easier, and they're flexible. Some couples pay monthly instead of quarterly, and if you know you’ve got a lump sum coming up, talk to us about adjusting your plan, whether that’s skipping a payment or doubling up on another.
Not sure where to start?
Ask yourselves whether it matters more to marry on a Saturday or in a particular month. If you want a summer wedding, a weekday could make it possible. If you want a Saturday, an autumn or winter date could be the answer. Once you know which comes first, choosing gets much easier. Tell us what you're after and we'll talk through the options with you.
It's still a High House wedding day
Saving money doesn't have to mean compromising on the parts of your wedding that you'll remember for years to come. Sometimes, the smartest saving is simply choosing a date that gives you more flexibility.
Whether that's a weekday celebration, an autumn wedding or a date outside the busiest part of the season, you can still have the orangery, gardens, food, atmosphere and personal touches that make your day feel like yours.
The key is deciding what matters most to you and building your budget around that.
Come and see it for yourself
The easiest way to get a feel for High House is to visit. Book a viewing, walk round the gardens and the orangery, and bring your questions, including the ones about budget. Our friendly team will be happy to go through it all with you.
