Save £1.2k with These Crafty Wedding Ideas on a Budget

Positive vibes, unforgettable memories and all of your loved ones in one room — it's easy to see why your wedding is often called the biggest day of your life.

Luckily big days don’t need to have even bigger budgets! If you're looking for ways to tackle rising inflation and navigate the cost of living crisis on the countdown to your special day, take control of your expenses and get creative with your spending using these wedding ideas on a budget:

Cut your bouquet budget with DIY wedding flowers

Average bouquet cost: £250

Cost of class: £55

Saving: £195

A gorgeous bouquet is a staple of any wedding, but with an average price of around £250, you might struggle to let it go when it's time for the traditional toss to the excited crowd!

If you’re planning a wedding in London on a budget and struggling to justify forking out for the flowers of your dreams, why not learn to make them yourself with this relaxing floristry class?

For £55, you can join friendly florist Amulet and learn how to prepare, care for and condition seasonal stems as you create a bespoke bouquet using beautiful spiralling techniques. Clear your mind and lose yourself amongst the colours and textures around you before leaving with a breathtaking display for the big day!

Illuminate new ways to save with soy candle making

Average cost of 50 candles: £370

Cost of class and materials: £193.45

Saving: £176.55

If you need creative wedding ideas on a budget in London, why not illuminate a new skill and discover the scented secrets behind DIY candles with this aromatherapy candle making class?

Nothing creates ambience quite like the warm glow of a flickering flame, but with the average candle costing around £7.40, kitting out your venue in natural light can soon become an expensive affair. But who says you have to go shop-bought? Creating candles isn’t just fun, it’s also a super-savvy way to save money by making your very own DIY wedding table decorations. 

Feel the soothing aromatherapy oils wash over you as you empty your mind and unwind in a welcoming studio. You’ll leave with all the skills you need to get hands-on with soy wax, wicks, jars and fragrance oils as you make 50 custom candles for £3.87 a pop, with a scent that will invoke fond memories of your special day for years to come!

Get creative with your spending using DIY wedding invites

Average cost of 100 invites: £400

Cost of class and materials: £95.06

Saving: £305

Personalised invitations aren't just a chance to let your guests know about the details of your upcoming nuptials — they also build anticipation and set the tone for your special day.

With custom invites costing anywhere between £3-5, numbers can quickly stack up depending on how many guests you have. But don't worry about striking that mysterious second cousin off your list just yet.

In this meditative modern calligraphy class in London, you'll master beginners' brush lettering techniques as you learn how to write gorgeous lettering art for your very own DIY wedding invites!

Your friendly teacher will provide all the materials and lead you in an empowering experience that will uncap your creative potential and help you learn the skills to transform blank cards into super personal, cost-effective invitations. 

Discover sweet savings with cupcake making

Average cost of a wedding cake: £500

Cost of class: £85

Saving: £415

It's no secret that a wedding cake can take up a big slice of your budget, but with average prices of £350 for a two-tier and £550 for a three-tier cake, it seems like a no-brainer to give baking your own a go.

If making a multi-tiered masterpiece is a little beyond your skillset, we've got a perfect alternative for you — creating cute wedding cupcakes at this baking class in London!

Join baker Valeria and learn to make three recipes as you whip up a delicious cake and cupcake batter, create flawless frosting and master the technique for perfect piping. It doesn't matter if you've never baked before, as this class is one of the best wedding ideas on a budget for beginners to try. You’ll leave with homemade cupcakes that are sure to go down a treat on the big day (if they make it that far!).

Explore your crafty side with a dressmaking class

Average cost of alterations: £150-395 

Cost of class: £76

Savings: £74-319

From cinderella gowns and sheath silhouettes to stunning A-line pieces, finding the dress of your dreams is a priceless experience that should be as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. 

If the average cost of £150-395 for wedding dress alterations has got you looking for ways to save money on your gown, or you want to avoid additional costs in favour of doing it yourself, this all-day dressmaking class could be just the thing for you. 

Learn to construct a dress using dressmaking patterns and get to grips with a sewing machine and overlocker with step-by-step support from fashion lecturer Craig.

Whether you want to adjust your Mum's beautiful dress that you've always dreamed of wearing or you're altering bridesmaid dresses with your besties at your upcoming hen party, this class will teach you a host of transferrable skills that will come in handy whenever you need a needle and thread!