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If you want a register office ceremony, a reception in a pub and a mini-break for a honeymoon, you might manage to organise a wedding for a few hundred pounds. But if you want a big wedding then there is no avoiding big cost.

‘The most important day of your life’ will probably work out to be the most expensive as well. A lot of people want to get as much money out of you as they can because they know you will be anxious to see everything go smoothly.

But don’t forget that for most people, the less spent on the day, the more they’ll have for their future together.

The average cost of a wedding is £15,244, including the reception (£5,000) and the honeymoon (£4,500).

It is not cheap for the guests either, with the average cost of travel, accommodation, gift and new outfit totting up to about £300.

Unless money is no object, it is essential to work out your budget first and tailor your wedding plans to fit – and even then you can expect the whole thing to cost another ten per cent on top by the time you have added various unexpected items. But there are some ways that you can cut costs:

• Wedding dresses can cost thousands of pounds; but you can hire one at a fraction of the price.
• Reception venues are often cheaper midweek than at weekends.
• Catering is a major cost, so limit the official reception to a few people and then have a party in the evening for others.
• Firms which hire out chauffeur-driven limousines usually charge much more if they know they are being booked for a wedding. First agree a fee and then let them know it’s for a wedding.
• If you are planning a cross-Channel trip to buy the wine or champagne for your reception don’t forget that many venues charge 'corkage' for allowing you to bring your own booze.
• You might be able to buy bridesmaids' dresses direct from the manufacturer at a fraction of the cost. And consider choosing dresses that the bridesmaids can wear again at other formal occasions; which would give better value.
• Hire a photographer just for the formal photographs. Let your guests do all the photography work for you at the reception.

If you have managed to keep the bills low enough, it could be worth spending a little extra on wedding insurance. There are real risks of ruined dresses, damaged suits, cars that turn up late, lost photographs and even, dare we say it, cancellation.

It is not all bad news. The average couple will manage to recoup some of the cost in the form of gifts - the average total cost of a wedding present list is around £1,500. Mind you, there may be some stinkers too.

The top ten wedding gifts most likely to end up in the attic are:

• Ornaments – especially animals
• Brightly coloured and patterned towels
• Glassware – crystal and over-sized brandy glasses
• Tea towels
• Photo-frames – particularly made of pewter
• Cushions
• Place mats
• Comedy/cartoon aprons
• Mug trees
• Table linen