One of the things that surprised me when we were planning our wedding is, how what you imagine would be hideously expensive, is often not much more expensive than a not nearly so good alternative. We are lucky enough to have a large garden, and our first thought was to hire a large marquee and have the reception in the garden. You would think it would be cheaper than an exclusive hotel wouldn't you? Wrong!
I couldn't believe how expensive all the additional costs made the Marquee option. Dance floor, heating, lighting, bar, waiting staff, chairs and tables, cutlery and crockery - it turned out to be the most expensive option. Okay we thought, how about getting caterers in to our local country club? - still hideously expensive, A five star hotel (Georgian, boutique style, will an exquisite walled garden) provided: 24 hour exclusive use (so we could dance all night) a dedicated wedding planner, fabulous Staff who along with the florists did all the decorating, waiter service for drinks, a toastmaster, the Bridal suite, gorgeous rooms for the cocktail hour, the dinner (five superb courses with silver service) and the dancing, and breakfast for all the guests who stayed up until dawn for LESS than the cost of the Marquee with catering and considerably less than the country club.
My advice? Shop around!