It’s all about organising the finishing touches when it comes to dressing your wedding venue

CEREMONY & RECEPTION FLOWERS
"If we work with the general rule of thumb that around 10 to 20% of the wedding budget should be allotted to flowers, with £5K you should spend between £500-£1,000," says Rebecca Walker from Skelton's The Countryside Florist (www.thecountrysideflorist.net). "My advice here would be – reuse, reuse and reuse! Think about what you are choosing and how you can then use them again throughout the day. Bridesmaid bouquets can be placed in vases of water after the photographs, to help decorate the venue. Also, if you opt for a traditional shape of registry arrangement, it can be then placed on the top table to be enjoyed for the rest of the day."The main thing to do when working with a limited budget, is to listen to your florist, and be prepared to take their advice and perhaps compromise where necessary. I would always advise making a list of the absolute necessities, and then deciding how important and achievable the extras are."

DECORATIONS & LIGHTING

"When you are working with a smaller budget there are several ways in which you can make your money go further with regards to styling your venue," explains Jane Flatman from Morpeth-based Birdcages and Dragonflies (www.birdcagesanddragonflies.com). "Think about your ceremony space and wedding breakfast room, are there decorations/props which could be used in both locations. Most venues will have a team who would be happy to reposition items during the day for you. Think about your choice of decorations – empty gin, wine or beer bottles look great as table centres, decorated with gathered or home-grown flowers. Your tables also don't need to be all matching, plus going for a more mismatched feel can save you money! Try and double up, too, as often favours for your guests can act as decorations. Small potted cacti look great as a table piece and name places and make great gifts to take home!"