1. The most obvious and hardest option, is to cut down that guest list. Difficult when you have a 500 strong list. But if you can cut it by 100 people, then that’s a 20% saving you’ve just made.

2. If the wedding planner is charging a fortune, it might be time to cancel that idea. If you take on the bulk of the planning you can save a fortune. Sure, the payback is going to be in blood, sweat and tears but get every aunt, niece, and cousin down to decorate, pack and run around. If organising the troops is too scary get an impartial party like your best friend to be the martial.

3. Its time to roll back the years and bring back the buffet! Sit down dinners are nice, but expensive and often under appreciated. Instead opt for something a little more informal and let your guests judge what they would like to eat.

4. The beauty of most weddings is in the detail, but prioritise what you want to focus on. Too many details, such as matching every inch of the venue to your dress will mean a hefty bill at the end. Instead pick one or two features that will make more of an impact.

5. If you’re in the mood to commit a cardinal sin then swap the date over to a week day or winter season. Not popular but the huge difference in venue costs may just be worth the hassle.

6. Call in the contacts and make the most of your connections. If you know someone who owns an off license, cash and carry or has access to wholesale drinks, then use and abuse. Buying in bulk will save a small fortune on alcohol and drinks.

7. If you happen to be the only Asian who doesn’t know anyone for the above then get ready for some serious Christmas shopping. Seasonal greetings are a plenty at the supermarket and it’s a great time to get some really good offers, especially on champagne!

January sales are also the perfect opportunity to clean up on decorations after the Christmas rush. Many big stores slash their prices on bits and pieces that are left over from their Xmas décor range. You could end up saving up to 75% on items such as fairy lights, candles and trinkets that might work with your scheme.

8. If you have the time and you can rope in some volunteers, be original and design or create your own invitations. If you’re stuck for ideas then check out Create and Craft TV, on Sky channel 671 or Freeview channel 36. See how it’s done, get some great kits and bag a bargain.

9. Explore the islands and destinations that are closer to home for your honeymoon. You can still book an amazing luxury hotel but take a budget airline to the destination to save before you splurge.

10. Finally shop around online. Market places like EBay are full of great deals but you will have to put in the time to weed out the bad ones and find some gems.