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Contents of this issue

- Wedding fair blues

- Negotiation success!

- Questions you’re asking

- Cheap wedding tip

- Final thought

Wedding fair blues

Have you noticed that it's that time of year when there are hundreds of wedding fairs on? Everyone seems to be on the band-wagon from your local hotel to the large exhibition centres around the country. But are they really worth it?

Last weekend, I went to the National Wedding Show at Earls Court in London with my bride-to-be friend. We were disappointed by the variety of vendors at the show. The emphasis was on heavily overpriced cakes, not-so-cheap weddings abroad, tacky and expensive photographers, venues that charge a minimum of £7,000, pricey stationery and fancy designer dress boutiques. All the usual areas where you spend a fortune! (No surprise really).

My friend was on the hunt for some sexy underwear for her wedding night and flower ideas, but there were none. Instead, we were bombarded with overpriced services, in fact, damn right extortionate wedding services which made me wonder, why brides bother going to events such as these, when the range of vendors is so poor?

Before I got married, I graced a wedding fair with my best friend. After living through an afternoon of my own personal hell, I vowed never to go to one again. The pushing, shoving brides-to-be and the hard-sell vendors really didn't make for a pleasant experience. Little was I to know that my future career change would direct me back into the arms of these events (although I don't think I'll bother again).

There were a couple of positives though. First of all we went on a Friday and it was really quiet. Perhaps a sign of the times we live in where people have little money to spend on top of the range, fancy items for their wedding? Regardless, it made for a more relaxed affair which was certainly bearable.

Second, the vendors do offer discounts if you book there and then. Some were offering up to 20% off, but, and I mean a big but, you're already paying way over the odds for these items, so if you're tempted, think carefully about whether it's actually what you want and that it comes in under, or on, your budget. (The only exception would be some of the wedding dress sales – where you can pick up end of lines or old stock at even greater reduced prices).

The important thing is to avoid buying things because you think you're getting a bargain! If you take this route, then you'll certainly end up over budget!

So was my £12 ticket worth it? Well, for the ideas and inspiration, yes. I can't fault the vendors that were there. They had some lovely items on sale, but if I was getting married on a budget again, this isn't the place for me.

I'd stick with the internet and my local services to find items within my price range.

Negotiation success!

Have you got your hands on a copy of my new eBook "Negotiate Your Way to a Cheap Wedding"?

It's been flying off the shelves and the feedback from readers so far has been fantastic. Here's what Rebecca recently wrote to me:

"Just wanted to say thanks for the great tips in your book. We've just started planning our wedding for September 2009 and today I managed to get a £1000 reduction on our minimum spend at the restaurant we've chosen for our reception - just by asking. I wouldn't have dared to even ask before reading your book so thanks - I'm now working on my tactics for the evening venue!"

If you’re in the midst of planning your wedding, then this wedding negotiation guide is a must! You’ll discover all the secrets and insider tips on how to get great deals with suppliers, techniques for getting extra discounts and how to make sure you get what you want, for the money you have to spend.

Venues, caterers, florists, dress boutiques, photographers and jewellers are all covered – so you’ll be guaranteed to save thousands.

Find out more about the contents of "Negotiate Your Way To A Cheap Wedding" here and read a free chapter too.

Questions you’re asking

Many of you are asking lots of questions in the advice centre which is fantastic. If you need any help with catering, venues, budgeting, planning, dresses or anything cheap wedding related then, just ask.

Here’s a round up of the latest questions:

Should wedding invitation wording be different for those attending the ceremony and those just attending the reception?

How can I get the venue to confirm the wedding catering contract when the prices keep rising?

What buffet food can I make and freeze ahead for my wedding?"

If you've got any thoughts or ideas on the questions above, why not leave a comment? You simply add your comments at the bottom of the page for each question. Go on! You know you want to!

Got a burning question or just need some help? Simply ask me.

Have you picked up the NEW wedding planner yet?

The Cheap Wedding Success Wedding Planner has been improved so it’s a fully interactive spreadsheet.

This makes it much easier for you to keep track of your budget, guest invites, thank you cards and much more!

It’s an essential tool to ensure you keep on budget. All you need to do is punch in the figures and it’ll do the rest. Oh, did I mention it's FREE?

Download it now >>>

Don’t forget, you’ll need the password: happyplanning

Cheap wedding tip

This cheap wedding tip for finding bargains came from Louise.

"Do lots of research. You’ll find the same thing at very different prices."

It's completely true. If you search around, you will find very similar items at very different prices. So if you find something you like, head online and see if you can find it cheaper elsewhere.

Have you got a cheap wedding tip? Do you have a good idea, handy hint, or creative tip that you’d like to let others know? Then share it here and help other brides save too.

Final thought

Couples everywhere are cutting back as the 'credit crunch' heads into a 'credit crisis'. Some are putting off their weddings in order to save more and others adapting their wedding plans to suit their budgets. Don't be afraid to change your ideas to meet your new financial needs – it's better to be on budget than in debt, particularly during these turbulent economic times.

So head for the Cheap Wedding Success and find out how you can save on various elements on your wedding.

See you next time!