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When it comes to money and weddings, no pain no gain is irritatingly applicable. Having the day you want normally requires putting your flexible friend through its paces. Quite a lot.
For brides and grooms, scrimping and saving is normally high on the agenda, but for other members of the wedding party too, presents, outfits and possibly chipping in here and there to help the couple out can take their toll on the old bank account.
However, just because you're trying to exercise a little financial moderation doesn't mean you can't have any fun. Check out these cheap 'n' cheerful ideas...
In the picture
- Go to the cinema on Monday. Nearly all offer half-price seats at the beginning of the week, not just the grimy art-house places dedicated to students. You may even have a wider choice of films or catch some of the classic oldie you've been meaning to see for years
- Rent a good video, rather than the one you've settled on because everything else it out and the shop's about to close. Most video stores have their own websites now where you can book new releases in advance. Keeping' it local
- Do you really know where you live? Get out and about in your locality and find out what the place is really like. Many areas offer countryside or city walks, where you can find out about the past and soak up the atmosphere of the place, whether it's a fine hedgerow, Portland-stone Square or the bloody history of your city. See your local paper or library for details.
- Visit a museum or gallery. You may not be able to afford the latest Monet or Degas retrospective, buromantic moments it's usually free to wander around the rest of the exhibits (and a lot less crowded). Alternatively, it's cheap or even free to visit local art shows, photographers' galleries or designers' workshops. Don't be put off by buzz-only entry systems or few signs of life - you may catch the next Damien Hirst or Jackson Pollock conceiving a masterpiece.
- Roam your local park. Organize a game of five-a-side or softball with mates or just crash out on the green with an improvised picnic.
- Discover your nearest library, rather than the bar or restaurant next door. You can hire out CDs and even videos in many for a few pounds and many also organize events such as book readings and talks.
- With time and effort, you can knock up some relatively inexpensive, romantic meals without having to become a sous-chef with a signature pastry label.
- Invite your friends round for a meal - and ask them to bring a course with them. If you're providing the snacks, venue and drinks, they won't mind - especially when they know you're short of cash. Turn the event into a theme night, with food from a specific decade such as 70s flans and cheese fondues or delicacies from abroad. Top off the festivities with some entertainment: homemade quizzes, board games, karaoke, Twister...
- Relax and forget everything for an hour or two by booking a restorative massage or alternative treatment. Training schools often offer them cheaply or ask around - novices have to 'practice' on others, even if they're nearly qualified. Or ring the governing body of a therapy for your cheapest option.
- Take up a short evening class to learn a new language - particularly if you're taking a honeymoon abroad and want to impress the locals (or simply your new spouse).
- Cancel or sell your gym membership on to a friend and take up jogging. It's cheap, you can buy some trendy sports gear to impress the neighbors, and it'll help tone you up for the wedding and after. Best of all, it's a great stress buster...
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