FROM AMELIA

• BEG: Be honest, if you're super-strapped then tell your suppliers... you never know your luck and if they are starting out in the industry and trying to drum up work they may be willing to do a deal. It never hurts to negotiate, so even if you've already signed the contract you can ask for extras.. most good vendors want you to have a positive experience.

• BORROW: It's not only a lovely tradition to have a little 'something borrowed' with you on the day, but the reality is that most wedding wares have only been used once. You can bring in a lovely sense of history and sharing too when you know you are giving something from your mum's or sister's wedding a second life. THINK: Veils, headpiece, ring pillow, jewellery, handbags, vases, friends' flash cars, cake knife and couple's toasting flutes, and Talent... ask a friend to sing or play at your ceremony.

• STEAL: Well not literally, but these are areas you can steal off your list of must-haves at a pinch: favours (gifts for guests); ceremony flowers (if you can make reception flowers do double-time), fans for guests; butterflies, doves and fireworks; limos for the bridal party (can they drive themselves?); say no to stationery suites - pass on professionally printed menus, thank yous and escort cards; calligraphy (ask a friend with beautiful writing), the cake and finally the SHOES (I know the ladies are going to hate me for saying it but who really sees your shoes if your dress is long?)

• The Vintage theme is one of the most adaptable themes as brides can browse online, rework nanna's wedding gown, or visit a vintage frock shop to find a one of kind gown that's affordable. In keeping with the old is new focus, brides can redesigned a jewellery heirloom into a new style, add vintage accessories to complete the theme, opt for a civilised afternoon tea and carry the simplest of flowers to add to the old world romance of this theme.
• The beach theme allows the couple keep things simple as it goes hand in hand with the casualness of the beach setting. Brides and grooms often combine a beach wedding with their honeymoon as many resorts hold wedding on their grounds. The couple can choose to go barefoot or don a simple pair of comfy sandals and a beach breakfast can capture the freshness of a day new whilst saving on the alcohol bill.
• A City theme affords a couple flexibility from running away to a registry to wed in front of only the nearest and dearest, to finding a BYO restaurant that has a fabulous set menu and allows you to bring in your own wines. Its decadent, sophisticated and money wise. This theme allows the groom to select a suit he can wear again and the bride can work a touch of evening glamour from her existing wardrobe.