Credit Crunching

I am actually quite shocked at just how much I've enjoyed planning the wedding so far. I've never been the most organised of people, so I believed it would actually be more stress than fun. While I appreciate I have a way to go and there may be more turbulent times ahead, it's still proving to be a positive experience.

One of the key things I've enjoyed is saving money. This will come as a surprise to anyone that knows me, because while I'm not an extravagant person, I am notoriously rubbish with money. I once went on a trip to EuroDisney with my friend Mel, and despite spending EXACTLY the same on lunches and drinks - I still managed to come away with significantly less cash. Even to this day, I couldn't tell you how I did it, I just did! When I met my fiance I explained I was pants with cash and he was very firm with me, and made it clear that he believed I COULD save money if I wanted to. I still spend too much money on glossy magazines, toiletries and coffees out, but trust me, I am a gazillion times better than I was before.

The really weird thing is, I've discovered I like getting a bargain, as much as I like spending. I'm suddenly using coupons I see in magazines and get from my advantage cards. I will wait until Clinique have a Bonus Time so at least I get some benefits from buying expensive skincare. All little stuff, but it's having a great effect on my bank balance. I have seen the power of researching on the internet to save money, and I get a kick out of paying less. Fabulously all of this is paying off with my wedding planning.

While I don't want my special day to be ALL about compromise, I can see how by cutting corners on some stuff, we can put money into other things that really matter to us. My first bargain for our wedding was a cake stand for our wedding cake - thanks to ebay I saved about £70 off the retail price and £20 off the hire price, plus I can sell it on after the big day.

Today I popped into Swindon town centre with my mum and we looked in a few shops. Fabulously a dress for our flower girl had been reduced to £33, so we snapped it up, knowing full well we'd spent around half what we'd budgeted for, AND it was the nicest one we'd seen.

The buzz from saving money is actually infectious - and I'm hoping to bolster funds even more with some ebaying action. I'm moving in with my fiance soon and I need to get rid of some bits and pieces, and I think it would be great if we could make a bit of money from our unwanted items. I'm hoping this selling lark will be just as addicitive as saving - as trust me I have a lot of clutter, and my husband-to-be has a tidy streak that would put Monica from Friends to shame. Now what I am I bid for this lunchbox with Ewan McGregor and Renee Zellweger on it...?