Planning A Wedding On A Shoestring Budget

Planning a wedding can be incredibly expensive, with the average cost in the US being $31,213, according to TheKnot's latest Real Weddings Study. However, it is possible to plan a wedding on a budget of $5000. To achieve this, there are several strategies you can employ, such as limiting the number of guests, choosing a single venue for the ceremony and reception, avoiding prime wedding times, cutting down on alcohol, crafting your own invitations, and looking beyond bridal shops for a wedding dress. With careful planning and a willingness to get creative, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding without breaking the bank.

Budget-friendly venues

When it comes to finding a wedding venue on a budget, a little creativity and flexibility can go a long way. Here are some ideas for securing a venue without breaking the bank:

• City Hall: A simple city hall ceremony is an affordable option, typically costing between $25 to $100.
• Church or Religious Organization: If you or your partner are members of a religious organization, you may be able to use their space for free or a small fee.
• Colleges and Universities: Alumni often have free or discounted access to event spaces on campus.
• Parks: National Parks are free, and you can rent a pavilion for a nominal fee, usually between $50 and $200.
• Beaches: Many public beaches allow weddings free of charge, though some states may require a permit for a small fee.
• Private Clubs: If you're a member of a local club, their event space may be available for free or at a discounted rate.
• Peerspace: This venue rental platform allows you to rent spaces by the hour instead of by the day, helping you save money.
• Community Centers or Local Clubs: Smaller room rentals like these often have more affordable rates.
• Place of Worship: If you're getting married at your place of worship, you can usually rent the attached hall for a reception.
• Backyards or Cottages: Borrowing a friend or family member's outdoor space can help you avoid venue fees altogether.
• Outdoor Garden Locations: With less overhead, you can often find beautiful outdoor spaces for under $500.
• Restaurants: For smaller weddings, a private room in a restaurant can be a great option. The space is already furnished and decorated, and you won't need to rent tables, chairs, or dinnerware.

When considering a venue, don't be afraid to think outside the box. With a $5000 budget, you may need to get creative and combine some of these options to find the perfect spot for your special day.

Catering options

Catering is one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, with the average cost of catering being $70 per person according to The Knot. However, there are ways to reduce the cost of catering at your wedding.

Food and drink options

Firstly, you could opt for a cake and punch reception. This is a simple way to stick to a small budget, as you can serve a beautiful wedding cake, plus coffee, tea, and punch. Most afternoon receptions only last a few hours, but you will still have time to cut the cake, mingle with your guests, and have a dance or two.

Alternatively, you could plan a breakfast or brunch reception, as breakfast food is less expensive than a traditional wedding dinner. You should be able to book a caterer for breakfast or brunch within your budget. If not, you could ask friends or family to prepare some food.

If you would prefer an evening meal, you could check local caterers for other inexpensive options. Some caterers can serve barbecue or tacos for as little as $15 per person.

If you can't find a caterer, you could self-cater your wedding or DIY a fun buffet of pasta, tacos, or burgers.

Venue options

If you opt for a restaurant wedding, you can save on rentals and decor, as the restaurant will already be furnished and decorated. You also won't need to pay for a venue, as the restaurant is the venue. Plus, a restaurant will have dinnerware and music, cutting costs even further.

Alcohol options

Alcohol can be a budget-buster, so you could cut down on the alcohol or avoid it altogether. If you have a daytime reception, you may be able to get away with not offering any alcohol. You could also have a champagne toast and a cash bar, or skip the open bar and offer each guest one free drink.

Other options

You could also opt for food truck catering, which typically costs much less than traditional wedding catering.

Alcohol

Average Alcohol Costs and Consumption Rates:

According to The Knot's 2023 Real Weddings Study, the average cost of alcohol for a wedding was just under $2,800. This amount can vary depending on factors such as guest count, quality and variety of alcohol, and the duration of the reception. On average, guests consume two drinks during the first hour and then one drink for each additional hour. This equates to an average of five drinks per guest.

Allocating Budget Based on Guest Count:

The number of guests is a crucial factor in determining your alcohol budget. Here are some estimates based on guest count:

• For weddings with 50 or fewer guests, couples spent an average of $1,430 on alcohol.
• For weddings with 51 to 100 guests, couples spent around $2,200.
• For weddings with more than 100 guests, the average expenditure was over $3,500.

Types of Bars and Their Impact on Budget:

The type of bar you choose can significantly impact your budget. Here are some options:

• Open Bar: An open bar, including beer, wine, and hard liquor, is the most popular choice, with 62% of couples offering this option in 2023. This can be a significant expense, accounting for 10-20% of the total wedding budget.
• Beer and Wine Only: Offering only beer and wine is a more cost-effective option, allowing guests to enjoy an open bar experience without breaking the bank.
• Cash Bar: A cash bar, where guests pay for their drinks, is another option, although there is some debate about its appropriateness.
• Dry Wedding: Opting for a dry wedding, without serving alcohol, can eliminate alcohol costs from your budget.

Other Factors Affecting Alcohol Budget:

There are a few other factors to consider when budgeting for alcohol:

• Champagne Toast: A champagne toast is a popular tradition, with 45% of couples including it in their wedding celebrations. This can add to the overall cost of alcohol.
• Bartender Staffing: Don't forget to include the cost of hiring bartenders in your budget. It's recommended to have licensed and experienced bartenders to ensure a smooth and safe service.
• Tipping: Tipping bartenders is customary, and it can run as high as 20% of the final bar tab.
• Glassware and Mixers: Ensure your budget covers the cost of glassware, mixers, garnishes, and other essentials needed for serving drinks.

Strategies to Reduce Alcohol Costs:

If you're looking to reduce alcohol costs, here are some strategies:

• Limit Alcoholic Options: Offer a limited selection of alcoholic beverages, focusing on a few types of beer, wine, and liquor.
• Signature Cocktails: Create signature cocktails with lower-cost liquors or opt for a single signature cocktail to reduce costs.
• BYOB: Explore the option of a BYOB reception, where guests bring their own beverages. However, ensure you have licensed bartenders to serve and monitor alcohol consumption.
• Daytime Wedding: Daytime weddings often have lower alcohol consumption, as guests tend to drink less during the day.

Sample Alcohol Budget for a $5,000 Wedding:

For a $5,000 wedding budget, allocating funds for alcohol can be challenging, but it's achievable. Here's a sample breakdown:

• Alcohol Budget: $450 (9% of the total budget)
• Guest Count: 50 guests
• Alcohol Type: Beer, wine, and a limited selection of liquor
• Bartender Costs: $100
• Glassware and Mixers: $50
• Tipping: $100 (assuming 20% of the alcohol cost)

This budget assumes an average consumption rate and can be adjusted based on your specific needs and preferences.

Remember, these are estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on numerous factors. It's essential to plan carefully, consider your priorities, and make adjustments as needed to stay within your budget.

Invitations

The average cost of wedding stationery is $530, with $240 dedicated to the invitation suite. However, there are many ways to cut costs on invitations. Here are some tips to keep the costs of invitations down:

• Research before you determine your budget. Look at the average costs in your area and decide on a realistic budget.
• Skip the fancy additions. Foil, engraving, letterpress, and embellishments like wax seals and belly bands can be very expensive. Opt for lightweight decorative elements such as foil pressing or calligraphy instead.
• Keep the sizing standard. A 5x7 invitation size will make it easier to purchase inexpensive envelopes and prevent extra mailing fees.
• Look into semi-custom stationery. If customization isn't a priority, you can play around with different fonts and colours or request design assistance, usually free of charge.
• Cut back on paper weight. Heavy envelopes will increase the price of postage. Don't pack your envelopes with lots of extra enclosure cards.
• Opt for all-in-one invitations. This combines the wedding invitation, envelope, and RSVP cards in one package, so you'll have all the essentials at a fraction of the cost.
• Ask guests to RSVP digitally. This will save money on printing and postage.
• Choose digital printing. This is much cheaper than foil or letterpress printing.
• Use your wedding website wisely. Relay additional details to guests on your website instead of enclosure cards.
• Proofread multiple times. You'll have to reprint your entire stationery set if there's a typo, so carefully proofread and then proofread again.
• Take advantage of sales or bundles. Look out for discounts on stationery, especially during big sale events like Black Friday.
• Order extra invites. It's usually cheaper to add a few extras to your initial order than to place a new, smaller order later.
• Send one invitation per household. Avoid sending individual invitations to couples or families.
• Go digital. Online wedding invitations are often more affordable and convenient, saving money and a few trees!
• Go simple. Choose a simple yet elegant envelope without decorative elements.
• Avoid using top-of-the-line paper. Cotton or linen are expensive choices; opt for cardstock or a cotton blend instead.
• Trim the number of invitation layers. Provide detailed information about the wedding digitally instead of including multiple enclosure cards.
• Limit decorative elements. Choose one or two "must-haves" and add simple touches that won't break the bank.

Wedding attire

• Opt for a simple style: A minimal dress without extensive embellishments will typically be more affordable. If you prefer a busier gown, consider shopping at designer trunk shows, sample sales, or purchasing a floor sample from a bridal boutique. Etsy also offers vintage wedding dresses from reputable vendors.
• Explore off-the-rack options: Instead of a custom-made dress, look for formal dresses off-the-rack in department stores or secondhand sites. You can also rent your wedding outfit to save costs.
• Compare prices online: Websites like The Knot offer wedding dresses under $5,000 from various designers, including Adore by Justin Alexander, Adrianna Papell Platinum, Essense of Australia, and more.
• Be open to non-traditional sources: Consider ordering a formal dress from sites like Etsy, or even a non-wedding dress site based in another country, as prices may be lower.
• Limit the number of outfits: Some brides change into a second or third outfit for the reception or after-party, increasing the overall wedding attire cost.
• Consider the location: The average wedding dress cost varies by location. For example, spend in the Mid-Atlantic region was over $2,200, while the average cost in the Midwest was about $1,900.
• Factor in post-wedding services: Services like wedding dress preservation and reselling your dress after the wedding can help make costs more manageable.

When creating your $5,000 wedding budget, you can allocate about $600 for wedding attire, including $300 each for the bride and groom. This may require some creative thinking and comparison shopping, but it is possible to find beautiful wedding attire within your budget.

Frequently asked questions