A Dream 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 smaller budget. One way to do this is to limit the number of people you invite. According to The Knot's study, the average wedding has 136 guests. By reducing the guest list, you can save money on food, drinks, and venue rental costs. Another way to save money is to choose a non-traditional venue, such as a local park, community centre, or restaurant. You can also save money by choosing an alternative time for your wedding, such as a weekday or Sunday, as these are typically less expensive than a Saturday evening wedding. Additionally, you can cut down on alcohol costs, DIY your invitations, and look beyond bridal shops for your wedding attire. By being creative and resourceful, it is possible to plan a beautiful wedding on a budget.

Venue: Opt for a single venue for the ceremony and reception, such as a community centre, local park, or backyard

Venue costs can quickly add up to a large chunk of your wedding budget. Opting for a single venue for the ceremony and reception is a great way to save money. Here are some ideas for venues that won't break the bank:

Community Centre

Community centres are a fantastic option for couples looking for an affordable venue. They often have large spaces that can accommodate a decent number of guests and usually come with tables and chairs included. This means you won't have to spend extra on hiring furniture. Community centres are typically basic spaces that allow you to bring your own caterers and decorators, giving you the freedom to be creative and stick to your budget.

Local Park

Local parks are another great option, with many allowing you to rent a space for free or at a low cost. Parks are naturally beautiful and often feature pavilions or gazebos that can be used for the ceremony and reception. They usually have bathrooms and play areas for children, which is convenient for your guests. However, keep in mind that some parks may have restrictions on bringing in food and drinks, especially alcoholic beverages.

Backyard

If you or someone you know has a large backyard, this can be the perfect setting for an intimate wedding. Backyards are versatile spaces that can be decorated and customised to your liking. You can save money by doing the set-up and clean-up yourself, and you have the freedom to choose your own caterers or even do the catering yourself. A backyard wedding is a wonderful option if you're looking for a relaxed and casual celebration.

When choosing a single venue for your wedding, consider your overall vision and priorities. Opt for a venue that aligns with your desired atmosphere and theme. Whether it's a community centre, local park, or backyard, there are ways to make the space your own and create a memorable celebration without breaking the bank.

Timing: Avoid prime wedding times, like Saturday evenings, and consider a weekday wedding

The timing of your wedding can have a huge impact on the overall cost. Here are some tips to keep the expenses low:

• Avoid peak times: Saturday evenings are the most popular time for weddings, and therefore the most expensive. Opting for a weekday wedding or a Sunday afternoon reception can save you thousands of dollars.
• Choose an off-peak date: Getting married in January or February can be much cheaper than a summer wedding.
• Consider a Friday wedding: A Friday wedding with a weekday rehearsal can save you money on venue rates.
• Host a Sunday wedding: Not only are venue fees lower on Sundays, but food and beverage minimums are too, which is great for smaller parties.
• Look to the off-season: While it may be difficult to negotiate lower rates during peak wedding season, you may be able to secure a discount by booking an off-season date.
• Limit photographer and videographer hours: You'll likely want a photographer and videographer for the ceremony, but you might not need them for the end-of-reception dancing. Shaving off a few hours can save you money.
• Keep your bridal party small: These days, it is customary to give your bridesmaids and groomsmen a small gift to show appreciation for their participation. The more people in your bridal party, the more gifts you'll need to buy!
• Skip unnecessary pre-wedding pampering: Salon treatments can add up quickly. Try to eliminate any extra grooming services that aren't required.

Guest List: Keep the guest list small and intimate to reduce costs on food and drinks

One of the most effective ways to reduce the cost of your wedding is to keep the guest list small and intimate. This will help you save money on food and drinks, as well as other expenses such as stationery, favours, and rentals. Here are some tips to keep the costs down:

• Pare down the guest list to just immediate family and close friends. This will not only reduce food and drink costs but also free you from the pressure of deciding which extended family members to invite.
• Opt for a buffet-style meal instead of a plated dinner. This will reduce costs associated with staff portioning out plates and distributing the dinner.
• Choose a venue that allows outside catering. This will enable you to compare prices and select the most affordable option.
• Limit the number of appetizers to two or three low-maintenance options, such as crudités or chips and guacamole. This will reduce service fees and costs associated with labour.
• Consider a food truck or a vegan/vegetarian menu, which tend to be more affordable than a traditional sit-down meal.
• Select local and seasonal ingredients to avoid transportation costs.
• Choose a main dish that is inexpensive, such as chicken, turkey, or pork, instead of pricier options like lobster or filet mignon.
• If you're set on a plated dinner, serve only two courses instead of three, and choose a singular entrée.

Food and Drinks: Opt for a cake and punch reception, breakfast or brunch, or self-catering options

Food and drink can take up a large chunk of your wedding budget, but there are ways to save money in this area. Here are some ideas for keeping costs down while still providing delicious treats for your guests.

Cake and Punch Reception

A cake and punch reception is a great way to celebrate your wedding on a budget. You can either make the cake yourself or buy one from a grocery store or warehouse store like Costco. This option is simple and affordable, but be sure to have enough space to store and serve the cake, as well as providing a variety of punches or other drinks to suit different tastes.

Breakfast or Brunch

A brunch wedding is a unique and cost-effective option, especially if you host it during the spring or summer. The earlier timing means you can serve breakfast dishes, desserts, and bottomless drinks without the expense of a full evening meal. You could even have a waffle wedding cake or pancake stack for something different!

To keep costs down, you could set up a coffee bar or cart to keep your guests energised and happy. A brunch wedding also lends itself to a more casual, garden party atmosphere, so you can save on decor and your guests can wear more relaxed attire.

For food, you could set up different stations for your guests to choose from, such as an omelette bar, a French toast station, or a crepe bar. Include some breakfast appetisers like fresh fruit, doughnuts, bagels, or cinnamon rolls, and don't forget to provide some non-breakfast options for those who might not enjoy traditional morning meals.

Self-Catering Options

Self-catering your wedding reception is a great way to save money, but it can be a lot of work. If you're confident in your cooking skills, you can prepare a full dinner, or you could opt for a simpler option like a continental breakfast or sandwich lunch.

If you're worried about the workload on your big day, consider preparing food that can be made ahead of time and either frozen or reheated on the day. You could also set up a no-cook buffet with salads, sandwiches, and make-ahead desserts.

Another idea is to order food from a restaurant or your local grocery store. This option is still more affordable than hiring a traditional caterer, but remember to organise helpers to set up the food, keep the buffet clean and stocked, and pack away leftovers.

Finally, if you're feeling ambitious, you could even bake your own wedding cake!

Photography: Hire a student photographer or ask a friend to capture the important moments

It is possible to host a wedding and reception for 5k. Here are some ideas to keep costs down:

Photography is often one of the biggest expenses in a wedding. Hiring a student photographer or asking a friend to take the photos can be a great way to save money. However, it is important to consider the level of skill and experience that your friend or the student photographer has. Wedding photography requires a different set of skills from other types of photography, such as landscape or portrait photography. It involves capturing spontaneous moments, thinking on your feet, and solving problems that may arise.

Before hiring a student photographer or asking a friend, it is essential to ask them the following questions:

• Can they enjoy the wedding and take all the photos you want at the same time?
• Have they shot weddings before? If so, ask to see a full wedding album.
• What gear do they use? Do they have quality equipment, including various lenses and lighting options, to perform well in different scenarios and lighting conditions?
• How do they back up their images and equipment? What happens if their camera or computer fails?
• How and when will you receive the images? Will they be edited or raw?
• Are you happy with their shooting and editing style? Is this style consistent across different weddings?

Asking these questions will help you make an informed decision and ensure that you are comfortable with the level of skill and experience your friend or the student photographer has. It is also important to have a contract in place that outlines the expectations and responsibilities of both parties. This will help to avoid any misunderstandings or disappointments later on.

If you decide to go with a student photographer, consider reaching out to photography programs at local colleges or universities. Interview seniors with portfolios and choose someone who demonstrates the skills and style you are looking for. You can also try posting an ad on Craigslist or a similar platform to find aspiring photographers who are looking to build their portfolios.

Keep in mind that there are risks associated with hiring a student photographer or asking a friend. They may not have the same level of experience and professionalism as a seasoned wedding photographer. There is a possibility that important moments may be missed, or the quality of the photos may not meet your expectations. Additionally, students or friends may not have the same level of backup equipment or image backup procedures in place as a professional.

Ultimately, the decision to hire a student photographer or ask a friend depends on your priorities and budget. If you feel confident in their skills and are comfortable with the level of risk, it can be a great way to save money and support aspiring photographers. However, if you want the peace of mind of knowing that your special moments will be captured beautifully and reliably, it may be worth investing in a professional wedding photographer.

Frequently asked questions