How To Plan A Dream Wedding On A $10,000 Budget

Planning a wedding on a budget of $10,000 is challenging but possible. The average cost of a wedding in the US is $44,000, so you'll need to be creative and cut costs where you can. The biggest expense is usually the venue, which can set you back between $10,000 and $30,000. To save money, consider a non-traditional venue like a park, a restaurant, or even a backyard wedding. You could also look into hourly venue rentals or free options like national parks or religious sites.

Catering is another major expense, with the average couple spending $3,750 on a full-service option. To save money, opt for a more casual meal, a food truck, or a drop-off catering service. A buffet or potluck are also budget-friendly options. For a wedding cake, expect to pay around $500, but you can save money by choosing a non-tiered cake or opting for single-serving desserts.

Other ways to cut costs include DIYing your music with a Spotify playlist, using artificial flowers, and sending digital invitations. You can also save money on your wedding attire by buying used or renting. Finally, don't forget to factor in miscellaneous expenses like your marriage license, officiant fees, and delivery/cleanup fees.

With careful planning and some compromises, you can definitely have a wonderful wedding on a $10,000 budget.

Venue, cake & catering

The venue, cake, and catering are typically the biggest expenses when it comes to weddings. With a $10,000 budget, you'll need to be mindful of your spending, but it is possible to create a memorable celebration within this budget. Here are some ideas and suggestions for allocating your funds:

Venue

The venue usually takes up a large portion of the budget and can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000. To stay within your budget, consider thinking outside the box and look for locations that are not typically marketed as wedding venues. Parks, university campuses, art galleries, restaurants, farms, and wineries can be more affordable options. You could also host a backyard wedding at your home or that of a family member, or rent a vacation home with the owner's permission. Ensure that you have enough parking and bathroom facilities for your guests.

If you're set on a traditional wedding venue, consider getting married on a day other than Saturday or during the off-season (from November to April) to find better rates. You can also save money by choosing a venue that includes catering, a bar package, basic rentals (like linens and chairs), and service all in one package deal.

Allocate around $4,600 for the ceremony and reception venue. This includes any fees for getting married in a house of worship, which can range from $100 to $500.

Cake

A wedding cake can be a beautiful and delicious part of your celebration, but it doesn't have to break the bank. Here are some tips to keep the costs down:

• Opt for a simple, elegant cake with minimal decorations. Fondant-covered cakes and intricate sugar flowers can increase the price.
• Choose a cake with two or three tiers instead of a large, towering cake.
• Consider alternative dessert options like cupcakes, pies, or an ice cream bar, which tend to be more affordable.
• If you have your heart set on a fondant-covered cake with intricate details, limit your budget to $200-$300 for a simple cake.

Allocate around $200-$300 for your wedding cake.

Catering

Catering for 100 people will likely be your biggest expense after the venue. To save money, consider the following:

• Opt for a casual meal option like a barbecue buffet instead of a formal, sit-down dinner.
• Ask caterers about a self-service option where they provide the food but no setup or serving staff.
• Choose a venue that includes catering and service as part of their package.
• If your venue allows external caterers, consider hiring a catering student or an up-and-coming caterer who may offer lower rates.

Allocate around $3,500 for catering, leaving some room in your budget for any additional costs.

Remember, it's your special day, so choose options that reflect your style and priorities. You can create a beautiful and memorable wedding within your budget by being mindful of your spending and allocating funds to the areas that matter most to you.

Photography/videography

Photography and videography are some of the most important elements of a wedding, as they capture the memories you'll want to relive for years to come. It is recommended that photography and videography make up about 15% of your total wedding budget, so for a $10,000 budget, you should aim to spend around $1,500 on photography and videography.

The cost of a wedding photographer depends on various factors, such as location, the photographer's experience level, the amount of time they will be working, and demand. On average, wedding photographer prices range from $2,500 to $4,000, but can be as low as $1,000 or higher than $50,000.

To save money, consider hiring an up-and-coming photographer or a photography student. Their skills and portfolio should be the main deciding factors, not the number of weddings they have shot. Student photographers often charge $50-120 per hour and can provide full-day coverage for $1,000 or less.

When it comes to wedding videography, the average cost is around $2,400. However, you can save money by opting for a more basic package or by hiring a student videographer.

Some photographers and videographers offer packages that include both services, which can help you save money. These packages typically include full-day coverage, multiple shooters, digital images or videos, and sometimes an engagement session or rehearsal dinner coverage.

When creating your wedding budget, it's important to prioritize what is most important to you and your partner. If having high-quality photos and videos is a top priority, you may need to allocate more than $1,500 to this category. However, if you are willing to compromise on certain aspects, such as the number of shooters or the length of coverage, you can still get beautiful photos and videos within your budget.

Remember to research photographers and videographers within your budget, explore their portfolios, and decide which styles resonate with you. You can also book the best photographer in your price range and decide later if you want to splurge on any extras.

Music/Entertainment

Music and entertainment are a crucial part of your wedding, and you can definitely find options that fit within your $10,000 budget. Here are some ideas and suggestions to help you plan the music and entertainment for your special day:

Live Music vs. Recorded Music

One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether you prefer live music or recorded music. Live music, such as a DJ or a band, can create a vibrant and energetic atmosphere and typically costs between $500 and $1,400 for a DJ and $4,300 for a live band. On the other hand, recorded music played through a sound system or Bluetooth speaker is a more affordable option and allows you to have complete control over the music selection.

Types of Live Music

If you decide to go with live music, there are various options to choose from, depending on your preferences and budget:

• Wedding Bands: Wedding bands typically come with three to five members and can cost anywhere from $750 to $2,000 or more. They are a great option if you want to create an unforgettable party atmosphere.
• Duos: For a more cost-effective option, consider a duo, which usually costs between $500 and $800. Duos can still provide an exciting and memorable performance for your guests.
• DJs: Hiring a DJ is usually cheaper than booking a live band, with prices starting at around $500. A good DJ will be able to read the room and use their experience to keep your guests entertained.
• DJ and Live Musician: For something extra special, you can combine a DJ with a live musician, such as a drummer or saxophonist. This option typically costs between $550 and $3,000 or more.
• Solo Musicians: If you're on a tighter budget, consider hiring a solo musician, such as a violinist, pianist, guitarist, or harpist. This option can add an elegant and unique touch to your wedding and usually costs less than hiring a full band.

Daytime and Evening Entertainment

You may also want to consider separate entertainment for the daytime and evening portions of your wedding:

• Daytime Entertainment: For your wedding ceremony and drinks reception, you might want to create a relaxed and elegant atmosphere. Classical musicians, such as a string quartet, harpist, or pianist, can add a touch of sophistication to your event. Acoustic solo or duo acts are also a great option and typically cost between $400 and $900.
• Evening Entertainment: To get the party started in the evening, consider hiring a party or funk band to create an unforgettable experience. This option is more expensive, typically ranging from $600 to $1,000 per hour. Alternatively, a wedding DJ can also keep your guests entertained and is a more budget-friendly option.

Alternative Entertainment Ideas

In addition to music, you might want to consider some unique entertainment options to surprise your guests:

• Magicians: Amaze your guests with sensational card tricks, illusions, or mind-reading. Magicians typically cost around $300 to $500.
• Caricaturists: Give your guests a fun memento of your wedding by hiring a caricaturist to capture their likenesses. Prices for caricaturists start at around $400.
• Singing Waiters: Delight your guests with singing waiters who will seamlessly blend in and then burst into song with extraordinary vocals. A troupe of singing waiters usually costs between $650 and $1,000.

Tips for Saving Money

• Use the PA System: If you hire a band, ask if you can use their PA system to play music during breaks and while they pack up. This can save you the cost of hiring a separate DJ.
• Negotiate: Don't be afraid to negotiate with the bands or musicians. Ask what they can offer within your budget, especially if you're getting married during the off-season when demand is lower.
• Double up on Entertainment: Combine a solo live musician, such as a saxophonist or guitarist, with a DJ or a house music playlist to create a fun and unique vibe without breaking the bank.
• Consider the Time of Year: Getting married during the peak season, such as summer or around Christmas, will be more expensive. Consider off-season months like January, October, or November to negotiate better prices.
• Student Performers: While hiring students or trainees can be risky, you may be able to find talented musicians from music schools or conservatories who are more affordable.

With careful planning and a bit of creativity, you can definitely have fantastic music and entertainment at your wedding while staying within your $10,000 budget.

Flowers, decorations, & wedding favours

Flowers, decorations, and wedding favours can be a large part of your wedding budget, but there are ways to save money in this area without sacrificing style. Here are some tips and ideas for allocating your budget for a $10,000 wedding:

• Bridal bouquet: The average cost of a bridal bouquet is $160, but prices can vary depending on the types of flowers and the size of the bouquet. You can expect to spend around $250 on a bridal bouquet.
• Bridesmaid bouquets: Bridesmaid bouquets are typically smaller and less expensive than the bridal bouquet, with an average cost of $75. You can save money by repurposing these bouquets at the reception or using fewer flowers.
• Reception centrepieces: Centrepieces can range from $120 to $600, depending on the size and type of flowers used. To save money, opt for smaller vases or mix in more affordable flowers or foliage.
• Ceremony structures: Floral arches or flower walls can be expensive, ranging from $1,500 to $4,000. Consider repurposing your ceremony backdrop at the reception or opting for a less expensive alternative, such as a flower chandelier or flower backdrop.
• Head table florals and sweetheart table décor: Flowers for the head table and sweetheart table can cost around $1,500 and $500, respectively. To save money, you can use fewer flowers or opt for potted plants or candles as centrepieces.
• Other floral elements: Don't forget to budget for other floral elements such as flower girl petals, arrangements next to place cards and guest books, corsages, boutonnieres, and aisle and altar arrangements. These can quickly add up, so be mindful of your budget.
• Decorations: When it comes to decorations, artificial flowers can be a more budget-friendly option than fresh flowers. They are far cheaper, can be set up in advance, and won't wilt. Pre-arranged artificial flower packages can include arch decor, garlands, and flowers for welcome signs.
• Wedding favours: Wedding favours are typically not a high priority for couples on a budget. If you want to include favours, set a budget of $100 to $200 for a small token, such as late-night treats for your guests.
• Venue, cake & catering - $5,000
• Photography/videography - $1,550
• Music/Entertainment - $1,050
• Flowers, decorations, & wedding favours - $970
• Wardrobe, hair & makeup - $850
• Miscellaneous expenses - $400
• Invitations and other stationery - $180

Wardrobe, hair & makeup

Wardrobe, hair, and makeup are essential parts of a wedding and can be quite costly. On average, you can expect to spend around $850 on these aspects of your wedding. However, there are ways to stay within your budget and still look amazing on your special day.

For the wardrobe, you can consider buying a used gown, renting a dress, or purchasing an off-the-rack dress from a department store. These options can help you save significantly. For example, sites like Rent the Runway offer designer wedding dress rentals starting at just $50. Similarly, department stores like Nordstrom carries gorgeous white dresses, often starting at $50 or less. If you're looking for a more luxurious or custom-made dress, be prepared to spend upwards of $1000.

For hair and makeup, the average cost is around $250, but it can vary depending on your location and the complexity of the styles you choose. Hiring a professional hairstylist and makeup artist is a worthwhile investment, as they have the skills and expertise to ensure you look your best. They typically charge by the hour, so the longer they are needed, the higher the cost. Additionally, some stylists may charge extra for a hair or makeup trial, which is recommended to ensure your desired look is achieved.

If you're looking to save money on hair and makeup, you could consider doing it yourself with the help of online tutorials. This option eliminates travel fees and allows you to purchase your own high-quality products, which you can continue using long after the wedding.

When planning your budget, it's important to prioritize what is most important to you and your partner. If having a dream wardrobe is a priority, you may choose to allocate more funds to that area. On the other hand, if you prefer to focus on entertainment or catering, you can opt for more affordable hair and makeup options.

In conclusion, with a $10,000 budget, you can absolutely achieve your dream wardrobe, hair, and makeup for your wedding. By being mindful of costs, exploring alternative options, and prioritizing your spending, you can create a magical look that fits within your financial plan.

Frequently asked questions