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 have a wedding for under $5000. This may involve prioritising specific elements, being creative with the venue and catering, limiting the guest list, and DIYing some decorations.

For example, couples can consider having a small wedding ceremony and reception, getting creative with the venue by opting for a backyard wedding or a private dining room in a restaurant, and limiting the guest list to keep costs down. They can also DIY some decorations, buy a wedding dress from a mass-market shop or online store, and look for ways to save money on catering, such as having a buffet-style meal or self-catering.

By being mindful of their budget and getting creative, couples can definitely plan a beautiful and memorable wedding for under $5000.

Limit the guest list

Planning a wedding can be a stressful experience, especially if you're trying to keep costs down. One of the biggest ways to save money is to limit the number of people you invite. Here are some tips to help you narrow down your guest list while still having the wedding of your dreams.

Be realistic about numbers

The number of guests you invite will impact other factors, such as seating plans and overall costs, so it's important to be realistic from the start. Choose a number that's manageable for your budget and venue capacity. This will help you avoid stress later on when RSVPs start coming in.

Make it adults-only

Unless you have children in your family or life that you're very close to, consider making your wedding kid-free. Even if children's food and drinks are offered at a reduced rate, they still need to be factored into your final headcount. If you feel bad about this, you can invite kids to your engagement party or rehearsal dinner, or organise a babysitter for them during the wedding. Just remember, if you go kid-free, you have to be consistent and not allow some guests to bring their children while others can't.

Be selective with plus-ones

Another way to limit numbers is to be selective about who you offer plus-ones to. You could give them exclusively to those in long-term relationships, as they're more likely to be upset if only one half of the duo is invited. Those in newer or more casual relationships will probably be more understanding, especially if you don't have much of a shared history with their partner. If you don't want to offer any plus-ones, that's an option too, but be prepared for potential pushback and kindly explain your reasons if you feel comfortable doing so.

Limit extended family

If you come from a large family, you may need to limit your guest list to immediate family only. This could mean keeping it to your parents, siblings, and grandparents, or first aunts, uncles, and cousins. You don't need to invite distant cousins or relatives you haven't spoken to in years, even if they invited you to their wedding. It's your special day, and you don't owe anyone an invitation.

Stick to close friends

When it comes to friends, only invite those who are in your close circle. Co-workers, old acquaintances, and friends-of-friends don't need to be on the list. You also don't need to invite friends you've lost touch with or had a falling out with, no matter how close you once were. If you're unsure, ask yourself: will not inviting them negatively impact our friendship? Do I care? If the answer is yes, put them on a B-list to reconsider once you've firmed up the rest of your guest list.

Keep your list private

Once you've finalised your guest list, try to keep it between you and your partner. Sharing it with family and friends may lead to pressure to invite certain people. If you do show your list to others, be sure to set boundaries and let them know that your list is final. An exception to this could be if your parents or in-laws are contributing financially, in which case you could give them a certain number of people they can invite.

Don't feel guilty

Remember, it's your wedding, and you're not obligated to invite anyone you don't want to. If you're not thrilled at the thought of someone being part of your special day, they don't need to be there. Most people will understand if they don't receive an invitation, especially if you don't have a close relationship. If anyone does feel snubbed, you can always reach out and reassure them that it's nothing personal, but a matter of budget or venue capacity.

Choose a creative venue

The venue is likely to be one of the biggest expenses of your wedding, so choosing a creative, budget-friendly location is a great way to save money. Here are some ideas for unique and affordable venues to help inspire your search:

• Backyard weddings – Whether it's your own backyard, a relative's, or a rented space, backyard weddings offer a cosy and comfortable atmosphere. They also provide added flexibility with your wedding date and decorations. However, you'll need to consider additional costs for a tent and guest tables and seating.
• National parks – With built-in dramatic backdrops, national parks are a great option for intimate weddings with a small group of fit and dedicated guests. Permits are required and typically cost between $60 and $250.
• Beaches – Beach weddings offer a beautiful setting and are relatively inexpensive. Permits are required and typically cost between $60 and $300, depending on the location. You'll also need to consider a backup plan in case of bad weather.
• Cafés – If you have a favourite café with a unique atmosphere, consider negotiating with them to stay open later for your wedding. Cafés are often open to you catering your own food and drinks and may be able to put you in touch with their local hospitality network.
• Restaurants – Many restaurants have stylish private dining rooms available for hire, and some may only require a minimum spend on food and drinks rather than a venue hire fee.
• Courthouse or city hall – A civil ceremony at a courthouse or city hall is a simple and affordable option, usually costing between $20 and $50, plus the cost of the marriage license. These venues often have beautiful architecture and historic significance, providing a memorable setting for your special day.
• Vacation rentals – Sites like VRBO and Airbnb offer private venues such as manors, estates, vineyards, and ranches that can be rented for weddings. This option provides flexibility and the opportunity to find a space that aligns with your desired theme and style.
• Gardens – Public gardens offer a variety of scenic backdrops for your wedding, from secret garden-esque settings to lush floral displays. While some gardens may charge a fee, it is often more affordable than other venues.
• Local place of worship – Getting married at a local church, chapel, synagogue, or other house of worship can be a budget-friendly option, especially if you are a member of the congregation. These spaces often have adjacent halls available for receptions as well.
• Movie theater or playhouse – Renting a quirky playhouse or theater for your wedding can be a unique and affordable option, especially if you choose a date between productions. These venues often have tables and chairs available, saving you money on event rentals.
• Sunset cruise – A wedding on a boat can be surprisingly versatile and affordable. With built-in panoramic views and sound systems, you can save money on decorations and a DJ.
• School – Getting married at an alma mater or a school with special significance to you and your partner can be a meaningful and budget-friendly option. Many schools have picturesque buildings and gardens that provide a beautiful backdrop for your wedding photos.

When choosing a creative venue for your wedding, it's important to consider your desired theme, the number of guests, and any additional costs for decorations, catering, and event rentals. By choosing a unique and affordable venue, you can create a memorable celebration while staying within your budget.

Consider a destination wedding

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 have a wedding for under $5000, and one way to do this is by having a destination wedding.

A destination wedding is a great excuse to cut down your guest list, and you can create boundaries so that only those closest to you are invited. This means you can opt for a smaller venue, and you will also pay less for food.

There are many resorts that offer wedding packages under $5000, and these can be a convenient and cost-effective way to plan your wedding. These packages are typically offered by resorts and hotels and can provide a stress-free planning experience. Most packages include the ceremony, reception, catering, wedding-related amenities, and sometimes accommodation.

• Sunscape Puerto Vallarta offers a "Love in the Sun" wedding package for $2,699 USD, which includes a symbolic ceremony, a dedicated on-site wedding coordinator, preparation and ironing of the couple's wedding attire, a bouquet and/or boutonniere for the wedding couple, a wedding cake and sparkling wine for up to 30 guests, and a private cocktail hour and dinner reception.
• Dreams Las Mareas in Costa Rica offers an "Ultimate" wedding package for $3,799 USD, which includes a ceremony, wedding organization, preparation and ironing of the couple's wedding attire, a bouquet and/or boutonniere, sound system, hairstyling and makeup application for one member of the wedding couple, wedding cake and sparkling wine for up to 30 guests, a private cocktail hour and dinner reception, live music, a special turndown service, a bottle of sparkling wine, breakfast in bed with mimosas, and a free anniversary night.
• Majestic Elegance Costa Mujeres in Mexico offers a "Free Wedding" package for $0-$1,750+, which includes an onsite wedding planner, several ceremony locations, a room upgrade for the bride and groom, early check-in and late checkout, a bouquet and boutonniere, a wedding cake, a romantic candlelight dinner, a complimentary massage for the couple, and more.

When selecting a destination wedding package, it is important to consider any extra costs that may be associated, such as additional fees for rental equipment, staff, or special services. You may also want to include transportation, entertainment, and activities in your package.

By choosing a destination wedding, you can have a beautiful and memorable wedding while staying within your budget.

Get creative with the dress

The average wedding dress cost in 2023 was about $2,000, and this can be a large chunk of your budget. Here are some ideas to keep the costs down:

• Shop around – You don't have to buy from a bridal boutique. Try online stores like Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, and Etsy. You can also search for pre-owned dresses on sites like OnceWed, Nearly Newly Wed, and StillWhite.
• Look beyond bridal shops – Sandy Smith from Kiplinger bought a formal dress, not a wedding gown, from Etsy for $313. She ordered from a company outside the US as she knew the prices would be lower.
• Hunt for sales – Follow your favourite bridalwear brands and boutiques on social media so you know when they're having sales. You can also subscribe to their mailing lists. Hit up trunk shows and wedding expos, as many designers will offer discounts if you place an order on the spot.
• Skip the custom creation – Custom dresses are always more expensive than ready-to-wear styles.
• Keep it simple – The bigger the dress, the larger the price tag. Try a simpler silhouette or style. Some couture designers offer more affordable collections, like White by Vera Wang and Bliss by Monique Lhuillier.
• Buy a sample dress – Boutiques sell their floor samples for discounted prices as they're not in perfect condition. If you only need a few alterations, this can be a great way to save money.
• Don't double up – Choose a dress that's comfortable enough to wear all day so you don't need to change into another outfit.

Save on catering

Catering is usually the most expensive part of any wedding. According to The Knot, the average cost for wedding catering is $85 per person. However, there are ways to save money on your wedding reception without compromising on the quality of food and drinks.

Firstly, choose a venue that allows outside catering. This provides the opportunity to research and find a caterer that fits your budget and preferences.

When it comes to the food, opt for budget-friendly entrées such as pork, chicken, or turkey instead of steak or lobster. The same goes for appetizers, sides, and desserts. Keep it simple but delicious—a traditional dinner of chicken, potatoes, and vegetables can be just as impressive as a complex dish when prepared by a good caterer.

Another way to save money is to skip the plated full-service dinner and go for a buffet-style dinner instead. Buffets are not only more affordable, but they also allow your guests to choose their favorites. If you want to save even more, you can offer snacks and appetizers instead of a sit-down meal, or choose a breakfast or brunch wedding reception, which tends to be less expensive.

If you're serving alcohol, consider limiting your selection. A full, open bar is the most expensive choice. You can offer a limited bar with beer and wine, or provide a few signature cocktails in addition to beer and wine. If you don't want to offer alcohol at all, infused water stations can be a great alternative.

Finally, consider using disposable dinnerware. Elegant linen napkins and fine china can be expensive, but there are budget-friendly options available, such as disposable plates for appetizers and cake.

Frequently asked questions