How To Plan A Wedding On A Shoestring Budget

Planning a wedding can be stressful, especially when it comes to finances. The average cost of a wedding in the US is $27,000, but it is possible to get married on a smaller budget. While some couples take out loans or use credit cards to finance their weddings, others opt for more affordable alternatives, such as having a small ceremony, eloping, or choosing a sign and go ceremony. With careful planning and creativity, couples can find ways to reduce costs and have the wedding of their dreams without breaking the bank.

DIY decorations and food

DIY Decorations

There are many ways to decorate your wedding venue without breaking the bank. Here are some DIY decoration ideas that can add a personal touch to your special day:

• Picture-perfect centerpieces: Fill painted lanterns with photos of the couple or throwbacks to their childhood.
• Vintage family photo display: Put family wedding photos on display. Affix the images to teapot lids using artistic wire.
• Perfume bottle flower centerpiece: Rinse out glass perfume vials with dish soap and mild vinegar, then add small, dainty flowers.
• Paper flowers: Create lovely little vase fillers using simple coffee filters and paint.
• Wooden cocktail sign: Write the fixin’s for a signature cocktail on a wood round.
• Make eclectic centerpieces: Succulents make great centerpieces and are an inexpensive option.
• DIY solar-powered lamps: Brighten up any outdoor wedding by making solar lights with Mason jars.
• Curtains hanging from the venue's natural architecture: Drape beautiful curtains along a tree or structure to create a natural wedding arch.
• Arches with twine: Personalize your decor by adding twine, garland, or macrame to your arch.
• Decorate a wire arch: Weave ribbons, fabric, string lights, or flower arrangements into a wire arch.
• Create a simple centerpiece with bud vases: Use a smattering of bud vases and fill them with single stems and greenery.
• Add a simple touch to place settings: Tie a velvet ribbon around each guest's napkin.
• Display flowers in DIY vases: The blogger at The Craft Patch describes this craft as "so easy it's kind of embarrassing."
• Turn barrels into tables: Repurpose old wine barrels as rustic cocktail tables for an outdoor wedding with a vineyard vibe.
• Create a country escort card display: Drill tiny holes into toy horses, spray-paint them gold, insert wires to secure cards, and set them on sod.
• Create a picnic atmosphere: If you're hosting an outdoor wedding, use picnic tables topped with pretty banners and string lights for a casual and fun atmosphere.
• Look to nature for inspiration: Use natural elements like tree stumps as a base for centerpieces or other decorations.
• Create a 'Just Married' sign: Print out elegant lettering to create your own 'Just Married' sign.
• Hang vases from lights: Make your flower vases defy gravity by hanging them from strings of light.
• Personalized wooden wedding clothespins: Personalize wooden clothespins with your names and wedding date, and use them to hold up seating charts, place cards, photos, etc.
• Burlap and lace chair decor: Create elegant-looking bows from burlap and lace to decorate chairs.
• Origami chair decor: Create your own origami decorations and tie them to chairs along the aisle.
• Floating flower vases: Fill clear vases with water and allow flower heads to float on top for a stylized look.
• Metal flower pails: For a vintage or rustic wedding, add baby's breath or flowers of your choice to metal pails and line the aisle with them.
• Painted wooden ceremony reserved sign: Write "Reserved" in cursive on a wooden plaque, decorate with flowers and ribbon, and hang on chairs.
• Hanging framed photos: Hang a unique framed photo on each row of seats for guests to admire.
• Wedding arch: Create a simple arch using three long planks of wood and decorate it with flowers or curtains.

DIY Food

Catering for a wedding can be expensive, but there are ways to save money by preparing the food yourself or ordering from a restaurant. Here are some ideas for DIY wedding food:

• Self-catering: You can cook the meal yourselves or hire a private chef to prepare the food.
• Restaurant catering: Order food from a restaurant and set up a buffet for your guests.
• Potluck: Ask your guests to bring a dish to contribute to the celebration.
• Food trucks: Hire a food truck to provide a variety of food options for your guests.
• BBQ or grill: Fire up the grill and cook some burgers, hot dogs, or vegetarian options.
• Picnic-style: Opt for a casual picnic-style meal with sandwiches, salads, and finger foods.
• Brunch or lunch instead of dinner: Hosting your wedding earlier in the day can be more affordable, as lunch or brunch options tend to be less expensive than dinner.
• Dessert only: If you have a sweet tooth, focus on providing a variety of desserts instead of a full meal.
• DIY cocktail bar: Set up a self-serve cocktail bar with instructions for signature drinks.
• Pitch in with family and friends: Enlist the help of family and friends who love to cook. They can prepare dishes or help with the setup and serving.

Remember, DIY projects can be a fun way to save money and personalize your wedding, but it's important to manage your time effectively and not overwhelm yourself with too many tasks.

Choose a low-cost venue

The venue is often the most expensive part of a wedding, so choosing a low-cost option is a great way to save money. Here are some ideas for low-cost venues to help you celebrate your special day without breaking the bank:

Nature-Based Venues

National parks, public gardens, beaches, and even your own backyard are all beautiful options for a low-cost wedding venue. These locations offer stunning natural backdrops for your ceremony and reception, and often require only a small fee or special use permit to reserve the space. Keep in mind that you may need to rent tables, chairs, and other equipment for these venues, so be sure to factor those costs into your budget.

Government Buildings

City halls, courthouses, and other government buildings can be surprisingly affordable options for wedding venues. Many of these buildings feature beautiful architecture and historic details that will add a touch of elegance to your big day. Fees for renting these spaces are typically very reasonable, and in some cases, you may only need to pay a small fee in addition to the cost of your marriage license.

Community Spaces

Community centers, civic buildings, and conference centers are designed to be gathering places for social and cultural activities, making them a natural fit for weddings. These venues can range from historic buildings to modern, eco-friendly spaces. They often have amenities like catering services and guest rooms, and their rental fees are usually quite competitive.

Educational Institutions

Colleges and universities often have picturesque campuses with beautiful gardens, historic libraries, and charming chapels that can serve as unique and budget-friendly wedding venues. Additionally, having your wedding at your alma mater can add a special touch of nostalgia to the day.

Cultural Institutions

Libraries, museums, and art galleries are not only works of art themselves but also provide a striking backdrop for your wedding. These venues often feature dramatic architecture and curated collections that will impress your guests. As a bonus, you may be able to save money on décor since the venue itself will already be so visually interesting.

Private Residences

If you or someone you know has a large home or property, consider hosting your wedding there. This option can provide a cozy and intimate setting for your big day and save you a significant amount on venue rental fees. However, keep in mind that you'll need to factor in the cost of renting tables, chairs, dinnerware, and other necessary items if you don't already have them or can't borrow them.

With a little creativity and flexibility, you can find a low-cost venue that fits your style and budget. Remember to do your research, compare prices, and ask about any special promotions or discounts that may be available.

Prioritise your wishlist

If you're struggling to pay for your wedding, it's important to prioritise your wishlist. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Identify your must-haves and dealbreakers:

Start by making a list of the things that are most important to you and your partner for your wedding. This may include items such as the venue, catering, photography, entertainment, etc. Be sure to include a mix of practical and sentimental items on your list. For example, you might prioritise finding a venue that is meaningful to you over hiring a live band.

Set a budget:

Decide on a realistic budget that you and your partner are comfortable with. This will help you allocate your funds effectively and ensure you don't overspend. Consider creating a spreadsheet or using a wedding budget planner to keep track of expenses.

Research and compare prices:

Take the time to research the cost of each item on your wishlist. Compare prices from different vendors and suppliers to find the best value for your money. Don't be afraid to negotiate or ask for discounts, especially if you're booking multiple services from the same vendor.

Prioritise and allocate funds:

Go through your wishlist and assign a priority level to each item (high, medium, low). Consider which items are essential and which ones you could live without. Allocate your budget accordingly, ensuring that you have sufficient funds for the high-priority items.

Consider DIY and alternative options:

Look for ways to save money by getting creative. For example, you could make your own centrepieces or invitations, or opt for a less traditional venue that may be more affordable. Ask your friends and family if they have any connections or skills that could help reduce costs.

Be flexible:

If you're unable to afford everything on your wishlist, be prepared to make compromises. You may need to adjust your expectations or get creative with your choices. For example, you could have a smaller wedding party or choose a less popular date or time for your wedding.

Remember, your wedding day is about celebrating your love and commitment. By prioritising your wishlist and making thoughtful choices, you can create a memorable day without breaking the bank.

Ask friends and family for help

If you're struggling to pay for your wedding, asking friends and family for help can be a great way to save money and create a community feel around your wedding planning. It can be tricky to know how to ask for help, but there are some tactful ways to approach it.

Firstly, it's important to remember that your loved ones are unlikely to know that you need help unless you tell them. One way to do this is to talk about your wedding plans a lot and keep them updated on your progress. You could also try sharing your Pinterest boards or wedding blog with them, which might spark a conversation about how they can help. For example, they might say something like, "That all sounds amazing! Will it be hard to make and set up everything?" This could be your opportunity to say something like, "It's a lot to do, but I'm having fun DIY-ing the decorations. I'm making bouquets next week—do you want to come and help?"

Another direct approach is simply to ask! You could say something like, "I'm thinking of doing this for the wedding. Are you comfortable helping me?" This opens the conversation up for them to discuss how they can help and what they're willing to do.

If you're worried about imposing, you could frame it as a fun get-together. For example, "Come out after the rehearsal dinner and help us decorate the church!" This makes it sound more like a fun, social occasion, rather than a chore.

It's also a good idea to think about the talents of your friends and family and how they can be utilised. For example, do you have a friend who's a great baker? Or a cousin who plays an instrument? Asking them to help with these specific tasks will add a personal touch to your wedding and save you money on hiring professionals.

Remember, most people will be happy to help out, but make sure not to force anyone to donate their time or talents if they're uncomfortable or unable to commit. It's also important to set clear expectations upfront and, if possible, draw up a simple agreement or contract. Even if they don't ask for payment, be willing to give them a gift as a token of your appreciation.

Good luck with your wedding planning!

Keep the guest list small

Keeping the guest list small is one of the most effective ways to save money on your wedding. Here are some tips to help you stick to a small guest list:

Make your wedding adults-only

If you don't have children in your family or life that you're very close to, consider making your wedding kid-free. While some venues and caterers offer kids' food and drinks at a reduced rate, you still need to factor children into your final headcount. If you feel bad about implementing this rule, you can offer to invite kids to your engagement party or rehearsal dinner. Alternatively, you can organise and hire a babysitter to watch the kids at the hotel or a family member's house during the wedding. However, if you go down this route, you must be totally kid-free – no exceptions!

Limit plus-ones

An easy way to keep your guest list small is to limit plus-ones. If you want to go down this route, only offer plus-ones to those loved ones in long-term relationships. You're not obligated to give anyone an extra invite, but be prepared for potential pushback. If guests request a plus-one or ask why they can't bring one, kindly explain the situation – it was a space issue, a financial decision, or simply your preference.

Only invite immediate family members

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. You don't need to invite distant cousins or family members you're not close with. Sure, talk may spread a little, but it is what it is. You have to stand your ground and trust that they'll be understanding.

Keep it to your close friend circle

Co-workers, old acquaintances, and friends-of-friends you sometimes socialise with don't need to be invited. If you've lost touch or had a falling out with someone, they don't require a spot on your guest list. If you're unsure, ask yourself two questions: will not inviting them negatively impact your friendship? And do you care? If the answer to both is yes, put them on a B-list to reconsider once you've finalised the rest of your list. If the answer to either is no, don't add them.

Keep your final list private

Once you've finalised your guest list, keep it between you and your partner. Sharing it with family and friends may lead to many questions and suggestions, especially if your list is small. If you do end up showing someone, set boundaries and let them know that your list is final.

Frequently asked questions