Planning A Dream Wedding On A $5000 Budget

Planning a wedding on a budget of $5000 is possible and can be a fun, creative process. While the average cost of a wedding in the US is over $30,000, many couples have managed to pull off their dream weddings for a fraction of that amount. The key to achieving this is prioritisation and creativity. Couples should decide what aspects of the wedding are most important to them and allocate their budget accordingly. This might mean minimising the guest list, choosing a non-traditional venue, opting for a DJ instead of a band, and getting creative with food and decor. With careful planning and a willingness to DIY, a $5000 wedding budget is definitely achievable.

Limit the number of guests

Limiting the number of guests is one of the most effective ways to keep wedding costs down. The average wedding in the US has 136 guests and costs over $30,000, but it is possible to host a wedding for 50 or fewer people for $5,000 or less.

Be Clear About Who Is Invited

A key way to limit the number of guests is to be clear about who is invited on the invitation and RSVP card. For example, if you are inviting a family, write "Mr Jason & Mrs Stacey Miller and Family" on the envelope. If you are inviting only adults, write the adults' names. On the RSVP card, include a line for each guest who is invited, and state the number of seats that have been reserved for each household.

Adults-Only

Making your wedding adults-only is a good way to limit the number of guests, especially if you have a large family. If you feel bad about this, you could invite the children to your engagement party or rehearsal dinner, or organise a babysitter for them during the wedding.

No Plus-Ones

Limiting plus-ones is another way to keep numbers down. You could offer plus-ones exclusively to those in long-term relationships, or not offer them at all.

Only Invite Close Family and Friends

You don't have to invite your entire family to your wedding. You could just invite immediate family, or cut it off after first aunts, uncles, and cousins. You are not obliged to invite distant cousins, even if they invited you to their wedding.

Similarly, you don't have to invite every friend or acquaintance. Only invite those who are currently close to you. If you've since lost touch or had a falling out, they don’t require a spot on your wedding guest list.

Keep the Guest List Private

Once you've finalised your guest list, try to keep it private. Sharing it with family and friends may lead to pressure to invite more people, especially if your list is small. If you do share it, set boundaries and make it clear that your list is final.

Don't Feel Obliged

Remember, you are not obliged to invite anyone. If you're not thrilled at the thought of someone being at your wedding, they don't need to be there.

Choose a single venue

A single venue for the ceremony and reception is a great way to save money on your wedding. This means you don't have to pay for transportation from one place to another, and you can condense the amount of time a photographer is needed.

When choosing a venue, it's important to consider the number of guests you plan to invite. A small guest list of around 30-60 people gives you more options for venues, including bars, restaurants, and even your backyard. If you have a larger guest list, consider churches with fellowship halls, local clubs or halls, or public spaces like parks.

For an outdoor wedding, an outdoor garden location or a park is a good option and is usually very affordable. You can also ask friends and family if they have a backyard or cottage you can use.

When choosing a single venue, look for one that already has tables, chairs, and decorations. This will save you money on rentals and allow you to allocate more of your budget to other areas, like food or a photographer.

Some venues offer packages that include food, drinks, and entertainment, which can also help you save money.

If you're looking for a unique venue, consider a restaurant wedding. With a smaller guest list, you can splurge on a nice meal and still stay within your budget. Restaurants are already furnished and decorated, so you won't need to spend extra on rentals or decor.

When deciding on a venue, it's important to prioritize what's most important to you and your partner. If you want to allocate more of your budget to food and drinks, look for a venue that allows you to bring your own catering or choose your own caterer.

Remember, it's your wedding, and you can say "no" to expensive venues that don't fit within your budget. Choose a venue that feels right for you and your partner, and don't feel pressured to impress your guests with an extravagant location.

Avoid peak times

Avoiding peak times is one of the most effective ways to save money when planning a wedding. Here are some tips to avoid peak times and keep your wedding budget-friendly:

Choose an Off-Season Date

Opt for an off-season wedding date to benefit from lower prices. January and February tend to be off-peak months in most locations. For example, a winter wedding in the Midwest or coastal areas like Florida can offer off-peak rates, while avoiding the busy ski season in mountain regions.

Opt for a Weekday Wedding

Weekends, especially Saturdays, are in high demand, and prices reflect that. Consider a weekday wedding to save on venue costs. LaTisha Styles, who had a $5,000 wedding, saved $500 by choosing an afternoon ceremony and reception on a weekday.

Be Flexible with Timing

Even within a day, certain time slots are more expensive than others. For instance, a Saturday evening package is often the priciest. By choosing an afternoon or early evening slot, you can still have your dream wedding at a fraction of the cost.

Avoid Popular Wedding Months

June and October are the most popular months to get married, according to The Knot. With high demand, you're less likely to find deals on venues and vendors during these months. Opt for less busy months to increase your chances of finding affordable options.

Consider a Less Busy Year

If you're flexible with the year, you can also avoid peak times by choosing a less busy wedding year. For example, the national average wedding expense rose to over $30,000 in 2024. By planning your wedding in a year when there is less demand, you may find more affordable options.

Be Mindful of Local Events and Holidays

Keep an eye out for local events, conventions, or holidays that might overlap with your wedding date. These can drive up costs and make it more challenging to find affordable venues and vendors.

Remember, by being flexible and choosing off-peak times, you can significantly reduce costs and still have a wonderful wedding celebration.

Cut down on alcohol

It is possible to plan a wedding for $5,000, and many couples have managed to do so. One of the biggest ways to keep costs down is to limit the number of guests. Other ways to save money include opting for a single venue for the ceremony and reception, avoiding prime wedding times, and cutting down on alcohol.

Alcohol can be a significant expense at a wedding, but there are ways to reduce the cost without compromising on the celebration. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Provide your own alcohol: Ask your caterer or venue if you can bring your own drinks. Compare the cost of purchasing your own alcohol to the catering quote. This gives you control over brands and varieties, helping to keep costs lower. Some liquor stores allow you to return unopened bottles after the event.
• Choose a consumption package: Instead of paying a fixed price per head for an open bar, you can opt for a consumption package where you are charged only for the drinks consumed. This option may not be suitable for heavy-drinking guests, as the bill can quickly add up.
• Exclude non-drinkers: When gathering catering quotes, exclude children and non-drinkers from the bar package count. Confirm if your venue or caterer offers a non-alcoholic beverage package, which is usually cheaper.
• Beer and wine only: If your guests are predominantly beer and wine drinkers, consider opting for a beer and wine-only package. These packages are typically less expensive, and you can still offer mixed drinks at the bar for guests to purchase.
• Downgrade your bar package: Ask your caterer or venue if they have a cheaper package option. You may be quoted for a superior package with top-shelf liquors and premium wines, which may not be necessary for your event.
• Limit the duration: Consider having an open bar for a limited time, such as 1-2 hours, and then switch to a cash bar or consumption package. The per-head cost for an open bar increases by the hour, so reducing the time can save money.
• Shorten the reception: Instead of closing the bar early, you could opt to shorten the reception by an hour. In some states, catering bars are required to close 30 minutes before the end of the event.
• Cut wine service at tables: Guests who prefer wine will likely get their drink of choice from the bar. Removing wine from the tables can help reduce waste and save money.
• Ask guests to bring their own alcohol: You can treat your wedding like a barbecue and request that guests bring alcohol as part of their gift. This option may not be possible at all venues, so check your contract.
• Host a bar shower: A bar shower is a party where guests bring items for stocking your home bar. You can use the alcohol for your wedding instead, but check with your venue first.
• DIY liquor bar: Instead of a fully-stocked bar, you can buy a fair amount of alcohol in the months leading up to your wedding and serve only what you've bought at a "serve yourself" cocktails table. You can also have a bartender mixing drinks with the provided alcohol.
• Delay the start of drinks: After the cocktail hour, you can pause the drinks until after dinner. Serve champagne for toasts, and then hold off on reopening the bar.
• Offer themed drinks: Opting for a limited menu of themed drinks can help cut costs and make it easier for the bartender. For example, you could offer spiked cider and apple ale at a fall wedding.
• Provide delicious virgin options: Offering tasty non-alcoholic alternatives can help reduce alcohol consumption. Serve water everywhere, possibly in bottles, and provide options like lemonades and seltzers.

DIY invitations

DIY wedding invitations can be a great way to save money and add a personal touch to your wedding. Here are some tips and tricks to create your own invitations:

Planning and Design

Before you start designing your invitations, it's important to have a clear idea of what you want. Consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding and decide on a style, colour scheme, and any illustrations or decorative elements you want to include. You should also create a mock-up invitation suite to determine the exact number, size, type, thickness, and colour of paper you'll need. This will help you stay organised and ensure that all the elements fit within your chosen envelope size.

Sourcing Materials

The next step is to source your materials. You'll need to select a suitable paper type and weight that is compatible with your printer. Uncoated cardstock is a popular choice for wedding invitations due to its high-quality look and durable feel. You can also opt for paper with a cotton, linen, or felt finish for a more textured appearance. Don't forget to purchase envelopes that are slightly larger than your cardstock, as well as envelopes for RSVP cards. You may also want to consider embellishments such as ribbons, wax seals, or envelope liners to add a special touch.

Designing the Layout and Text

When designing the layout, keep in mind that a full bleed effect, where the design reaches the edge of the paper, will require extra space around the perimeter of the paper. Use a digital application like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign for professional-level designs, or opt for beginner-friendly options like Canva or Microsoft Word. Remember to include all the essential information, such as the time, date, and place of the wedding, as well as RSVP details. You can also add personal touches, such as illustrations, floral borders, or your joint monograms.

Printing and Assembly

Before printing, proofread your design and text carefully, and consider having someone else review it as well to catch any errors. Then, print your invitations, preferably on a high-quality printer that can handle the weight and size of your chosen paper. After printing, use a paper cutter or craft knife to trim your invitations to the correct size, aiming for a full bleed effect. Finally, assemble your invitations by placing the inserts inside the corresponding envelopes, sealing them, and adding any desired adornments.

Postage and Mailing

Before mailing your invitations, visit the post office to determine the correct postage based on the total number and weight of your invitations. You may also want to consider hand-cancelling, which involves manually marking each envelope at the post office to prevent potential damage during the mailing process. Address your envelopes by hand or use printed labels, and send out your invitations six to eight weeks before your wedding day.

Frequently asked questions